SkiingAway t1_jc220ec wrote on March 13, 2023 at 2:01 PM

Reply to comment by edwinthowaway in In Truth or Consequences, N.M., leaking pipes cause millions of gallons of water to go down the drain amid drought by Thetimmybaby

How much of that cost is actual cost of the pipe vs more variable costs?

I'd think in a small town with not a lot of other infrastructure underground and a relatively mild climate/shallower frost line, you'd be coming in towards the low end of things in terms of per foot costs.

ScientificSkepticism t1_jc4se4h wrote on March 14, 2023 at 1:03 AM

If we round the figures a little, about 0% of it is pipe cost.

Everything important is the cutting/digging/trenching costs.

edwinthowaway t1_jc2igzn wrote on March 13, 2023 at 3:55 PM

While utility conflicts can be a problem, it's not too crazy outside of downtown areas. Often, the main just goes back in the same trench as it was and we use a temporary above ground bypass during construction.

The cost of the pipe is only part of it. Opening the pavement, excavation, backfill materials, pavement restoration, and maintenance of traffic add up to a lot.