Uploaded August 2011 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
TIME LAPSE photography showing the involvement of a do-it-yourself replacement of a main water line. ASK you local plumbing expert for the appropriate parts because different states have different building code requirements. Total Time: 1 Day (9 hours of work).
1. Locate the area to dig from the home to the water meter.
2. Use an excavator to remove dirt.
3. Do not dig too deep to avoid the new line from settling in loose dirt.
4. Dig below the frost line (different for each city).
5. Dig a tunnel under the sidewalk by using a Chain Link Fence Top Rail. Push the tapered end in first. Pull out the post periodically to clean out the dirt and use a sledge hammer to push it through to the other side.
6. Lay down the new line.
7. Use crushed rock under the new line to avoid settling (if necessary).
8. Backfill, level with the machine, and finish with a hard rake.
TIME LAPSE photography showing the involvement of a do-it-yourself replacement of a main water line. ASK you local plumbing expert for the appropriate parts because different states have different building code requirements. Total Time: 1 Day (9 hours of work).
1. Locate the area to dig from the home to the water meter.
2. Use an excavator to remove dirt.
3. Do not dig too deep to avoid the new line from settling in loose dirt.
4. Dig below the frost line (different for each city).
5. Dig a tunnel under the sidewalk by using a Chain Link Fence Top Rail. Push the tapered end in first. Pull out the post periodically to clean out the dirt and use a sledge hammer to push it through to the other side.
6. Lay down the new line.
7. Use crushed rock under the new line to avoid settling (if necessary).
8. Backfill, level with the machine, and finish with a hard rake.
