Compression T Fitting Vs. Re-Threadding Galvanized Water Main

mtbmac

Here is my situation. I am installing a automatic sprinkler system in a older home that has a Galvanized Water Main. I will be tapping into the Water Main just outside the home, and T-ing off to the Sprinkler System. My question is, am I better off to cut the Main, then re-thread both ends and install a Union into the mix, or can I get away with using a Compression T and going from there? I have not had much luck using Compression fittings in the past and the Water Main is down about 6 feet. Hence, I really don’t want to have to dig it up, if the T doesn’t hold.

dkillianjr

All of the sprinkler systems I have seen around here tap into the main in the basement before the meter and then have a separate meter for just the sprinklers. Why not tap in in the basement or crawlspace.


Dave

KillerToiletSpider

If you are asking this question you have no business touching a potable water system.

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mtbmac

Your response tells me I already know my answer. A threading we wil go.

KillerToiletSpider

Check your local codes, failure to provide backflow protection can result in large fines and criminal charges, there is an irrigation contractor near me serving ten years for involuntary manslaughter for the death of an infant.

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A flush is better than a full house.

mtbmac

Thanks for the heads up. I have already purchased the backflow protection device. I only asked the Compression T question as I wanted to know if it was a viable method. (I should know better). I have pretty much viewed compression fittings as hodgepodge bandaids. It's really a no brainer... threads are always the better way. Besides who wants to dig up the same 5 -6 ft deep hole. Just to fix a failed bandaid. Not worth the chance...

Ron The Plumber

Why not just get rid of that galvi main all together, oh that's right it would take a plumber to do it, sorry my bad for asking.

mtbmac

A plumber, who wanted to dig a 80' long 6' trench.

Ron The Plumber

plumer?

Is that someone who works in a plum orchard? No wonder he said that.

Teetorbilt

As a former employee of a major municipality, we used Dresser couplings and tees all of the time for potable water. I fail to see the problem with a sprinkler system.

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stp57

Recently, a HO asked me to repair a hole in the ceiling above the water heater. The hole had be boarded up for a few years after a licensed plumber repaired a leak in the galvanized pipe. After removing the board, I called the HO over so that he could see that the "repaired" pipe was about ready to leak all over again. The "plumber" had cut out the bad pipe and used a compression fitting instead of re-threading the good pipe & putting a union in. Needless to say, the compression fitting was a mess & the pipe under it was rotted out.
I will take heat for this, but the HO didn't want to risk paying plumber prices to get a sham job again, so he hired me to do it right. So, out comes my seldom used hand pipe threader (1950's Ridgid model) & I get it done.
Personally, I would have hunted down that plumber if I was the HO, but he didn't want to hassle with it. The shame is, that this "plumber" probably had an electric threader & would have been done in no time at all.
Steve

Teetorbilt

Going back to the original post, I don't forecast a problem. It's a sprinkler system!

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Grumpyplumber

Welcome to the "All Plumbers are all hacks" forum, my name is Grumpy, I'll be your waiter this evening.

mtbmac

Ron the Plum(b)er from Eugene, Oregon. You aren't by chance an Ostrander are you?

Ron The Plumber

What are you talking about?

mtbmac

I grew up in Eugene. Some good friends of mine from back then owned a Plumbing Company. (Well their Parents did). The kids worked there however. Anyway, their last name was Ostrander.

Ron The Plumber

Not me sorry.

ILPlumber

You shouldn't be worrying about the tap in. Up through the backflow preventor it's plumbing. All you need to worry about is getting hooked up to that shiny new RPZ.

That's how it would be in my state anyway. Your a (***Nice Guy***) for even asking that question. If you know what the hell your doing , you know the answer

MALCO.New.York

For someone who has been on this site for a couplea posts, you sure have a way of acting as a complete arse.

Who are you that YOU get to call another poster a(***Nice Guy***) ?

Are you THAT infallible in your quality and Omniscience concerning plumbing?

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Nathan

Let's drop the name calling folks. Thanks.

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Nathan

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot