There are several important factors to consider when reviewing the cost of a new water main installation in 2021. Understanding these pricing variables allow you to understand why the cost of a water main installation may vary from one location to the next.
- Location – Installing a 1″ copper water main on a narrow side street in Queens will take a lot less time to install than a new pipe on second avenue in Manhattan. A few factors that may impact the installation include digging conditions, working around utilities below ground and the additional time associated with each.
- Size of pipe – The cost of material ranges per size, as you can imagine there is a large cost variance in-between a 1″ copper pipe and a 3″ ductile iron water main. For example, a 3″ ductile iron water main cost thousands of more dollars than a 1″ copper.
- Location of water main – Is your water main considered a “short” or “long” water main installation. If the city main is on your side of the street the installation is considered a short water and is less expensive than a long water main. A long water main is when the city main is located on the opposite side of the street and you are required to have the new main installed from the alternate side of the street with multiple holes in the roadway.
- Protected Roadway – This is when the street fronting your house has been paved within the previous 5 years. In this case there are additional cost for permits, a soil compaction testing, restoration and additional time associated with each.
- Restoration – A long water will require more restoration than a short water. A larger size pipe will also require larger excavations and as a result additional restoration.
- Carting of fill – This includes removal of debris from the job site and carting in clean fill (soil) if and when required.
- Arborist – If you job requires a Parks Department certified arborist on site to protect a tree it will result in additional cost.
- Tap connection – If it has been determined that your tap must be replaced for any reason, there is a wide range of cost variables that may impact your total cost.
It is suggested to always have a licensed plumber make an on site visit to your home to best asses all of the variables noted above, in addition to any other factors that may impact the new water main installation.
