Need to bore 3-4 ft horizontally for water line

[Nic3456]

I need to install my water line that is perpendicular with an existing electric line. The current electric is buried 3 feet and I'll be running the water line 4 feet deep. I would rather not dig out a huge hole and expose the whole trench - trying think of a good (and inexpensive)way to just bore the 3-4ft horizontally. I saw a couple of specialty horizontal augers but they were like $300-$400. I only need a 3-4" diameter hole.

 

[George2615]

Could you rent a trenching machine. If you're only going 3-4' horizontally and 4' deep what and how are you going to connect to a water line without a huge hole.

 

[4570Man]

I'd dig it with a backhoe as close as possible and dig under the line with the shovel.

 

[POC]

Waterhose through a pipe and a shop vac? Totally speculation.

 

[4570Man]

Not a bad idea! I'd go more along the lines of a pressure washer with the nozzle hooked directly on the hose without the wand. The hose should be stiff enough for you to get way back from the mud slinging and push it forward.

 

[Nic3456]

Could you rent a trenching machine. If you're only going 3-4' horizontally and 4' deep what and how are you going to connect to a water line without a huge hole.

I'm going to trench about 550ft total and plan on renting a trencher - just trying to find a more simple solution for the part around the electric (I recently had hernia surgery and not supposed to be doing a ton with a shovel)

 

[Nic3456]

I'd dig it with a backhoe as close as possible and dig under the line with the shovel.

Have been trying to rent a ride on trencher with a backhoe, but having trouble finding one.

 

[Nic3456]

Not a bad idea! I'd go more along the lines of a pressure washer with the nozzle hooked directly on the hose without the wand. The hose should be stiff enough for you to get way back from the mud slinging and push it forward.

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

 

[4570Man]

If dug under utilities with minimal shovel work. Being 4' deep and lack of a backhoe makes it a lot easier. The easiest solution ( for your) is to pay some drunk $50 to do it with a shovel.

 

[dieselcrawler]

I have driven a piece of pipe that far before. Thin wall 2" electrical conduit (EMT) with one end pounded flat to a point, the other hit with a large sledge hammer. Make the pipe 2-3' longer than needed, cut off the flattened end and hammer beat end, shove waterline inside. Done.