Ethan Clarke
Burying hard plastic pipe requires careful planning and execution to ensure the pipe's stability and longevity. Whether for plumbing, electrical, or ethernet applications, proper installation techniques are essential to prevent system complications and future repairs. Key considerations include the type of pipe, the depth of burial, the stability of the soil, and adherence to local codes and industry standards such as ASTM D2321 for underground installation of thermoplastic pipes. Proper trench bedding, backfill, and compaction techniques are critical to providing structural support for the pipe, especially when using flexible piping systems like PVC or ABS.
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What You'll Learn
Dig a trench larger than the pipe
When preparing to bury hard plastic pipe, the first step is to dig a trench that is larger than the pipe itself. This is a crucial step as it ensures there is enough space for proper installation, bedding, and backfill, which are necessary to support the pipe underground.
The trench should be carefully excavated, taking into account the size and length of the pipe to be installed. It is important to ensure that the trench is deep enough to accommodate the pipe at a depth below the frost level, as pipes should never be installed above this critical level. The exact depth of the trench will depend on factors such as the type of pipe, the weight it needs to bear, and local code requirements. For example, if the pipe will endure heavy machinery driving over it, it should be buried deeper to provide adequate support.
When digging the trench, it is essential to take extra care in preparing the foundation and bedding for the pipe system. This includes compacting the material to the spring line of the pipe, following the ASTM D2321 standard, which is the Standard Practice for Underground Installation of Thermoplastic Pipe for Sewers and Other Gravity-Flow Applications. This step is especially critical for plastic piping systems, as they rely on proper bedding and backfill for their strength and stability underground.
Additionally, it is recommended to maintain a minimum depth of backfill above the pipe to prevent any disturbance to the pipe and its embedment. This is an important consideration to keep in mind during the trench-digging process, ensuring that the trench is wide enough to accommodate the necessary backfill and bedding while still providing easy access for installation. Overall, careful planning and execution of this step will ensure a stable underground environment for the plastic piping system.
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Install pipe bedding and backfill
When installing pipe bedding and backfill, it is essential to follow the ASTM standard relevant to the type of plastic piping system being installed. For example, ASTM D2321 is the standard for underground installation of thermoplastic pipe for sewers and other gravity-flow applications.
To start, dig a trench that is larger than the pipe to be installed, taking care to compact the material to the spring line of the pipe. The trench bottom may provide the required bedding when adequate soil conditions exist and when excavated to the proper depth and grade. However, when trenches are excavated to depths below the bottom of the pipe, bedding shall be added beneath the pipe as required. The haunch areas adjacent to the pipe between the bottom of the pipe and its horizontal centreline should be filled with a clean, coarse-grain material such as sand, gravel, or soil. This side-fill should be placed by hand and compacted to provide lateral support for the pipe.
After the pipe is placed in the trench, backfill the trench with native material in 6-inch lifts, getting 85-90% relative compaction. The backfill material should be sand, gravel, or loose soil that is free of rocks and debris. The side fill adjacent to the pipe should be backfilled, tamped, and compacted to the top of the pipe. It is important to maintain a minimum depth of backfill above the pipe to prevent disturbance to the pipe and its embedment. The pipe should always be installed below the frost level.
In an agricultural setting, some nominal compaction during backfilling may be sufficient, such as driving a tractor or backhoe 4-5 times over each lift. However, specific bedding and backfill requirements may be necessary depending on the engineer's specifications and local code requirements.
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Bury to a minimum depth
When burying hard plastic pipe, it is important to consider the minimum depth of backfill above the pipe to prevent disturbance to the pipe and its embedment. The pipe should always be installed below the frost level.
The minimum depth required will depend on several factors, including the type of pipe, the soil conditions, and the expected load. For example, flexible piping systems such as ABS or PVC have less structural strength than rigid metallic piping systems, so this should be considered when determining the minimum burial depth. In general, it is recommended to follow the ASTM standard relevant to the specific type of plastic piping being installed.
For plastic piping systems, a minimum depth of 12 inches of backfill is often recommended. This depth should be measured from the top of the pipe to the surface of the backfill. However, in some cases, a deeper burial may be required. For example, if heavy machinery will be traversing the area above the pipe, a deeper burial may be necessary to ensure the pipe can withstand the weight.
