A Man's Guide to Laying Pipe

Every year, hundreds of thousands of men in American households try to demonstrate their manhood by thrusting head first into tasks better left to the pro's. Threatened by the thought of a professional coming in to take care of their business, many men make noble, but sloppy attempts- leaving their significant others unsatisfied and frustrated. Laying pipe is an intricate process that requires skill, finesse, and the right tools. Laying pipe is a process that demands meticulous preparation and careful spreading. With a little research, every man can lay pipe like a pro!

No one gives much thought to a functioning septic tank. Once this system malfunctions- chaos ensues. Problems with the septic tank or field can cause yard flooding, sink holes, and toilets that back up when flushed. Waste that can not enter the septic tank or sewage system can return through other drains in the house including those in the bathtub and sinks.

Problems with septic systems can be attributed to poor initial instillation with the wrong pipe or upward angle of the pipes in the septic field. Roots often grow into the septic fields and cause blockages in the pipes. Replacing a septic field can be expensive. It is highly recommended to install new pipes and never attempt to repair old damaged pipes.

Before you begin any excavating work in your yard, make sure there are no phone or electrical lines in your work space. Second, you must check with your local government and inquire whether or need a permit for the job you are about to do. Many local authorities require you to have a soil sample completed before work begins to test for absorption rates.

Next, properly calculate the amount of water leaving your house and entering into the septic tank when replacing the septic field. If poor drainage is an issue, you will want to expand your septic field. Don’t forget to take into consideration all of the appliances in the house that use water, and whether or not your washing machine empties into the septic tank. If you are planning to add on to your home at any point, this is a good time to expand your septic fields for future growth.

The first step to replacing septic pipes is to dig the trenches according to your field design. When digging the space for the leach field, dig either four 25 feet long trenches or two 50 feet long trenches for a 1000 gallon septic tank. Each trench should be 4 feet wide and 4 feet deep. You should make your trenches so that they tilt downward , but no more than ¼-inch per 8 feet. It is recommended you place a 18 inch layer of gravel at the bottom of each trench. This will make leveling the pipe more accurate and create better drainage of septic waste. For proper drainage, trenches must be a minimum of 6 feet apart. This also helps avoid sink holes in your yard due to overflowing.

When laying pipe, size is the most important aspect to consider. You must purchase corrugated or ridged pipe specifically made for septic fields. Plastic accordian pipe is not recommended because it collapses under the weight of the ground above it. It is imperitive to lay the pipe flat and avoid an uphill angle which will hinder the flow of septic waste. Laying a few inches of left over gravel on top of the pipes is a way to create a protective barrier on top of the pipes and block roots from digging in. It is common for experts to apply a geotextile cloth on top of the pipes in the trenches as an added layer of protection from future blockage. Pipes must be fastened with metal clasps to prevent slipping and washout.

At this point, it is time to carefully cover the trenches with the plowed dirt. Many people call in a landscaper at this point to professionally grade the land. It is important to allow this area to settle for several weeks by not driving over the area. Large items such as sheds and above ground swimming pools should never be added above a septic field.

With the proper research and the right tools, any man can lay pipe like a pro.