- Jan 9, 2010
- 16
- 6
- 79
Todd,
The codes vary from one extreme to another across our country from state to state. Some allow separation by as little as 12" and buried only 18" deep. Others localities do not allow water and electrical lines in the same ditch, EVER! Many seem to prefer the trench to be 3' deep with a layer of soil / sand (no rocks) and either electrical on the top or below the water line.... it depends on the local codes. I haven't got a clue which one is safer. Almost all local codes mandate the use of a "Warning ribbon", a brightly colored (Red or Yellow) Danger labeled, plastic ribbon that does not decompose over time at least 12" above the uppermost utility. Still other local codes want the pipes side by side. Go figure.
I've had the building inspector measure the amount of dirt between the utility lines.....sheesh.
If it's not going to be inspected, and its a local run of utilities, one should be OK with 18" deep at least for water lines (freezing) and separated by at least 12", with a Warning ribbon 12" above the uppermost utility. Safety takes no shortcuts.
This is my opinion only, local codes and utility guidelines should be followed.
Ron
The codes vary from one extreme to another across our country from state to state. Some allow separation by as little as 12" and buried only 18" deep. Others localities do not allow water and electrical lines in the same ditch, EVER! Many seem to prefer the trench to be 3' deep with a layer of soil / sand (no rocks) and either electrical on the top or below the water line.... it depends on the local codes. I haven't got a clue which one is safer. Almost all local codes mandate the use of a "Warning ribbon", a brightly colored (Red or Yellow) Danger labeled, plastic ribbon that does not decompose over time at least 12" above the uppermost utility. Still other local codes want the pipes side by side. Go figure.
I've had the building inspector measure the amount of dirt between the utility lines.....sheesh.
If it's not going to be inspected, and its a local run of utilities, one should be OK with 18" deep at least for water lines (freezing) and separated by at least 12", with a Warning ribbon 12" above the uppermost utility. Safety takes no shortcuts.
This is my opinion only, local codes and utility guidelines should be followed.
Ron
