Help Burying a 250 foot waterline .. rugged terrain

cdnjan · 09-28-2009, 01:33 PM

I am replacing a 250 waterline. New line is hooked up and working fine. I am digging up the old line as i figured it would be easier than starting fresh. Its going ok however there is forest and Very large boulders in 2 areas.
I live on Vancouver Island, I have no machines to do this.
There is no point Digging into the forested area as more roots will end up covering this line as did the other one.
Big question is I was considering covering this part of the line with old hay or straw bales but maybe not a good idea as it could attract rodents. What about just sawdust or bark mulch? It also very sloped 30 - 45 degrees and impossibe to run a straight line. Waterline is 3/4" pvc.
Also one spot I uncovered the old line was only covered with about 1/4" soil .. its amazing in the 20+ years I have been here it never froze. Our climate is mild but it does freeze. So if I use mulch or sawdust how deep should it be?
Any input is appreciated Thank You

brokenknee · 09-28-2009, 08:09 PM

It would be best to check with some of the local plumbing contractors. The depth varies do to climate/local codes. My water line from well is down six feet. The frost in my area can go down four feet.