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How to Lay the Pipe: DIY Methods for Pipe Trenching

How to Lay the Pipe DIY Methods for Pipe TrenchingAre you considering different trenchless pipe laying methods? This article will explain the different methods to lay the pipe so you can easily determine which one will work best for your situation. We want to give you DIY methods for pipe trenching to save you money. You can always call Draincom in Toronto and the GTA at 905-238-6800 if you want a professional to do it for you.

Trenchless pipe repair is one of the most popular methods, but it can also require some help from a plumber. Contact your local plumber to find out how this process works as well as the cost. Keep in mind that in some cases, excavation may be required. Also, make sure you are following the requirements for your property and location. This PDF file has all of the requirements from the city of Toronto for pipe trenching as of the date this post was written.

How to Methods for Pipe Trenching: Best Practices

  • Plowing

This method of pipe trenching is popular as it is eco-friendly, which is a plus for those who are looking to go green. This method of pipe trenching can be used on pipes as large as DN 600. However, one needs to take into account the pulling force that will be involved in the process as well as the pipeline stench and soil type.

A tractor is used to pull the plow that lays the pipes. The share is then adjusted to plow a furrow through the soil so the pipe string can be inserted, which then deposits the displaced soil onto the string of the pipe. This method is fast and easy and does not cause a great deal of damage to the land. 

  • Horizontal flush drilling

Horizontal flush drilling is most often used in densely built urban areas for trenchless pipeline construction as it is suitable for underneath buildings. Along a 2 or 3 dimension curved line between the front of the drill and the exit point, a pilot hole is drilled. A drill head is used to loosen the soil before widening the pilot hole. Finally, the pipe string is inserted into the borehole from the exit point.

  • Open-trench pipe-laying

This method is the most common, so we have included a step-by-step guide to open-trench pipe-laying get you started.

  1. First you need to decide where the piping will go before you begin.
  2. Determine how much pipe is needed by measuring twice to ensure that you have an accurate measurement. This can save you from having to reorder the piping. 
  3. To get the correct measurements for the zone-line and control wire, as well as the mainline pipe, add the total linear footage for control wire as well as poly-pipe. 

Be sure to order enough sprinkler heads and fittings. 

*Pro tip for ordering pipe trenching materials: It cannot hurt to order extra as you can always return any used product or save them for future use.

  • Using a vibratory plow, dig a 2-foot trench where you will be placing the sprinkler head. The plow will be used to slice the soil and place the pipe approximately 8 inches underground.
  •  Pull the piping underground to the location of the next sprinkler head using the plow until the job is complete.

Need further assistance to lay the pipe for trenchless piping? Click here to contact DrainCom for expert tips from a skilled and certified plumber in Toronto today! You can also call us directly at 905-238-6800. We would be happy to help you with your project.

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