What is the minimum depth at which water service pipe should be installed if the frost line is determined to be 36 inches?

The minimum depth at which water service pipe should be installed is determined by the frost line to ensure that the pipes do not freeze during cold weather. The frost line is the depth at which the ground is expected to freeze, which protects the pipes from potential damage due to freezing temperatures.

When the frost line is determined to be 36 inches, it means that the soil in that area can freeze down to that depth. Therefore, to prevent the water service pipe from being affected by freezing temperatures, it needs to be installed at or below this frost line. Installing the pipe at 36 inches ensures it is adequately protected from freezing conditions.

In this case, while other depths might be beneficial in different contexts, they do not provide the necessary protection against frost in a scenario where the frost line is 36 inches. Hence, choosing a depth of 36 inches aligns with standard plumbing practices designed to maintain the integrity and functionality of water service lines in climates susceptible to frost.