Otis Singleton
Running electrical wiring under a sidewalk is a common request for electricians, especially for landscape lighting. The process is relatively simple and can be done by following a few steps. First, you need to decide on the method you will use to create a path for the wire to run through. This can be done by digging a small opening on one side of the sidewalk and cutting a strip on the other side, using a long flexible drill bit to create a tunnel, or driving a pipe under the sidewalk and using water pressure or a sledgehammer to create a hole. Once the path is created, you can pull the wire through and install the lighting on a low-voltage transformer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Shovel, Sawzall, hacksaw, grinder, sledgehammer, small spade, screwdriver, pressure washer, drill, duckbill shovel, spade |
| Preparation | Measure pipe length, cut pipe, dig trench, clean trench, deepen and clean gap, remove grass, soil, rock, debris |
| Installation | Drive pipe into the ground, insert wand, use water pressure to bore a hole, wear protective gear, drill a tunnel, hook wire to drill bit, pull wire through, attach wire, install wiring, fill in the pipe with sand or gravel |
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What You'll Learn
Using a water jet
First, you need to assemble the water jet tool. Cut a piece of Schedule 40 PVC pipe to a length that is about two to four feet longer than the width of your sidewalk. Attach male adapters to opposite ends of the PVC pipe using PVC glue. Then, attach a brass 3/4" female hose to a 3/4" female pipe swivel on one end and a brass 3/4" male hose to a 3/4" pipe fitting to the other end.
Next, you will need to create a trench perpendicular to the sidewalk. This trench should be long enough for the pipe to fit in horizontally. Place the assembled tool into the trench, ensuring that the pipe is level with the bottom. Connect your garden hose to the female pipe swivel adapter and turn on the water supply.
Now, you are ready to begin the water boring process. Jab the nozzle into the soil and leave it in place for 15 to 30 seconds to allow the water to loosen the soil. Slowly push and rotate the pipe as you work your way through the dirt and mud, creating a hole under the sidewalk. If you encounter a root or rock, you may need to adjust the angle or depth of your pipe.
Once you feel the pipe poke through the exit hole on the other side of the sidewalk, turn off the water supply immediately. You can now shut off the water and cut the hose end fittings from both ends of the pipe. Your PVC pipe has now become your electrical conduit. Attach your fittings to the pipe and continue with the rest of your electrical installation.
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Digging a trench
When digging the trench, it is important to use the right tools. A duckbill shovel can be useful for digging narrow holes, while a rented backhoe can be used for tougher jobs. If you encounter large rocks or concrete chunks, you may need to use a sledgehammer or a jackhammer to break them up.
Once the trench is dug, it needs to be cleaned out. Remove any debris, grass, or soil until you can see the bottom edge of the sidewalk. If you are using a pipe to run the electrical line through, you can place it in the trench and use a spade to clean out the bottom, ensuring the pipe is level.
If you are running the electrical line directly through the trench without a pipe, you may need to drill a hole in the sidewalk for the wire to pass through. Use a long, flexible drill bit and slip it underneath the edge of the sidewalk, keeping it straight and level as it advances. Attach the wire to the drill bit and pull it back through the hole.
It is important to note that local codes and regulations may apply when digging a trench for electrical lines. Some areas may require warning tape or markers to be placed above the trench to indicate the presence of electrical wires.
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Drilling a tunnel
Using a Pressure Washer and Conduit:
- Dig a trench perpendicular to the sidewalk to create working space.
- Drive a pipe into the ground under the sidewalk about six inches deep.
- Clean the dirt from the pipe and insert the wand of a pressure washer into it.
- Wear protective gear, including eye protection and a face mask, and keep your head away from the end of the pipe.
- Turn on the pressure washer and let the water pressure bore a hole under the sidewalk.
- Put a piece of conduit into the hole and run your electrical wire through it.
- Fill in the area around the pipe with sand or fine gravel to support the sidewalk.
Using a Water Jet and PVC Pipe:
- Dig a ditch perpendicular to the sidewalk.
- Place a piece of PVC pipe in the ditch, with a hose nozzle on one end and a hose connected to the other end.
- Turn on the water and use the water jet to dig a tunnel under the sidewalk.
