Backhoe Using a Backhoe

[Junkman]

Hole depth is important, because usually they want the PVC to be on a bed of sand. When I dug my trench, they all could be along side of each other, but the phone company wanted a 3" conduit. I said, no way and put in a 2". The cable is also 2" and electrical 3". I also ran 2 additional 2" conduits for the future of anything else that I might want to do. Use a weather head at the top of the conduits where they come up the pole, because this will keep water out of the conduit if installed properly. Many times they will stuff the conduit with clay and skip the weather-head. I provided them for all the utilities and they used them when doing the installation. You also have to install the pull rope when you install the conduit. If you need directions on how to do this aspect, let me know. I have an easy way....

 

[Dave___in___CT]

Hi...


Proper depth is important in areas were the ground freezes... wanna' be BELOW the deepest frost... otherwise... the frost can heave the cable/conduit on break it...


Dave...

 

[rbargeron]

I've found that if the big rocks are kept out of the backfill, PVC conduit in a shallow trench will survive frost motion. Regarding a pull string, I connected a shop vac at one end of the conduit. At the other end I wadded up a plastic bag, tied the pull string around it and dropped it into the conduit. WHOOOOOOP and the string was installed ! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif (only tested to 300' but will work for any length if the conduit joints are decent).

On the subject of trench width, a 12" bucket digs about a 14" ditch - close enough if you lay the conduits at the sides. Hold the conduits apart as you pour sand in between them. If its a neat job, the inspector probably won't get heartburn over an inch or two.

 

[HoggyB]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( You also have to install the pull rope when you install the conduit. If you need directions on how to do this aspect, let me know. I have an easy way.... )</font>

What's your trick? We have to install 3/8" poly.

I was planning on getting a fishtape and pulling it through 20' at a time as I glued the conduit. Of course with this technique, you have to worry about glueing the pull rope to the conduit (at least I do, I go heavy on the glue).

I could use the "trashbag" technique too, which I've used before. That actually might be easier, upon reflection. I guess my fear is that it WOULDN'T work and then I'd be stuck with 150' runs and no way to get a string through. I need to stay optimisitic.

So what's your trick? I always like to learn an easier way to do something and I hate to re-invent the wheel.

Hog

 

[rbargeron]

3/8" poly rope will go in just fine with a shop vac. You can wait until way after the glue dries - even after you backfill. If you want to spend 3 or 4 bucks there is a commercial plastic "pig" for 2" pvc that's sold at electric supply places. The steady pull of the shop vac will unwind rope from a reel or string from a spool. You'll be happy with how well it works.

 

[HoggyB]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( 3/8" poly rope will go in just fine with a shop vac. You can wait until way after the glue dries - even after you backfill. If you want to spend 3 or 4 bucks there is a commercial plastic "pig" for 2" pvc that's sold at electric supply places. The steady pull of the shop vac will unwind rope from a reel or string from a spool. You'll be happy with how well it works. )</font>

Ok, I just looked at the diagram provided by the electric company, and the first run to the transformer is 410 feet!!!!

Will the trashback/vacuum method work at this distance? I'm going to Costco this weekend and was thinking about getting a new wet/dry vac anyway. Would that do the trick? Or do I need super mondo sized vac?

Hog

 

[rbargeron]

You don't need anything special. Even a small shop vac is enough. It's really surprising how hard a 2" air line will pull. Mine was really more like 350' and the steady pull force was probably 3-4 pounds, even with a crude plastic pig. A better fitting pig would pull even harder. The pig should be light weight, smooth, and have maybe 1/8" clearance or less. The commercial ones have a screw eye in one end for the pull rope. Be careful not to get a ton of solvent glue in the conduit joints. Best to just coat the outside of the male section so it doesn't plow up a puddle inside the bell. Then twist as it goes in to get a good seal.

 

[HoggyB]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( You don't need anything special. Even a small shop vac is enough. )</font>

OK- You've sold me. Feeding the rope through as we go sounds like a frustrating PITA anyway.

Speaking of pigs, would a real live oinker work better? The guy up the road has a litter of piglets. I could probably get one cheap.

Hog

 

[rbargeron]

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gifWhat a picture!!!!!