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Jan 1, 20223 min read

HOW TO LAY A PIPE UNDER A PATH/ MDPE Mains supply or Irrigation pipes.

In this video I talk you through how to install a pipe under a concrete path, without digging up all the concrete with a jack or rotary hammer. This avoids re-concreting and excessive clean-up.


First, I give you an overview of the MDPE pipes being installed and the concrete slab under which the pipes will be laid. I then talk you through how to make entry points either side of the concrete slab. On one side we will dig with a spade whereas the other end is positioned against the house and therefore a hole has to be cut through the concrete using a jack or rotary hammer.


Next, I mentioned a couple of ways to run your pipe under the pathway, depending on the length you're trying to cross. I have a long way to cross and my soil is mostly clay, therefore a traditional method of drilling through the soil with a water jet will not work for me. This is usually achieved by attaching a hose or pressure washer to a pipe and creating a jet at the other end which “drills” through the soil. The water loosens the soil which allows you to hammer the pipe forwards as you mole your way under the path, great if there’s no rocks, stones or clay.


So, I’m having to engineer an alternative approach by using a 68mm round downpipe to "drill" through the clay. The pipe is inserted into the hole and hammered a short distance in the direction I would like to cross. The pipe is then retracted, using a twisting motion if its slightly stuck, and the soil/ clay is removed. The pipe is then reinserted in the hole and the process is repeated to manually drill through to the other side. I added water to further soften the clay but too much will result in the pipe getting stuck and being unable to retract it. Also if the pipe gets wet its very slippery to try and pull it out.


The next step is to get the pipe through to the other side and then to leave it in the ground to act as a conduit through which you can run your MDPE pipes for your water mains supply or irrigation pipes.


Lastly I show you how to cut through the concrete at the other end before giving you some handy tips to run your pipes through the conduit and make your connections. Check out my video “How to connect MDPE Fittings” if you need help with your connections.


Stick around for the Fun Outtakes at the end of the video.


Happy Digging!! -- LINKS --


MDPE Pipes

► 20mm MDPE Pipe (25m): https://geni.us/20mmMDPEpipe25m (Amazon)

► 20mm MDPE Pipe (50m): https://geni.us/20mmMDPEpipe50m (Amazon)

► 25mm MDPE Pipe (25m): https://geni.us/25mmMDPEpipe25m (Amazon)

► 25mm MDPE Pipe (50m): https://geni.us/25mmMDPEpipe50m (Amazon)


MDPE Fittings

► 20mm Pipe liners: https://geni.us/20mmMDPEliners (Amazon)

► 25mm Pipe liners: https://geni.us/25mmMDPEliners (Amazon)

► 20mm MDPE Equal Tee: https://geni.us/20mmMDPEtee (Amazon)

► 25mm MDPE Equal Tee: https://geni.us/25mmMDPEtee (Amazon)


Tools

► Water Pump Pliers: https://geni.us/waterpumppliers (Amazon)

► Pipe Cutters: https://geni.us/Pipecutters (Amazon)

► Electrical Insulation Tape: https://geni.us/electape (Amazon)


Necessities:

Freshly brewed Coffee: Lavazza Qualita Rossa (Arabica & Robusta Medium Roast), Coffee Mate and no sugar thanks.

► Coffee ~ Freshly brewed: https://geni.us/LavCoffee (Amazon)

► Coffee creamer: https://geni.us/Coffeecreamer (Amazon)


Links to products and services may be affiliate links that provide a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I use Geniuslink to try and help ensure you are directed to the correct countries Amazon website.

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-- TIMESTAMPS --

00:00 Intro: How to lay pipes under a pathway

01:32 Step 1: Dig under Pathway (Entry Points)

01:54 STEP 2: Use Pipe as a Drill

03:35 STEP 3: Leave Pipe Underground (Conduit)

04:20 STEP 4: Cutting through Concrete

04:59 STEP 5: Tips to Connect Pipes

05:43 Fun Outtakes


*** PRODUCTS & TOOLS USED IN THIS VIDEO ***

  • 68mm Black Round Downpipe

  • 25mm MDPE Water Pipe & Fittings#

  • 25mm Grey Pipe Insulation

  • Jack/ Rotary Hammer

  • Hammer

  • Spade

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