Copper pipes work great if you need water supply lines. Fiber cable depth depends on topography and local conditions. Just 5 inches below the ground is sufficient to keep them out of the way of edging tools and aerators. If your projects require digging, be sure to call your state's locating service for free marking of any buried utilities. You may be specifically thinking of putting the water and electric lines together. Telephone and TV cable lines may be as shallow as 12 inches, water lines 48 inches or deeper in areas wher the ground freezes and sewer lines as deep as necessary to maintain gravity flow, 5, 10, 20 feet or more. Your decision is based on how much power you desire. Laying electric cables underground helps keep humans safe from electrocution. As an example, you can use underground feeder cable that is buried at a depth of 24 inches or using PVC conduit at 18 inches below ground where the wire comes up. To find out the frost line for your property, you can talk to your neighbors. VA Save Projects 703-750-4483 kwilson@washgas.com. November 25, 2021 Thanksgiving Day Burying the cable at 30 inches minimum keeps it beneath the freeze line. In colder climates, sewer and water lines are typically deep in the ground below the winter frost line. The NEC actually only requires 18in for direct burial, since fiber optic (i assume) would fall under the category of Network-Powered Broadband Communication System, you need to look at article 830 specifically 830.47. 811 is the national call-before-you-dig phone number. We use a range of specific technologies, including electronic locating equipment, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and vacuum excavation. How do you dig around utilities? The tolerance zone is 2 feet (plus the width of the utility line, if known) on either side of the marked underground utility line. Professional locators are then sent for free to the requested dig site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, paint or both so that you don't dig into and damage an underground utility line. Start and end points of a utility line can find its general position. It also depends on the type of soil you have, and the site you wish to dig. These lines are the ones that come from the main lines to your house. Many, if not all utility lines are buried underground for aesthetic purposes. The lowest frost point varies based on your climate and the quality of your soil. For example, a maple tree that stands 15 feet tall has roots that spread 15 (or more!) 1-540-985-9355. Utility companies will use markers to show the location of the pipeline. Anyone who plans to dig should call 811 or go to their state 811 center's website a few business days before digging to request that the approximate location of buried utilities be marked with paint or flags so that you don't unintentionally dig into an underground utility line.. 811 protects you and your community! They are treated as if they were entered on the first working day after the weekend or holiday.). For ALL excavation work ANYWHERE in Virginia! Follow along as we explore the important question; how deep should a water line be buried? alphabetical listing should contact the Virginia Utility Protection (Learn How To Dig A Trench For Electrical Wire). Polyvinyl chloride or PVC pipes have gained a considerable amount of popularity among homeowners. In some localities, the underground sewer line from the main line in the street to the house is owned by the homeowner and is a private utility line. A few of the larger services: Individual states often maintain web portals providing information on safe digging. December 26, 2022 Christmas (Observed). Keep your trenches or holes at least 18 inches away from 811markings. Before you use a utility locator, an important (and sometimes required) step to take is to call 811. Check your deed or plot plan, or call the utility. The depth to which these utilities must be buried varies by region, and in colder climes, sewer and water lines are frequently buried deep in the earth and below the winter frost line. Although facility owners may follow depth guidelines when installing lines, they have no control over depth variation caused by human interference, weather, or other circumstances. They will get in touch with companies that have installed underground lines in your location, and mark special lines from the street to your yard. That information is then routed to the local One Call center, and utility companies will typically send technicians out to mark underground . feet in both directions. This free 811coordination service will mark the location of utilities up to the point where the lines make their initial connection to the home or service meter. Figure out how much digging youre prepared to undergo, as this determines the type of wire youll need to have installed around your house. Gary Evans is passionate about home improvement. Acidic water can be an issue for copper pipes, but that can be resolved easily. Irrigation lines and landscape lighting conduits and cables are not identified by 811location services, so dig methodically and slowly, examining the excavation regularly for unexpected pipes and cables. Its best to be absolutely sure about the frost line before you start digging. if it fits three criteria: Inside PVC conduit, run THWN-2 conductors 18 in. Listed below are some of the different types of pipes that are used as supply lines. supply your home with gas, electricity, TV, and water, as well as remove sewage. Utility Locating Contractors who would like to be added to this alphabetical listing should contact the Virginia Utility Protection Service, Inc. Public Awareness & Training Department at info@vups.org or call our business office at (540) 985-9355. The national standard is 36 inches. In general, most states require gas lines at least 24-36 inches below ground with plenty of covers. You can also consult with a plumber to figure out how to put those