How to Install of culvert Pipe on my property

lawandorder39 · Sep 3, 2012

Hello everyone, I am in need of advice on installing a pipe so I can have a driveway onto my property of 3 acres. It is not a big ditch at all. Does anyone have advice?

LD1 · Sep 3, 2012

Gonna need some more info and/or pictures of the proposed area.

Do you know how big you need??? How long it needs to be??? I think 20' is pretty standard.

If it is going to be under a driveway, you want double wall (if you are going plastic).

And make sure you cover it with at least half as much dirt as the culvert diameter. IE: 12" culvert needs a min of 6" dirt over it. 24" culvert needs a min of 12" over it. And make sure you bed it well. Dont just dig a trench and throw dirt back over it.

This is about all we can help with without further detail.

Misfire · Sep 3, 2012

Even if it's a small ditch, go with at least an 18 inch diameter culvert. Much easier to clean out than a 12 incher. Like LD1 said, more info gets more (and possibly better

) advice.

Gary Fowler · Sep 3, 2012

If you are putting in a culvert off a county/state road, you have to follow their guidelines for minimal sizing. Check with your local highway and road maintenance personnel for the info. My county folks here have a minimal of 16" for culverts which is what I put in for a 8" deep ditch. I later petitioned for approval to fill in the ditch all along my front yard which was granted with stipulation that I took full responsibility for any damage caused by run off. Since I am at the top of a hill and the ground actually slopes up a bit from the road before falling back off, it wasnt an issue.

F=ma · Sep 3, 2012

You'll likely need a permit from the state or county (whomever maintains the road you're on). They'll help you size the pipe and will probably want to visit the location to make sure you're not locating the entrance on a blind corner. Be prepared to have to put down a security check/bond to cover accidental damages to the road. Suggest starting with your local DPW or Planning/Permits office.

lawandorder39 · Sep 3, 2012

Road is private owned.

lawandorder39 · Sep 3, 2012

The road is a dirt road and the city is not responsible for maintaining it.

Jesse masterson · Sep 3, 2012

Do it how you want, it's yours. I've used as small as 10 inch that'll handle alot of water, if you have clay 8 or 10 inches over the top is plenty mine isn't very deep and I run over it with a 8000 lb tractor with no damage when clay dries its like rock.no experience with other soil types.

RDrancher · Sep 3, 2012

One thing that will help as far as surface water is concerned is to crown the fill over the pipe (from side to side) so that water from the road is forced to go to the sides of your driveway instead of run straight down it. In this photo you can make out the slight crown in the driveway (over the pipe) forcing runoff back towards the road and off to the sides. My county requires permanent concrete ends. Other counties where I do installs don't. I'd check with yours for guidelines.