Undercut footer

billinak · 03-16-2005, 06:46 PM

I had the old galvanized water line replaced with copper, but now I have an 8-foot section of concrete footer with no support underneath. I'd like to do it myself (since I'm out 5 grand already) and was thinking about 1) Compacting the soil beneath the footer and 2) placing concrete piers beneath the footer with adjustable jacks/screws to support the footer. Any thoughts? Suggestions?

pipeguy · 03-16-2005, 06:55 PM

See if you can find a 'flowable fill' supplier in your locale. It costs about the same as concrete but does not require consolidation and does not shrink upon curing. Fill the void to the top of the footer and forget about it.

PS- Make sure to ask the supplier if there are any reactivity issues in regards to contact with copper.

Teetorbilt · 03-17-2005, 01:00 AM

You can always isolate the copper pipe. Wrap it in roofers felt will do.

billinak · 03-18-2005, 07:34 PM

Sounds good. There's a flowable fill guy at Anchorage Sand and Gravel so it sounds like the way to go (after breakup that is). The copper pipe is at about 12 feet so I don't think the fill will even come close to it. Thanks for the tip!