lines in the same trench. Are you thinking of installing patios, decks, walls, or any other structure in your yard? In geographical areas with colder climates, private lines may need to be buried several feet under the ground to avoid frozen pipes. Contact them even when you plan to dig small holes. One thing you can face are the number of utility pipes and wires running through your yard at various depths. The law requires a call to 811 before digging. Where private companies have installed underground pipes or cables, contact the company and ask for assistance in locating them. Allow required time for marking. Click here to enter your Single Address Ticket. The minimum depth for underground electric cables is 24 inches, but 36 inches is the preferred depth for most electric utility companies that run high-voltage lines. In solid rock, sink them into the rock so the upper . If this is the service provider installing a line to your house, it is their line up to the tap inside your house. Main lines are usually found at least 24 inches deep, while service lines are usually 18 inches deep. Tickets entered on weekends or holidays will have time periods that begin at 7:00 AM on the second working day after they are entered. If it is just the service to your house, well, if it craps out and needs to be replaced, they won't be gentle with whatever is in the way. It may be possible that the locator spoke to someone at the job site, so check with your staff first. Please consider calling a professional service to check your garden for underground utility lines. This method is not conclusive. In reality this is mostly done by contractors and the shallower it's plowed or trenched the fast they can go and the more money they can make, so don't count on them being at any set depth. Your phone call will be routed to a central call center. If your neighbor doesnt know, you can call a plumber in the area. This is the one thats always underground to reduce the risk of contamination. On these ground marks, color codes reflect different utilities: Water pipes are buried 12 inches deep on average, however some are buried 12 inches deeper below the frost line. Additionally, inquire with the locality where new utility lines are to be placed underground about any local codes, standards, or regulations that specify minimum separation distances. If there is no field contact, call Virginia 811 for assistance. Average cost . If you need to excavate over a marked line and you need to know the depth for the installation of a driveway, etc., carefully expose the utility by hand digging at reasonable distances along the line of excavation as described in the Damage Prevention Act. They are easily found by typing "811(state name)" in the browser window. The depth of gas and utility lines will depend on your location because local governments set regulations. Wisconsin: Diggers Hotline 811 or 800-242-8511 Michigan: Miss Dig 811 or 800-482-7171 Clearance distances How do I remove a shrub that is directly over the painted utility location? Since July 1, 2002, Section 56-257 of the Code of Virginia has specified that underground utility lines must be installed at depths that are in accordance with accepted industry standards. Dont rely on the regulated depth. A qualified engineer will help ensure the new utility supply cable or pipe is installed correctly. First off, water lines must be buried so they dont get damaged constantly. Unless marked, trench locations are quickly forgotten. Direct-bury UF-B wire cable at a depth of 24 in. Usually, this is the water meter. That begins by knowing the depth of your frost line (or frost depth). Do not call more than 30 days before you begin your project. Every six minutes, an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without calling 811. Furthermore, they can help with digging, or perform work around or under public land. Many state laws require you to contact the central-line locating service at least 2 days before you start digging and excavating to prevent damage to underground utility lines. Click here for further information. Call before you dig811 or 1-800-552-7001 Once you have determined the exact location of the underground utility you will be able to safely work to remove the shrub. It is helpful to know the depth of different utility lines before digging so you can avoid them. For that reason, there are legal guidelines to help avoid incurring damages costs. December 24, 2021 Christmas (Observed) You should be fine as long as you abide by that rule. The only way to accurately determine the depth of a utility line is to carefully uncover it by hand digging. 0 0 If youre busy, you can ask your contractor to handle this part of the project. You can check with your citys zoning department or look for your areas interactive underground utility map on the web. Different states have rules and guidelines for these utility lines. Depending on conduit and wire used, you can deploy underground cable for transporting electrical power at varying depths. Doing so is better for the pipes and for your safety as well. This is especially helpful for non-public utility lines that were installed by private companies. That means every six minutes, a person digging risks everything from gross inconvenience to fines to repair costs to injury and even death. There can be any number of reasons why you might need to dig trenches or holes in your yard. However, you do need to keep them apart by some distance. It is important to know where the utility lines are buried so you can avoid them when digging in your backyard. November 26, 2021 Day After Thanksgiving Holiday Heres the breakdown. Workers will visit your property and mark the ground with paint or flags to indicate the location of underground utility wires and pipes. Natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline owners, sensitive communications line owners, and others may want to be on the job site when you dig near their