Buried rubber hose instead of pvc?

[nickyt]

Pool is basically finished and our PB is knocking out punch list items, including running a water line to the automatic level makeup float switch. The easiest water line they have to access is at our barn about 100' away.

I came home today to find that they'd laid what appears to be a normal rubber garden hose instead of a typical 3/4 or 1 inch pvc pipe like I expected down in the trench. My PB is saying that "goodyear rubber" is okay for direct burial and that its preferred to pvc for long runs because its less likely to break. I understand the flexibility may help and all, but it just seems to go against everything I think I know about plumbing codes, so...

...anyone have any experience with this?

 

[4xWTub]

If the "goodyear rubber" hose is really OK for direct burial, your PB should be able to direct you to the hose manufacturer's data sheet/web page that shows specs/applications for that product including direct burial. I am skeptical that rubber hose (particularly if fittings are buried) is really appropriate for direct burial.

Aside from PVC, polyethylene (popularly referred to as "poly"), and PEX are typically used and approved for direct burial fresh water service. Both poly pipe and PEX pipe are quite flexible.

 

[Wire4money]

I was told not to fill my pool with a rubber hose, as it would stain it.

 

[nickyt]

If the "goodyear rubber" hose is really OK for direct burial, your PB should be able to direct you to the hose manufacturer's data sheet/web page that shows specs/applications for that product including direct burial. I am skeptical that rubber hose (particularly if fittings are buried) is really appropriate for direct burial.

Aside from PVC, polyethylene (popularly referred to as "poly"), and PEX are typically used and approved for direct burial fresh water service. Both poly pipe and PEX pipe are quite flexible.

Thanks for the response! That's definitely a good idea - "hey I couldn't find anything about direct burial rubber, do you have a manufacturer's data sheet that recommends that?"

For what it's worth, the fittings aren't buried. And I have no reason not to trust our PB because he's been great so far. But also from what I can tell there ain't nothin in the ICC plumbing codes about "goodyear rubber"

 

[TKpoolOH]

if it's any consolation, the first pool I had at my first house was the original homeowners DIY project and electrical lines were buried in yard and under concrete run inside of buried garden hose. It lasted the 30 years before I bought the house, the 5 years I owned the house, and for all I know is still going strong. "Goodyear rubber" should outlast that Still seems sketchy though, would love to hear response to manufacturer's data sheet Q's.

 

[Toxophilite]

Sounds like your PB couldn't get the plumbing guys back out for punch list stuff and did it on their own time. Black poly would have cost a fraction of that, but then he would have had to piece together the fittings, couplings, etc.... so, faster to just tie bib to bib with a hose with fittings.

 

[nickyt]

if it's any consolation, the first pool I had at my first house was the original homeowners DIY project and electrical lines were buried in yard and under concrete run inside of buried garden hose. It lasted the 30 years before I bought the house, the 5 years I owned the house, and for all I know is still going strong. "Goodyear rubber" should outlast that Still seems sketchy though, would love to hear response to manufacturer's data sheet Q's.

Definitely some consolation!

 

[AK-]

Are you sure it is a hose?

Have you check if it is not Flexible PVC Pipe (commonly used for lawn irrigation)? Something like this: https://www.lowes.com/pd/HydroMaxx-1-in-x-100-ft-Black-Flexible-PVC-Pipe/1002884494

 

[nickyt]

Are you sure it is a hose?

Have you check if it is not Flexible PVC Pipe (commonly used for lawn irrigation)? Something like this: https://www.lowes.com/pd/HydroMaxx-1-in-x-100-ft-Black-Flexible-PVC-Pipe/1002884494

It's 100% a garden hose. It wasn't all buried so you could see the ends of it.

 

[AK-]

It's 100% a garden hose. It wasn't all buried so you could see the ends of it.

That seems sketchy…

 

[Toxophilite]

That seems sketchy…

Lazy, more like it. The part buried is not going to be a longevity issue as much as the exposed rubber and fittings, which don't last that many years to the elements.

 

[AK-]

Lazy, more like it. The part buried is not going to be a longevity issue as much as the exposed rubber and fittings, which don't last that many years to the elements.

I have a Goddyear rubber garden house that is outdoors (behind the shed) since 1993 and still holds…

 

[Toxophilite]

I have a Goddyear rubber garden house that is outdoors (behind the shed) since 1993 and still holds…

I bet you the brass they used 30 years ago isn't the same used today they call brass I've bought good 3/4" hoses, and after a year or so they all but weld to bib with corrosion.