Replies

1. 
   Pondfish | Sep 06, 2006 01:53pm | #1

   Why not one trench for all three?  I've seen gas and power in one trench all the time, but here G&E are 36" down and the main water line is 48". 

   Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
2. 
   Mark_T | Sep 06, 2006 02:09pm | #2

   Joint trench is the way all new install trunk line dry utilities are run here.  Dry utilities obviously doesn't include sewer and water, but it could...  The way they do it is use a backhoe or excavator with a 20" or similar sized bucket.  Power goes in one bottom "corner" gas in the other bottom corner.  then 12" or so of fill is added, and other utilities such as CATV and phone are put in, again, the bottom "corners".   The only thing that is problematic about this approach is if one of the lines on the bottom needs to be repaired, you are looking at a headache working around what is on top...  Sounds like this method may not be applicable to your situation, based on your selection of excavating equipment, but I'm just letting you know how it's done.

1. 
   RyanBrant | Sep 06, 2006 07:40pm | #4

   Thanks Mark,

   The Ditch Witch is our excavator because that's what I can borrow for free and am very experienced with it.  I think my only real worry was putting gas and electric together or electrical and water.  Your 20" bucket probably gives a separation of 18" - sound good?

3. 
   JohnSprung | Sep 06, 2006 07:40pm | #3

   One critical thing is your climate.  I only know about non-freezing southern CA.  Water and sewer have to be separated if the pipe is not of a type approved for use inside the building, IPC and UPC are very different, like one foot and five feet IIRC.

   First we need to know your location to know what code applies there and what the freeze issues may be.

    

    

   -- J.S.

    

4. 
   Roger6 | Sep 06, 2006 07:48pm | #5

   You did not mention sewer lines so I will. Water in Sewage out. Also add an empty 1 1/2"- 2"  PVC electrical raceway for communication lines like TV, Telco or LAN or Security etc.  Here in Northern WI the water and sewer go on the bottom at 72" then power and telco, etc. run at 30".  Roger

5. 
   RobWes | Sep 06, 2006 10:48pm | #6

   I can't believe that they don't care about the gas line being in the same trench. My bet is that the gasco may have a little more say in the matter.

    

   Don't forget to run a spare or 2.