How To Bore Under Obstacles and Hand-Trench

When a sidewalk or driveway lies in the direct path of the poly pipe, it will be necessary to bore under it. There may be times that machinery can't get into a small area, so hand-trenching will be necessary.

Highlights:

Step 1: Dig Around the Obstacle
Step 2: Use the Boring Rod
Step 3: Hand-Trench the Area If Necessary

Step 1: Dig Around the Obstacle

Boring under obstacles can be done with a high-pressure hose, or you can rent a boring rod that attaches to a vibratory plow. This makes the job much easier. Start by digging about a 4' trench on either side of the obstacle.

Step 2: Use the Boring Rod

Hook up the boring rod (Image 1) and lay it down flat on either side of the obstacle. Bore under the sidewalk at a depth of about 8". Replace a section of main pipe with the control wire (Image 2) and tape both together using duct tape (Image 3). This will ensure that both wire and pipe can be snaked under the obstacle. By taping the end of the pipe, it also prevents any debris from getting into the pipe.

- Image 1
- Image 2
- Image 3

tape pipe and wire together using duct tape

replace section of main pipe with control wire

Step 3: Hand-Trench the Area If Necessary

Start by gently removing the sod with a landscaping shovel (Image 1). Place all of the sod on one side of the trench (Image 2). Dig out the trench to a depth of about 8". Place the dirt on the opposite side of the trench. Using a trenching or clean-out shovel, remove all of the dirt so there is a flat bed on the bottom of the trench. Cut the poly pipe to length and place down flat on the bottom of the trench bed. Using a clean-out shovel, backfill the trench and replace the sod (Image 3).