lines. If you need to work closer than 20 feet, contact us to discuss how to make the area safe for everyone. Wait 2 full working days, beginning at 7 AM on the next working day after making contact, to give the utilities time to locate and mark the underground lines. When calling in ticket requests, please listen carefully as our phone menu options have changed. Over time it is possible that underground utility lines will rise towards the surface due to grading, erosion, etc. If you do not hear from them by the end of the marking period, use the field contact information on the e-mail confirmation from the Positive Response System to call the utility company. Copper pipes also have no trouble dealing with very hot or very cold water. When you call 811, the process works like this: In 2005, the U.S. federal government made 811the national number to call for alerting different regional services that coordinate location activities for underground public utilities throughout the country. They will also inquire about the reason behind your digging project. Different utility lines have different depths. Otherwise, it should pass at least 24 inches below ground. Do you wish to power a garage or a garden pond with electricity? Tips to Stay Safe. No. Both homeowners and contractors can contact 811. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Original A2A question: How deep are residential utility lines typically buried? However, they also provide an exception to that code, that allows cable companies to basically provide the cable no physical protection at all. link to How To Organize A Bathroom Closet. Do not attempt to repair the damage yourself. Some low-voltage underground wiring may be as shallow as 18 inches, whereas higher-voltage primary lines are at least 24 inches deep. And, an oak that shoots up 30 feet can have a set of roots that spread just as wide. Continue with Recommended Cookies. is large enough for the water feature) at a depth of 6 in. There was a time not too long ago when cast iron pipes were the top choice for water supply lines. It is more complicated to bury supply lines than sprinkler lines because the guidelines are different. Anyone who plans to dig should call 811 or visit the Virginia 811 website two to three business days before digging. The encasement must be a single structure with no open seams. If not, contact the operator (s) of the facilities that are not marked, Begin your excavation complying with OAR 952-001-0090 Even if you know the date of installation of an underground utility, there is no guarantee that the line will be at a standard depth. When a home passes from one owner to another, the locations of these utility lines are rarely communicated to the new owner. You wouldnt want to mess up with this network of pipelines. In colder climates, sewer and water lines are typically deep in the ground below the winter frost line. The answer to that depends on your location. Every digging job requires a call - even "small" projects like planting trees and shrubs. November 25, 2021 Thanksgiving Day Those pipes can last for several decades without leaking and they also inhibit the growth of bacteria. The Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act Rules contain certain clarifications to language and defines standards. However, there are general guidelines. Most utility companies will not provide depth information because of the potential for error, even when using the latest electronic equipment. Trenching cost. http://www.vita.virginia.gov/isp/default.aspx?id=12096. Be sure to request your ticket at least 3 working days before you plan to dig. You risk damaging cables and wires that can also potentially harm you anytime you dig below 12 deep. When working around buried facilities, remember that main lines are typically at least 2 feet deep while service lines are only at about 18 inches deep. Every operator having the right to install underground utility lines shall install such underground utility lines at depths required by accepted industry standards. Fortunately, there are effective ways to pinpoint the location of underground utility lines before you dig. I once found a gas line buried about 6 inches deep under my own lawn, by sticking the tine of a garden fork through it. Many utilities are members of groups that map and record the locations of ALL subterranean lines, such as electricity, cable, phone, and gas lines. Virginia 811 notifies participating utilities of the upcoming excavation work so they can locate and mark their underground facilities in advance to prevent possible damage to underground utility lines, injury, property damage and service outages. Telecom cables come in different varieties. Furthermore, you should place sand around the cable to keep rocks from pushing against it and interfering with the signal. So, how deep should a water line be buried? Representatives for the relevant utility companies still need to visit your property and note where their lines are buried. VA811 does not endorse any particular contract locating firm. Remember the utility can be up to 2 feet away from the mark. Different states have rules and guidelines for these utility lines. After contacting 811, they will ask you to supply some information. Remember, you may begin excavation as soon as all utilities have responded that their facilities have been marked or that they have no facilities in the construction area. The National Electrical Code has code explaining how to protect direct-buried broadband communications cables. