Need to bore 3-4 ft horizontally for water line

[4570Man]

I thought about this, but wasn't sure how quickly it would turn into a giant mess as I'll be in clay at 4 ft

It would be easy enough to dig a short trench in the woods and try it. If it makes a huge mess, fill it up and call it a failure. When I'm digging under other utilities I like to dig about 3' on both sides about a foot deeper so I don't have to lift out any dirt by hand. Just break it loose and rake backwards. I've also driven a 2" pipe under a sidewalk, and ran a water line through it. Ok, not going to lie. I pushed it through with the backhoe because driving it was a lot like work.

 

[mapper]

I've used a piece of galvanized water pipe, cut at an angle to make a sharp point, hooked to a garden hose. The pressure is low enough that there is not much high pressure blowback. Going about four feet didn't make much of a mess. It took about two minutes to go about four feet.

 

[RBLapham]

Here is a hose end adapter that might help. Orbit Irrigation Supplies Walkway Tunnel Kit

 

[bigtiller]

How about a 30 inch auger that makes a 1.75 wide hole? Just this week I bought one at Ace Hardware for less than $20. Here is one that is only 18" just to show what I'm talking about.

Yard Butler 18in Roto Auger (REA-4) - Bulb Planters - Ace Hardware

 

[bigtiller]

How about a 30 inch auger that makes a 1.75 wide hole powered by a cordless drill? Just this week I bought one at Ace Hardware for less than $20. Here is one that is only 18" just to show what I'm talking about.

Yard Butler 18in Roto Auger (REA-4) - Bulb Planters - Ace Hardware

 

[Code54]

How about a 30 inch auger that makes a 1.75 wide hole powered by a cordless drill? Just this week I bought one at Ace Hardware for less than $20. Here is one that is only 18" just to show what I'm talking about.

Yard Butler 18in Roto Auger (REA-4) - Bulb Planters - Ace Hardware

Thats a neat idea - I may have to run a line under a sidewalk and that would be really simple and easy. Also like the idea of pushing a pipe through with the backhoe. Glad the OP started this thread!

 

[Ford850]

I would use something similar to these Walkway Tunnel kits available at most hardware and box stores. Amazon.com : Orbit Sprinkler System Under Walkway Pipe Tunnel Kit 53333N : Automatic Lawn Underground Sprinkler Systems : Patio, Lawn & Garden You could use larger PVC for the main pipe with adapters on each end to fit the nozzle and hose. There are some youtube videos showing how quick this goes.