Polybutylene Service and Valve Replacements

The Work includes furnishing all labor, materials, tools, equipment, and incidentals as required by the Specifications and Contract Documents to replace 125 existing polybutylene water services with new copper service lines, including poly adapters, grip nuts, corporation stops, angle meter stops, cathodic protection systems with anode testing, and to remove and replace meter boxes, lids, covers, and perform associated sidewalk repairs; additionally, it involves removal and replacement of 54 valves with new butterfly and gate valves, PVC piping, tees, fittings, tracers, and thrust restraints, as well as pressure testing, disinfection, traffic control, site management, and final cleanup, plus all other appurtenant work necessary to complete the project in compliance with the Contract Documents and applicable City codes and standards.

The water service laterals constructed of polybutylene materials (polyline) that were installed in the 1970s need to be replaced. Polyline has a history of cracking, leaking, and overall unreliability. Through a phased program, more than 5,000 laterals constructed with this material citywide will need to be replaced with copper service laterals. Previous phases of the project replaced approximately 1,757 service laterals. Replacement of laterals is completed using trenchless techniques to minimize excavation on City streets.

These valves are over 35 years old, have exceeded their service life, and in some cases, cannot be fully opened and closed. Replacing these valves will improve the operation of the water system.