Otis Singleton
Running electrical conduit under a sidewalk is a common task for electricians and contractors. There are several methods to accomplish this without compromising the sidewalk's integrity. One popular method involves using a water jet or pressure washer to dig a tunnel under the sidewalk. Another approach is to dig a trench on each side of the sidewalk, lay the conduit down, and use a sledgehammer to pound it through. Other suggestions include using a Borzit tool to drill under the sidewalk or employing a flexible drill bit for a single wire. Keeping the pipe level and preventing it from filling with dirt are crucial steps in ensuring a successful installation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Check for a large gap in a control joint and deepen and clean it out with an old screwdriver |
| Tools | Spade, trenching shovel, small spade, sledgehammer, Sawzall, hacksaw, grinder, drill, pressure washer, Borzit tool |
| Pipe | EMT conduit, PVC pipe, RMC/IMC pipe |
| Techniques | Digging a trench, using a water jet, pounding with a sledgehammer, drilling |
| Post-installation | Cut off the sharp edge, run a fish through the pipe to check for obstacles, compact sod into the trench |
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What You'll Learn
Using a water jet to dig a tunnel
Using a water jet is an efficient and cost-effective way to dig a tunnel under a sidewalk. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Firstly, you need to gather the necessary materials and equipment, which include a piece of PVC pipe, a garden hose, a jet nozzle or brass spray nozzle, duct tape, a pressure washer or water pump, and a hammer. It is also recommended to have a valve for controlling water flow.
Next, prepare your equipment by attaching the nozzle to one end of the PVC pipe. Some sources suggest using duct tape to secure the joint and prevent leaks. Then, connect the garden hose to the other end of the PVC pipe, ensuring all connections are secure and tight to maintain water pressure. If you are using a pressure washer, you may need to install a couple of Ts on the pipe to facilitate the water inflow and outflow.
Now you are ready to start digging. Dig a trench or hole perpendicular to the sidewalk, deep enough to get under the concrete. Place the nozzle and PVC pipe into the trench and turn on the water supply. The force of the water will create a hole as it is pushed or hammered through the soil. The size of the hole will match the diameter of the PVC pipe, so you can control the size of the tunnel by choosing an appropriate pipe size.
Once you have reached the other side of the sidewalk, shut off the water supply. You can now remove the hose and nozzle fittings from the PVC pipe. At this point, you may want to repeat the process to create additional tunnels for irrigation, lighting wire, or other purposes. Finally, you can use the PVC pipe as an irrigation pipe or conduit for electrical wiring, attaching the necessary fittings and assembling as required.
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Using a sledgehammer to pound the pipe through
One way to run electrical conduit under a sidewalk is to use a sledgehammer to pound the pipe through. This method can be done with a rigid IMC pipe and works best when the soil is not rocky.
To begin, dig a trench on each side of the sidewalk, ensuring that the trenches are level with each other. The trench should be about 6 inches longer than the pipe itself to provide enough room for driving the pipe. Place the pipe in the trench, making sure it has a plug at one end to prevent dirt from filling it as it is pounded through.
With the pipe in position, use a sledgehammer to hit the plugged end of the pipe firmly and continuously until it pops out on the other side. This method may require some force and repetition to successfully drive the pipe under the sidewalk.
An alternative tool for this process is the Sidewalk Sleever, which can be impacted with a sledgehammer to create a path for the pipe to be installed. The Sidewalk Sleever is placed just under the concrete, tapping it in a few inches to hold it off the ground for easier installation and removal. The sledgehammer is then used to impact the tool until the tapered end appears on the other side. Once the tool is removed, you can continue running the pipe as needed.
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Drilling under the sidewalk with a Borzit tool
The next step is to prepare the BorZit tool for use. The tool is handheld and easy to set up, usually taking about 15 minutes to prep. The BorZit tool is then ready to begin the boring process. Due to its compact size, the BorZit tool can bore in tight spaces that are inaccessible to larger machines. The tool bores at an average speed of 1 foot per minute, making it a quick and efficient process.
