How to Dig Sewer Lines
Years ago, sewer lines were clay pipes. When the material begins to break down, it causes the need for costly repairs and replacements. Today, most sewer lines are PVC pipe because it does not break down or readily decompose. Plumbers use service weight cast iron in many commercial applications. Replacing the lines requires digging several feet into the ground. At the house, the line is usually two feet below the ground's surface. The farther away from the house you go, the deeper the pipe becomes. The depth may range from five feet or more depending how far away the house is from the city's sewer line. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Measure from the inside wall of the building to the septic tank or city sewer hook up, if you need to replace the entire line. This will tell you how much sewer pipe to buy.
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2
Stretch a level line from where the sewer leaves the building to where it connects with the main line. Attach this line to a stake pounded in at each end. This will give you the path of your sewer line.
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Dig in the area where the sewer pipe is located. If you have a backhoe, that would do the job faster, but you would still have to dig by hand so the pipes are not damaged.
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4
Keep the trench at least 24 inches wide. This will give you enough room to work or lay the pipe. The grade will drop 3/4 inch per every three or four feet of pipe.
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Tips & Warnings
Check with your local plumbing codes as they will give you the depth requirement for the sewer line. If you are going to hook up to the city's main sewer line, they may require someone from the local health authority to supervise you when entering the public sewer pipe.
Check with the city before you do anything to the city's sewer pipe. If you fail to get the proper authorization, they may fine you.
The city municipal department may help you find where your old pipe hooks onto the main line.
If installing a new sewer line, make sure it is 10 feet away from the water line.
