This is a follow to my post about materials and techniques for new residential water service. My current service is galvanized, laid in 1970 but exposed and re-buried a couple years ago, and is about 20-30 inches deep in the front yard (50' or so).
I know I could dig it out, but clay in my area is a bear to dig in by hand and even if I'm going to leave the current pipe in there, I still have to dig out both ends. Directional boring would add just over a grand to the cost of the work, but I'm wondering if I could possibly disconnect both ends of the pipe and just "pull it through" into the basement with either the new poly line attached or a rope to which I'd attach the poly line. Obviously some assistance with the sledge hammer and come-along would be required, but if I could do it, I'd save near $1000 and not have to dig up the yard.
The other alternative is to cut off both ends, and mechanically trench right next to it (or over it if the line is deep enough) and just deal with the repairs to the landscape, which is mostly just turf grass in the affected area with the exception of crossing under my front sidewalk.
Has anyone tried or seen my 'poor man's directional boring" attempted? Am I just coming up with elaborate ways to solve a simple problem?
Dan
I know I could dig it out, but clay in my area is a bear to dig in by hand and even if I'm going to leave the current pipe in there, I still have to dig out both ends. Directional boring would add just over a grand to the cost of the work, but I'm wondering if I could possibly disconnect both ends of the pipe and just "pull it through" into the basement with either the new poly line attached or a rope to which I'd attach the poly line. Obviously some assistance with the sledge hammer and come-along would be required, but if I could do it, I'd save near $1000 and not have to dig up the yard.
The other alternative is to cut off both ends, and mechanically trench right next to it (or over it if the line is deep enough) and just deal with the repairs to the landscape, which is mostly just turf grass in the affected area with the exception of crossing under my front sidewalk.
Has anyone tried or seen my 'poor man's directional boring" attempted? Am I just coming up with elaborate ways to solve a simple problem?
Dan