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AR15.COM
2/16/2015 4:12:51 PM EDT
I am digging a hole 18" deep to lay conduit in (power for my new shed/reloading building). The width is only as wide as my shovel. Is there any reason I should be concerned about digging under my foundation?

I don't want to drill into the foundation because I need the conduit to run deep to keep it below the frost line.

My house was build in 1992.
2/16/2015 4:55:48 PM EDT
[#1]
Cant you dig it out put conduit through and fill with cement ?
2/16/2015 5:59:31 PM EDT
[#2]
I can reinforce when I am done. I was going to pack it with gravel. Concrete may be a better option. I just want to make sure when I do the dig I am not going to have my foundation crack.

I mentioned it was built in '92 because I think the foundation would have had rebar installed, but I am not sure. I was 9 at the time.
2/16/2015 6:09:52 PM EDT
[#3]
If you are in the middle of the run and not on a corner I would not be too concerned myself but I am not a contractor.

If you want to minimize the hole you can do what I have done to run sprinkler line under a sidewalk....
Get a length of 3/4 pvc pipe and glue a fitting on one end that will accept a hose nozzle and put one of the sweeper nozzles on it (pointed tip).  Then put a fitting on the other end that will accept the male end of the hose (they make some that have a rotating collar).  Now you can bore a small hole to feed the pipe thru with minimal disruption.
2/16/2015 8:31:19 PM EDT
[#4]
Rigid conduit only needs 6 inches of cover.
2/16/2015 11:39:04 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Quoted:
If you are in the middle of the run and not on a corner I would not be too concerned myself but I am not a contractor.

If you want to minimize the hole you can do what I have done to run sprinkler line under a sidewalk....
Get a length of 3/4 pvc pipe and glue a fitting on one end that will accept a hose nozzle and put one of the sweeper nozzles on it (pointed tip).  Then put a fitting on the other end that will accept the male end of the hose (they make some that have a rotating collar).  Now you can bore a small hole to feed the pipe thru with minimal disruption.
View Quote


That is smart!
2/17/2015 10:39:24 AM EDT
[#6]
You'll be ok, Benb.

If you do decide to fill the hole with concrete for strength or to prevent water infiltration you may want to cover the pipe with about an inch of gravel.  That will provide a bond break just in case things move.
2/17/2015 12:15:44 PM EDT
[#7]
ALL buried conduit fills with water.
2/17/2015 7:16:55 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Quoted:
ALL buried conduit fills with water.
View Quote


I was speaking about a bond break if the OP used concrete to prevent surface water etc or foundation tile from leaking through the fill gravel and into the crawl space..
2/18/2015 9:53:48 AM EDT
[#9]
I wouldn't undermine the footing at a corner.

1. Trench
2. Lay conduit
3. Cover with a minimum of 1" of fill material
4. Bulkhead 1' off the footing and pour concrete to top of footing and vibrate (or stab with rebar, beat form with hammer).