Trenching downspouts

[Tpondel]

We have several downspouts around the barn. Once it gets ground level it’s attached to a three inch plastic pipe to control where it drains.

What’s the best way to dig/trench to bury the pipe. Longest run will be around 40 feet.

Thanks.

 

[WinterDeere]

I don't know about "best", but a 12" bucket on a mini-excavator makes awful quick work of it. I had what seemed like miles of trench dug in a few hours, when we had to run electric and drainage for a recent pool project.

 

[drizler]

No backhoe at the time do we hand dug 6” -8” deep x 12” . It handles ja slope draining from the house as well as the barn roof on one side. Ground was hard clay. All we did was toss in the black field drain and the fill all around it with large crushed stone which just covers the top. Fill it all the way so the top is gravel. Mine wraps wraps around the sides of the barn to where it ends on each end in a simple crushed stone dry well. Mine was 52’ long with 24 each side to the wells It’s worked perfectly for 10 years with zero upkeep.

Even if I’d had a backhoe I think it’s would go better just using shovels.

 

[BigGG]

Depends on what you have to work with. I once used the forks to loosen up a tough patch, then we cleaned it out with shovels.

 

[Roadworthy]

The best way might be to rent a trencher. If you have a box blade you could extend the center tooth to rip the ground then shovel to remove dirt for the actual ditch.

 

[ultrarunner]

Ditch Witch?

 

[Southernspeed]

I rent a ditch witch every time I need any trenching done. My local Ace Hardware is only 15 miles away. Most jobs I can pick it up, trench, wash and return within their shortest rental of 4 hrs. Easy to use.

 

[bigtiller]

We have several downspouts around the barn. Once it gets ground level it’s attached to a three inch plastic pipe to control where it drains.

What’s the best way to dig/trench to bury the pipe. Longest run will be around 40 feet.

Thanks.

I would pitch the 3" plastic pipe and replace it with 5" or 6" non-perforated drainage tile.

For digging the ditch, a garden spade is about the perfect tool for it. Take your time digging, enjoy the exorcise, it doesn't have to be done in 1 day.

 

[kenmac]

I just did the same thing you are doing. I used my mini ex for the digging and back fill. Had to do a little dress up with a rake

 

[pmsmechanic]

Aren't you worried about freezing? I got some 3" aluminum pipe and put mine above ground. They are high enough that I can easily mow under them.