Hi all. I need to run an underground water line, and there's a part I'm not sure about. Where the water will come out of my house is above ground level. I have a walkout basement, and the only part that's underground isn't really accessible for running water lines outside. I can run the water line down the wall inside the basement, but even if I go out right at the concrete floor level inside, it'll still be above ground outside. Do I need to worry about freezing, and if so, what can I do about it? And what material should I use for the part of the pipe that passes through the foundation wall and then goes into the ground? Here's a drawing of what I'm talking about.
View attachment 527524
Dimensions matter.
A. From the Cu pipe to the outside of the block wall is how far? 8"?
B. From the right angle to the ground level is how far? < A?
C. From ground level to water line is how far? 4 feet?
D. How big is the pipe?
What will be the flow in the pipe? Constant? Occasional?
Running water doesn't freeze easily.
Unless you are far enough south that they don't know what a snow shovel is you should always worry about freezing.
PEX pipe would be good BUT YOU HAVE TO COVER IT from the sun.
If B is less than say 2 feet but over 4" I suggest building a small shelter that would cover the pipe but be open on the wall side. Perhaps cut a section of solid corrugated drain pipe slightly longer than B, split it lengthwise, spread it open around the PEX using some pieces of wood to keep the split open, fill it w/ fiberglass insulation, then glue it up against the wall and cap it at the top.
If B is 4" or less you could probably get by with just a section of pipe insulation wrapped around it and dirt piled up on it.
Also heat tape works wonders but requires electricity.
Definitely put a turn off inside where it's easy to reach.