- Alternatively, pound a rigid IMC pipe under the sidewalk with a sledgehammer.
Using a Drill and Spade Bit:
- Create a welded spade bit with a solid rod that curves slightly to pull dirt and stone away.
- Dig a hole on one side of the sidewalk and line up your PVC pipe.
- Turn on the water and push the pipe through from one side to the other.
- Run your electrical wire through the pipe.
Using a Diamond Core Drill:
- Rent a diamond core drill to make a clean, straight cut through a basement wall.
- Depending on the soil type, run a boring device through the sleeve you are burying.
- Flush out the sleeve pipe to remove any remaining dirt.
It is important to exercise caution and wear appropriate protective gear when attempting any of these methods. Additionally, always check for underground utilities before drilling or digging to avoid any potential hazards.
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Using a pressure washer
Step 1: Prepare the Equipment
Firstly, gather the necessary equipment, which includes a pressure washer, a hose, a PVC pipe, and a nozzle. The PVC pipe should be of appropriate size, and you may need to duct tape it to the hose to make it stiff and easier to control.
Step 2: Dig a Trench
Before starting the pressure washing, you need to dig a trench or hole perpendicular to the sidewalk. This trench should be deep enough to get under the concrete and allow you to lay the nozzle pipe down at the bottom. This step ensures that you can direct the water jet horizontally to create the tunnel.
Step 3: Use the Pressure Washer
Now, it's time to use the pressure washer. Attach the hose to the pressure washer and connect the spray wand. Ensure you are wearing protective gear, including safety glasses and closed-toe shoes, as there will be mud, small stones, and debris flying back towards you. Start the pressure washer and direct the water jet towards the soil under the sidewalk.
Step 4: Control the Tunnel Size
As you cut through the soil with the water jet, insert a pipe that is slightly longer than the width of the sidewalk. This pipe will help control the size of the tunnel and ensure it is consistent. Slide the pressure washer wand into this pipe and continue to tap and cut your way under the sidewalk.
Step 5: Monitor Progress and Adjust Pressure
Remember to stop the spray every few minutes to inspect the size of the pathway you are creating. Ensure that the tunnel is large enough for your electrical line but not so large that it compromises the structural integrity of the sidewalk. If you encounter stubborn stains or soil, you may need to increase the pressure or switch to a more aggressive nozzle.
Final Thoughts:
Always be cautious when using a pressure washer, as too much pressure or incorrect use can damage the sidewalk or surrounding areas. Additionally, consider filling the cavity with sand after installing the electrical line to minimise settlement problems.
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Using a metal pipe
Running electrical lines underground is a common practice, especially for landscape lighting. Before beginning any work, it is important to check for any underground utilities in the area to avoid any potential hazards.
Once the pipe is prepared, a trench should be dug on each side of the sidewalk to provide room for driving the pipe underneath. It is important to remove any grass or debris from the trench to ensure the pipe remains level as it is driven under the sidewalk. With a sledgehammer, carefully pound the pipe until it reaches the other side.
Now that the pipe is in place, the electrical wire can be pulled through. Long flexible drill bits can be used to create a path for the wire to be pulled through. First, strip at least 2-3 inches off one end of the wire and insert it into the small hole at the tip of the drill bit. Once the wire is securely attached, pull it back through, using a back-and-forth motion with the drill if necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a drill with a long flexible drill bit, a shovel, a spade, a sledgehammer, and a hacksaw or grinder. If you are using the water jet method, you will also need a hose nozzle, a hose, and a valve.
First, cut a 1-foot by 4- to 5-inch-wide section on one side of the sidewalk. Then, dig a trench perpendicular to the sidewalk, ensuring that it is deep enough for the wire to pass through. Slip the drill bit under the exposed edge of the concrete and drill slowly to create a hole. Once the drill bit passes through the other side, hook your wire to it and pull it back through. Finally, install the wiring.
Before starting, check if there is already a large gap in a control joint that you can use to cross the sidewalk. If the soil is relatively loose without a lot of stones, you may be able to simply dig under the sidewalk with a shovel. If you are using a pipe to drive the wire under the sidewalk, it is important to keep it level and remove any grass so that it sits below the concrete's bottom edge.
