Cost & process for water line expansion replacement?

Question

Hi BP Chicago, I'm looking to add an ADU but will need to increase the water supply line to meet code. Unfortunately it will likely have to cross the street (small residential street in Wicker Park). Has anyone gone through this process and understands what cost estimate and process (timing, permits, etc) looks like?

John Clark · Answer

If the current water supply line is lead, you might be able to get your permit fee (several thousand dollars) rebated to you (many months delay). Figure out now if you want ADU to have a separate meter or come off your main house main and be included in your current bill.

Across the street? Probably $13k ish (up ish, not down ish) not including permit fees to go from water main to buffalo box (b-box). Add $9k or more for b-box into house.

Yes, you want the account metered, not un-metered.

John Warren · Answer

@Seb Ko we had to do one in Berwyn last year for a listing we sold. It came in at 12k, and we had three quotes with the highest being 15k or so.

Henry Lazerow · Answer

Get in touch with @Prashanth Mahakali

Tom Shallcross · Answer

@Seb Ko - yes if going across the street, you're gonna be looking at 22-25k-ish all-in as @John Clark mentioned.

In addition to your full architectural plans/permits you to need obtain a separate permit from CDOT (Chicago Dept of Transportation) to cut open the street and your plumber will need yet another separate permit from the Water Dept. You also have the pleasure of paying an additional "tapping fee" to the city to tap into the main line. After digging everything up, installing the line, You'll then have to pay to get the street and road paved. Your plumber and architect should know the drill.

Also, I believe you can now cut on some of the permit fees under the owner-initiated lead service line replacement - https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bldgs/provdrs/permits/svcs/waterservice.html

John Warren · Answer

@John Clark we were on the same side as the B box if I recall correctly. Berwyn is just as bad as Chicago, and they require plumbers to put down a large deposit that they can't get back for about a year.

John Clark · Answer

John, was your water main across the street from the Bbox?

Seb Ko · Answer

Thank you both for the responses!

Cost & process for water line expansion replacement?

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