In addition to the minimum depth, it is also important to consider the trench bedding and backfill material. Proper compaction of the material around the pipe is crucial to providing support and preventing disturbance. It is recommended to refer to specific bedding and backfill requirements outlined in industry standards, such as ASTM D2321 for underground installation of thermoplastic pipe.
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Avoid heavy machinery over the pipe
When burying hard plastic pipe, it is important to consider the weight of machinery that will be passing over the pipe. Plastic piping systems have less structural strength than rigid metallic piping systems, so it is generally not advisable to allow heavy construction equipment or vehicular traffic to traverse the pipe trench. Burial of pipe beneath a building built on unstable soil can be achieved by suspending piping systems from structural slabs.
If heavy machinery must pass over the pipe, it is important to consult professionals who can assess the resilience of the pipes. The tensile strength and burst pressure of the pipe should be considered, as well as the temperature at which the pipe is operating. Higher temperatures can decrease the strength of the pipe, and extreme conditions can have a significant impact.
The amount of soil over the pipe and the size of the pipe will determine how much weight it can withstand. As a general rule, half the width of the pipe is the amount of soil needed above it to carry the load. For smaller pipes, a foot of compacted soil should be sufficient to withstand the weight of heavy machinery.
It is also important to consider the type of machinery that will be passing over the pipe. For example, driving over a pipe with a tractor may be less likely to cause damage than driving over it with a car or truck due to the distribution of weight.
Overall, it is crucial to take into account the specific characteristics of the pipe, the weight and type of machinery, and the soil conditions to ensure that the pipe can withstand the pressure and avoid potential damage.
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Use the correct type of plastic piping
It is crucial to select the appropriate type of plastic piping for your specific application. Different types of plastic piping are designed for various purposes, and using the wrong type of pipe can lead to system complications.
One of the most common types of plastic piping is PVC (polyvinyl chloride). PVC is a versatile and familiar piping plastic type used in a variety of applications, including sewer and plumbing pipes, as well as water transfer. It is a softer plastic, making it flexible and easy to work with. However, PVC should not be used for hot water applications as it warps at temperatures higher than 140°F and becomes brittle over time when exposed to extreme heat or sunlight.
Another option is CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), which is PVC that has been treated with chlorine. This additional treatment makes CPVC more resistant to high temperatures and pressures, making it suitable for industrial plumbing and residential hot water lines. CPVC pipes are slightly more costly than PVC and have a lifespan of about 20 to 25 years.
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a sturdy plastic that was one of the first plastics used for residential plumbing. ABS pipes are always black and tend to be softer than PVC, making them more durable. They are commonly used for vent and drain lines, as well as other outdoor underground uses where cold temperatures are common. ABS pipes do contain BPA, a controversial chemical that may raise concerns about their safety for indoor plumbing.
Other types of plastic piping include PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), which is a newer type of plastic plumbing pipe known for its extreme flexibility, and HDPE (high-density polyethylene), which is a durable option that can be used for a wide range of plumbing needs.
When selecting plastic piping, it is important to consider factors such as temperature resistance, durability, flexibility, and intended use. Additionally, ensure that the piping meets the relevant ASTM standards and local code requirements for its specific application.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by digging a trench that is larger than the pipe you plan to install. Take care to install the foundation and bedding for the system while compacting the material to the spring line of the pipe.
The depth of the pipe will depend on the weight it needs to sustain. For lighter loads, 12 inches of cover should be sufficient. For heavier machinery, it is recommended to bury the pipe deeper, at 18 inches or more.
The type of pipe will depend on the specific application. PVC and ABS pipes are flexible and commonly used for underground applications, while cast iron pipes are rigid and can withstand earth and live loads.
Yes, plastic water pipes can be safely buried in concrete. However, it is recommended to protect them by running them inside copper or plastic barrier pipes or wrapping them in a protective layer.
Buried hard plastic pipes can be used for various purposes, including plumbing systems, electrical conduits, ethernet cables, and drainage ditches alongside roads.
