We are converting what was a water closet — toilet only — with an adjacent utility sink in what was the laundry room and garage entry — into a full bath.

As a result, building code now requires that we increase the water line to the house from the street to one inch in diameter, up from three-quarters.

Barry Samsel from Custom Plumbing arrived today with a chain-type trencher, checked the flags that marked out the gas and existing water lines, climbed into the seat, set blades to dirt and grass.

The crew continued with shovel and spade, by hand, so as to not cut the existing lines. Hard labor in 102 degree heat. Barry said he will repair a sprinkler line he cut …