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Even in severely cold places, sewer lines do not freeze, but they must have a slope, so the depth varies widely, and the depth also depends on the depth of the street sewer. Q: Do I really need to call? We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. They will mark it and may dig it up. The public utility owners who receive the notice locate their lines or hire utility locating contractors to do this work. A list of Federal and Virginia state Holidays. While it's ideal to bring a wire or pipe in a straight line, this may not always be the case. A water line should be buried 4-6 below the lowest depth of frost in the ground so that it doesn't freeze and burst. And when installed near a road, it should be laid in a manner that prevents future conflicts in case of road improvement projects. May 30, 2022 Memorial Day If you are a homeowner, working on your own property, or a professional excavator working at a single address, click here to enter your ticket using our Single Address Tickets program. For buried electrical cable, service lines (the lines that run into a home) are typically buried 18 to 24 inches and primary lines (those that provide power to a general area) are usually 36 to 48 . Electric: Minimum of . The lead time required varies from region to region. Even a shovel can cut pvc, I've seen it and done it. To find a water line course from the street to your house, find the place where it enters your yard by the water meter. Follow the links under each centre to either visit the local damage . For example, in case of placement near road crossings, unfinished road, or drainage ditches, experts recommend laying the fiber 30-42 inches deep.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'toppickguide_com-leader-1','ezslot_6',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-toppickguide_com-leader-1-0'); Additional factors to consider when laying fiber optics cables is climate. Contract companies that have buried underground pipes or wires. Thats a no, especially when dealing with gas, water, or electric lines. Other types of underground wires are direct burial and tech 90 cables. Box 608 Chesterfield, VA 23832-0009 Phone : 804-748-1271 Fax : 804-751-4607 Hours Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (excluding holidays) Water and Wastewater Emergencies 804-748-1310 If you have difficulties such as the roots are severely tangled up with the lines you may want to contact the utility company that owns/services the line for further assistance. Youll want professionals to help you form the right trench, do the ductwork, and make sure the connections meet safety codes. There are 1 Call utility numbers to call. Many states will regulate how deep or shallow your sewer line should be. Most plumbing companies have the tools to locate sewer lines and record the depth at various intervals. It is important to call 811 to find out if there is anything in the way that would prevent you from burying a water line. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. "utility lines are almost always buried at proper depths; however, there is no guarantee that someone did not change the grading of the property" This. Before you use that shovel in your hand, read this. Section 21.40 - Underground Utilities (a) General. Click here for further information on reporting an incident to the SCC. Contact Virginia 811before you dig. Under your driveway, the conduits must be below a depth of 18 inches, and under a public road or alleyway, they must be buried below 24 inches. This depth also makes it easy to repair or maintain your sprinkler line if there is a problem. It carries wastes from properties to disposal or treatment facilities. You may also run them at a depth of 4 inches under a 4-inch concrete slab. How To Keep Shallow Water Lines From Freezing (Do This! for example 3 = 2003. If it is a recorded easement (like if it also serves the neighbors), the overbuilding restrictions will be spelled out. Trenching services charge $35 to $65 per hour for labor. Frost lines are primarily determined based on the climate in the area, so states with warm weather or mild winters typically have frost lines below 12. It supplies water in your home and makes it possible to have garden irrigation, or construct a swimming pool. The main advantage of laying water pipelines underground is to prevent impact from human activity. In general, bury metal conduits at least 6 inches below the soil surface. There are strict rules and guidelines regarding the type of work and materials. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These paint marks will help minimize any potential damages to underground utility lines during excavation. You should bury a water line below the frost depth line so that it doesnt freeze in extremely cold temperatures. Javascript must be enabled for the page to display correctly. The type of pipe you use for your water supply lines can greatly affect the quality of your plumbing for years. They need to be checked regularly to ensure that rust particles do not contaminate your water. The answer is yes. Drawings with detailed measurements are required to be on file for new homes and there may be records available for older homes. Generally, you will find underground water lines deeper than other utility lines. In some areas there are aggregated services similar to the nationwide onebut on a smaller, regional scale. These secondary lines are considered to be the owner's property, not the utility company's. One is located at our Blue Hills Circle office in Roanoke, VA (server A) and the other is located at our office in the Roanoke Higher Education Center (server B). Identifying the frost line for your specific neighborhood can be a bit tricky. Exposed water lines are more susceptible to wear and tear. Virginia state law defines an emergency as follows Emergency means a sudden or unexpected occurrence involving a clear and imminent danger, demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss of, or damage to, life, health, property, or essential public services. Above all, keep records, measure, take pictures, and document for future purposes. That's why it's so important to pick an . If there are extraordinary circumstances, you must be notified and marking must be completed within96 hours (four working days beginning at 7 AM on the next working day after the call) unless a longer time is agreed upon by both parties. