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Author Topic: Trench Depth?  (Read 3754 times)

mgw44

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Trench Depth?
« on: September 06, 2011, 10:21:53 AM »

So, the new boiler is being delivered September 16.  I had a 65' trench to dig and broke ground three weeks ago.  Due to time, rocks, and clay I was only able to dig about 10' in three weeks.  So, I rented a really nice Kubota mini-excavator this weekend.  Needless to say, I had a great weekend. 

I have the trench at about 45" deep which got me down past the clay into nice moist sand. 

Now for the questions:  At what depth would you recommend I lay the insulated Pex?  I see it should be at a minimum of 26" based on my installation manual.  Is there a benefit to going deeper?  Are there any negatives to going deeper than 26"?

mgw44
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RSI

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Re: Trench Depth?
« Reply #1 on: September 06, 2011, 10:28:04 AM »

The only reason not to go deeper is if you get into ground water. Clay is pretty conductive so if the sand just damp and not really wet then I would try to get it that low. If your trench starts getting water in the bottom (not from rain) then go shallower.
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mgw44

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Re: Trench Depth?
« Reply #2 on: September 08, 2011, 03:41:12 PM »

Thank you for the second opinion.  The sand is nice.  mostly sand and small stones no bigger than a marble.  Not a hint of standing water anywhere with very good drainage.
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gmviso

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Re: Trench Depth?
« Reply #3 on: September 13, 2011, 04:05:23 PM »

So, I bit the bullet and bought thermopex. CB and my local CB dealer both say 8-12" is deep enough.
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martyinmi

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Re: Trench Depth?
« Reply #4 on: September 13, 2011, 04:27:38 PM »

So, I bit the bullet and bought thermopex. CB and my local CB dealer both say 8-12" is deep enough.
When I buried mine 5 years ago, they (CB and CB dealer) said 18", except for under driveway, where I went 24". I think CB still recommends 18"-24".
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mikenc

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Re: Trench Depth?
« Reply #5 on: September 13, 2011, 07:05:13 PM »

I Would go below frost line.
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tulenutn2o

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Re: Trench Depth?
« Reply #6 on: September 19, 2011, 06:12:05 PM »

Mine is below frost line between 42-48".
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mgw44

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Re: Trench Depth?
« Reply #7 on: September 27, 2011, 02:28:16 PM »

I set mine at 40"  see pic in the Empyre thread if you would like.  the install is complete and now just waiting for cold weather.
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tulenutn2o

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Re: Trench Depth?
« Reply #8 on: September 27, 2011, 06:29:41 PM »

When I dug my trench, i did hit water.I put tile in and pea gravel to make sure my pipe stays dry.
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fireboss

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Re: Trench Depth?
« Reply #9 on: September 27, 2011, 07:03:38 PM »

iam in north new jersey and i went 48", frost line here is 42" i went over kill on everything !
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