Junkman
Super Member
Good advise on getting the rope through the pipe. Almost any method will work, but pick the one that is easiest for you to do. When I installed my underground service, the Utility company wanted a stub at the bottom of the pole and they were going to install a metal pipe up the pole. They said that they wanted metal since it could get hit by a car and the metal wouldn't damage as easily as plastic. I explained that that pole is on the edge of the woods where there is no automobile traffic. They used plastic instead of the steel. The one thing that I learned from someone else is that you should supply them with a weather head for the top of the pipe. If not, they just pack the open end with clay and in time the clay will dry and allow water to get into the pipe. If that water freezes, it will crack the pipe and eventually the wire will deteriorate. I supplied the weather head and the guys installing the wire used it. They said that the Utility should require one on ever install, but they don't. I also ran 2 additional pipes in the trench.... one for telephone and one for cable. Those also have weather heads on them. At the other end, I have a PVC joint that allows for movement between the underground pipe and the meter socket. Don't remember the correct term for this, but it is also required. My utility company also required a meter socket that had an internal bypass switch inside of it. That way, if the meter had to be removed and replace, they could do it without disturbing the electrical connection and shutting down your appliances or computers. A costly expense that will probably never get used. If you haven't closed the trench, consider one additional 3" PVC line to install a water bib at that end of the lawn for future use. It is easy to do while it is open and not very expensive. I pulled a 3/4" black plastic water line through mine.....
