What year(s) did we convert to PVC?

Greetings everyone,

This winter, like many others, I made the mistake of forgetting to prepare my two outdoor hose bibbs for the freezing temperatures. Living in Chicago means dealing with subzero conditions, and currently, it is a chilly 12 deg. F. Unfortunately, my hose bibbs are not frost-proof. Typically, before winter hits, I disconnect my hoses, turn off the internal supply valves in the basement, and leave the bibb valves open for expansion.

It was only last night that I managed to detach the hoses and close the inside valves (lever-type ball valves on the copper lines). Naturally, when I attempted to open the bibbs for expansion, they were frozen solid.

Now, the dilemma is: Should I leave things as they are, or would it be advisable to carefully use a heat gun on the bibbs until I can release the trapped ice and the water behind it? By keeping the bibb valve open, there’s a possibility of it freezing again, yet it might have space to expand without causing any damage.

To add some details, one of the supply valves is located just 3 feet away from the exterior wall and features a small drain cap. The other one, which was installed after a previous pipe burst incident, is 12 feet from the exterior wall and lacks a drain cap, both being situated below ground level. I could attempt to open the drain cap on the first one, but considering I’ve never done that before, I fear it might create another problem.

I appreciate any insights you might offer.

Best,
gregger (the dope)

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While cast iron sewer lines are still utilized commercially, especially in above-ground applications, there remain a few instances where they are employed underground. The primary incentive for using cast iron in commercial settings arises from their placement in plenum ceiling spaces permitted under NFPA code, unlike PVC, due to risks of fire spread.

Moreover, the cost of cast iron, both in terms of material and labor, is significantly higher, which explains the transition to PVC. Another limitation of PVC is its vulnerability to direct UV light, which degrades the material over time.

In all honesty, I have a personal preference for cast iron over PVC in above-ground installations, but the cost is prohibitive for residential projects. Cast iron is quieter, and you won’t find yourself with the unpleasant odor of sewer gas if someone inadvertently drills into it.

This post was edited on 11/10/24 at 4:55 pm

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