As you work, ensure that you are adhering to safety guidelines and wearing the appropriate protective gear. The BorZit tool can be used with a variety of drill pipes, such as copper pipe, which can be left in place after boring. This versatility allows for the installation of different systems, such as sprinkler systems, lighting, or water service.
Finally, once the boring is complete, you can install the electrical conduit under the sidewalk. The BorZit tool's ability to bore under the sidewalk eliminates the need for breaking and repairing the surface, reducing labour, cost, and challenges. This method provides a neat and efficient way to run conduit under the sidewalk, showcasing the versatility and effectiveness of the BorZit tool.
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Using a flexible drill bit to run a single wire
Flexible drill bits are a handy tool for electricians to have in their toolbox. They are long and have spring-like flexibility, allowing electricians to drill holes behind walls and pass wires without removing finished and painted sheetrock. This saves time and money and is a way to garner gratitude from fellow drywallers and carpenters.
When using a flexible drill bit to run a single wire under a sidewalk, it is important to take the necessary precautions. Firstly, it is advisable to use a tool such as the Rack-A-Tiers Bumper Balls Kit to ensure that the drill bit stays on a safe track. This helps prevent accidentally drilling through walls or encountering electrical wires.
Before drilling, it is essential to determine the location of any studs or other obstacles in the drilling path. This can be done by feeling around for studs or using a stud finder tool. Once the path is determined, the flexible drill bit can be chosen accordingly. Flexible drill bits come in various lengths and diameters, and the right choice depends on the specific application. A good rule of thumb is that the longer and thinner the shank, the more flexible it will be.
After drilling the hole, the wire can be attached to the flexible drill bit using the small hole in the flute and shank. This allows for easy wire fishing, ensuring that the wire follows the path of the drilled hole. It is important to work with care, as drilling blindly can lead to unexpected obstacles or hazards. Having someone assist by listening for tapping or using a flex rod can help guide the wire through the drilled hole safely.
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Preparing the trench and pipe before hammering
Step 1: Planning and Measurement
Start by measuring the width of the sidewalk and determining the length of the pipe you will need. Mark the starting and ending points on both sides of the sidewalk, ensuring they are aligned and providing about a 6-inch overhang on each side. This extra length will be useful for driving the pipe and securing the connections.
Step 2: Digging the Trench
Using a spade or a small shovel, carefully dig a trench on each side of the sidewalk. Make sure the trench is deep enough to accommodate the pipe and provides some extra room for hammering. Clean out any debris, grass, or soil at the bottom of the trench to create a clear path for the pipe.
Step 3: Preparing the Pipe
Take your chosen pipe, which could be EMT conduit, RMC/IMC, or PVC pipe, and cut one end at a 45-degree angle. This angled end will help guide the pipe through the soil more easily. If using EMT, ensure you smash or crimp one end to prevent dirt from getting into the pipe during installation. Alternatively, you can use a pipe cap or plug on the end of the rigid pipe to keep it clean.
Step 4: Positioning the Pipe
Place the pipe into the trench, ensuring it sits level and parallel with the top of the concrete. Check that the pipe is positioned correctly and securely before beginning the hammering process.
Step 5: Preliminary Checks
Before starting to hammer, perform a final check to ensure the pipe is properly aligned and secure. Double-check that the trench is clear of any large debris that could obstruct the pipe's path. Additionally, if you are using a water jet method, ensure that your hose nozzle, PVC pipe, and valve are connected and ready to go.
By carefully following these steps, you will be well-prepared for the hammering process, ensuring a more efficient and successful installation of the electrical conduit under the sidewalk.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a spade, a trenching shovel or a small spade, a sledgehammer, a Sawzall, hacksaw or grinder, and a drill.
The first step is to dig out a section of grass about 6 inches longer than the pipe itself.
Clean out the debris at the bottom of the trench with a trenching shovel or a small spade.
Stick the conduit with the pinched end under the bottom edge of the concrete, making sure that the pipe sits level down in this trench and is parallel with the top of the concrete.
Alternative methods include using a water jet, a pressure washer, or a Borzit tool to dig a tunnel under the sidewalk.
