Replacing main utility lines

[Arcades]

I live in an older home that has fairly recent updates on the interior. Grounded romex throughout, some plumbing upgrades...but the main sewer lines are still cast iron and lateral line is clay.

I want to build a garage, but I know at some point the clay line will collapse and need to be replaced (which is under my gravel driveway). I have fairly low water pressure also...but there is no imminent threat to my water line. So what's the point of pouring concrete on my gravel driveway if I have to just tear it up again in the next 5 or so years?

I'm considering holding off on the garage and instead; replace the sewer line, gas line, and water line to the house and make sure I have modern/code hookups on the inside of the house as well. A side benefit is that this could potentially fix a huge water drainage problem in the cellar....but otherwise I will likely not experience any gain in living style/comfort from any of the replacements.

Other option is to not have a driveway put in, leave it gravel, and just build the garage, since right now technically I have no problems with my utility connections.

I would love to have a poured concrete driveway though.....so much less maintenance and problems.....

I do plan on living here for quite a while, no plans to move, so I don't care about immediate resale value.

 

[Greenman]

Sewer can be replaced without trenching, though a 3' square hole is required at each end. For the water and gas, you could place the pipes under the driveway (in a trench) and cap them until needed.

 

[mizzou]

Sewer can be replaced without trenching, though a 3' square hole is required at each end. For the water and gas, you could place the pipes under the driveway (in a trench) and cap them until needed.

Never would have thought of that! im in a simlar boat

 

[Jpark]

Plus one on greenman's suggestions and I would put the water and gas in a conduit so if you ever had to replace it, you wouldn't have to bust up your driveway.

 

[skyking]

Even better than trying to put in water and gas pipes, put in larger PVC. We call them sleeves.
Then the water and gas guys can push their pipes through so there are no joints anywhere.
While you are at it, put another sleeve or two in for future use, so you will never worry about tearing up your driveway.
It is cheap insurance.