Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

All-Purpose OWF Discussions => General Outdoor Furnace Discussion => Topic started by: Daped01 on May 11, 2013, 07:27:24 AM

Title: tips for digging a trench around utility lines
Post by: Daped01 on May 11, 2013, 07:27:24 AM

I've had my utility lines marked, and right now it appears that I will have to cross a phone line to get my insulated pex to the house.  Does anyone have any tips or tricks for digging around utilities?

Title: Re: tips for digging a trench around utility lines
Post by: Scott7m on May 11, 2013, 07:53:40 AM

Yea...   It's a pain in the hind end

If there marked, dig up to within about 2 feet of the mark, then break out the old shovel til you find the lines and then u can resume digging after you find the utilities.  But don't trust the mark better than 2-3 feet

Title: Re: tips for digging a trench around utility lines
Post by: Daped01 on May 11, 2013, 08:21:54 AM

that shouldn't be a problem then, i'm going to be digging the entire trench by hand!  go me!

Title: Re: tips for digging a trench around utility lines
Post by: Scott7m on May 11, 2013, 08:32:23 AM

Yea no big deal most likely lol

Title: Re: tips for digging a trench around utility lines
Post by: automan77 on May 11, 2013, 10:14:05 AM

My water line from my well is in the path of my trench. Gonna hand dig that for sure

Title: Re: tips for digging a trench around utility lines
Post by: 6pacmac on May 11, 2013, 07:51:40 PM

I work outside for a major telecom, doing every type of phone line repair as well as marking said lines.   In my state, Pa, the utility company mark is good for 18" on either side of the painted or flagged mark.  Meaning if you hit the line within 18" of the painted or flagged mark, you get a bill for repair.  If the marks are way off, and the line is damaged beyond 18" away from the mark, the phone company repairs no charge. Now remember, the buried phone service line, the one going to your home, is very thin, like the thickness of your pinky finger thin.   A spade will slice it in two and you won't notice till you try to make a phone call.  The spec depth for a phone line is 18" deep.  But I have seen some only buried 3".  Take your time around the marks.  And pick at the trench with the shovel turned backwards as you get close the the marks. Even use a screwdriver to find it.    Once you find it, take it easy around it and take care back filling around the phone line, no rocks or big clumps of dirt that could smash, stretch or break it.  Also you can always call the utility and have them send someone out to check and remark the lines as you get close to the marks.   Also newer lines can be in a conduit or maybe direct buried like most older lines.   Good luck!    Oh ya, If you have fiber optic phone service, be very, very careful with those.   If you cut one, they can and will blind you if you look into  it, looking for the "light", which invisible and you can't see it  anyway.   

Title: Re: tips for digging a trench around utility lines
Post by: Daped01 on May 11, 2013, 08:33:08 PM

thanks.  I see where the line comes out of the ground and onto my slab.  it is about the size of coaxial cable.  Great tip on checking with a screwdriver.  the phone guy "estimated" it to be about 2 feet down.

Title: Re: tips for digging a trench around utility lines
Post by: Scott7m on May 12, 2013, 08:52:46 AM

I've not seen any phone lines around here over 6" deep, every area is different, just be cautious