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years. Contact Virginia 811 and request re-marking (This is called a re-mark ticket.) If the pipe cannot be buried to code-required depth, the code may provide some concessions for burying the line higher. For example, municipal power that enters the home through the service drop is not part of the 811 program. Our center operates 24 /7. Covering over a damaged utility line may lead to a serious accident later as the weakened line corrodes or weathers. If used, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe shall be glued with an appropriate adhesive, bonded, or . Check them out to see which one will be best for your home. (Read Electric Stove Wiring Requirements). Utility operators or their contract locators locate and mark their own utilities. Click hereto see the Virginia Marking Standards booklet. VGINs map data gives us access to orthophotography in addition to the streets and roads. The next three characters (182) indicate the day of issue the 182nd day of the year. December 31, 2021 New Years Day (Observed). Our SoftDig system has been locating underground utility lines in North America, Europe and Australia since 1959. Find the water lines entry point to your home and imagine a straight line between the two spots to see where your water line runs. Water and gas pipelines can run in the same trench, but electricity and gas cannot. The minimum depth requirement of a direct burial cable is 24 inches, except when installed under a concrete slab with a minimum thickness of 2 inches. All you have to do is call the national phone number and inform the operator where you intend to dig. The Code of Virginia defines Legal Holidays inTitle 2.2, Chapter 33, Section 2.2-3300. He is a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board. January 17, 2022 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day This will prevent any interference with existing power lines. Yes, you can enter notices 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Check online by searching Utility Locating or visit the National Utility Locating Contractors Association website atwww.nulca.orgfor more information. ), How To Cap Off The Water Line To A Refrigerator (Do This! How deep are gas pipelines? Water and gas pipelines can run in the same. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Copyright 2023 - Toppickguide. September 5, 2022 Labor Day 811 is free and easy to use: 3-4 days before digging, either call 811 from anywhere in the U.S. or make a request through your state's 811 center website . Now that your property has newly installed underground facilities, remember to call 811 before any digging project and dig with care. Direct-bury GFCI-protected underground feeder cable with a short length of PVC conduit at the home for a 12-inch-deeper trench. the utilities) that own and maintain underground lines in the area. Are you having a trench dug and need to know the depth? How to Soften Wood for Axe Throwing 7 Popular Methods, 5 Best Types of Wood for Knife Throwing (Pros & Cons of Each), How to Tell If Firewood is Seasoned (for Beginners), When To Split Firewood & Why It is Necessary (5 Common Mistakes), Do Propane Heaters Produce Carbon Monoxide? However, in some instances, the line may not have been installed, or it could be damaged and needs to be replaced. To request Web Ticket Entry training, please visit ourTraining sectionfor information on how to get training. Virginia as specified within this section and other sections of this manual. They will be protected well at that depth and you can still get to them easily if a replacement becomes necessary. July 4, 2022 Independence Day Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the process: Using 811 marks is advised, although they are only good for a month. Required fields are marked *. The utility provider or an underground records firm can come to your home and mark the locations of underground lines, so you know where they are. These web sites also offer a wealth of information on how to plan and execute a safe excavation. November 11, 2021 Veterans Day Placing them underground can stop that from happening. Get the plans from your local pipeline operator, map out the area via GPRs and find out what the pipes are carrying. Attached Graphic (A) Underground utility facilities crossing the highway shall be encased as shown in Figure 21.40(a)(1). Q: How deep are the underground utility lines buried? During the technician's visit, they'll be able to determine if the underground . Utilities Email Department of Utilities Physical Address View Map 9840 Government Center Parkway Chesterfield, VA 23832 Directions Mailing Address P.O. Call 811 at least three days prior to when youdig; depending on your location, this timeframe may vary. They will contact your local utility companies to send their teams to map the pipeline layout. It reduces the risk of damage due to human activity such as sabotage, theft, and illegal connections. In colder regions, for example, sewer and water lines can be buried deep below the winter frost line. In some cases, the actual location and marking will be done by private companies working under contract with the utility companies. Using these, you have access to the interior wires above ground level. Virginia 811 offers free training on the Act and the Damage Prevention program. You can find the phone number on your latest bill or on the utilitys website. Homeowners have important role in ensuring underground utilities and underground private lines are protected. FAQs. If you do not provide an e-mail address or a fax number, Virginia law requires that you call our Positive Response System at 1-800-552-3120 before any digging begins. You obviously dont want lead anywhere near your water supply. If there is a dangerous or emergency situation, call 911 immediatelyand clear the area.