Digging under main phone trunk line.

[kongmen]

I will be putting in two 6" PVC drain tiles (in the same trench) for a run of
270'. I have a verizon trunk line right at the house side crest of the road ditch. I have already had the lines marked. The digging depth at the ditch will be about 4' to 5'. I would like to get feedback from some of those who have gone under utility lines before. Would it be possible to dig on both sides down to a depth below the trunk line and sorta bore through? or would it be a better idea to actually locate the line first? If the latter is true any tips for doing this while avoiding damage to the line?(even with a hand shovel).



Any tips for accomplishing the proper pitch? I plan on using a 3' level and letting the bubble just touch the black mark on the uphill side. I may put this in another forum if I don't get many responses (not sure I'm in the right forum). Thanks for any replies.

 

[tommu56]

I will be putting in two 6" PVC drain tiles (in the same trench) for a run of
270'. I have a verizon trunk line right at the house side crest of the road ditch. I have already had the lines marked. The digging depth at the ditch will be about 4' to 5'. I would like to get feedback from some of those who have gone under utility lines before. Would it be possible to dig on both sides down to a depth below the trunk line and sorta bore through? or would it be a better idea to actually locate the line first? If the latter is true any tips for doing this while avoiding damage to the line?(even with a hand shovel).



Any tips for accomplishing the proper pitch? I plan on using a 3' level and letting the bubble just touch the black mark on the uphill side. I may put this in another forum if I don't get many responses (not sure I'm in the right forum). Thanks for any replies.

Excavate to the see the line.
then dig under it.
tamp back fill in small lifts til above cable.
You will be responsible for any damage.

They might (verizon) want to monitor your digging.
At work we have multiple utilities and they all watch when our contractors are crossing the ROW.

for pitch on pipe with a 3' level pit a 3/4" shim on the one end (use electrical tape to hold it there) that will give you 1/4" per foot pitch keep shim on down hill side.
I actually write on level in marker <--- house tank-----> or what ever to eliminate doubt.

tom

 

[DocHeb]

My country neighbor was "going to do it myself since I'm not paying anyone". Had the phone lines marked by "MissDig" and hand dug to find a line - then went at the rest with a tractor/backhoe. He promptly severed the main trunk line 6" from the found line (that was actually a dead line!) In Michigan you are supposed to had dig for 3 feet on either side of the marked location. Didn't save much money :ashamed:.