The dos and don’ts of underground utility ducting repairs

Excavating and making repairs to underground utility ducting can be a difficult, even dangerous job - and one that could possibly result in more damage if not carried out correctly. Follow these essential dos and don’ts to ensure that you can carry out ducting repairs without fuss or further problems. 

Know what you’re tapping into

Before you start digging, make sure you know you are at the right spot, and be aware of what else may lie beneath your feet. It is estimated that an underground utility line is damaged every six minutes nationwide. This usually happens because someone started digging without knowing the location of their lines. We all know the “Call before you dig” signs that are a common sight across the country. It is vital that a professional utility line inspector is called out before you start to help you avoid expensive damage or even injury. 

Potholing provides precise underground utility location

Utility locator services will often mark the ground surface with colored flags and paint.  In areas where multiple utility lines are close to each other, it is important to have visual verification of the underground location.  It is too risky to use a backhoe or even a manual shovel, because either can potentially severe or puncture an underground line.  Instead, a process called potholing is used.  It is a form of hydroexcavation in which high pressure water is used to loosen the soil and create a flurry that is vacuumed up into a holding tank.  Inspection holes are typically six to twelve inches in diameter and can be backfilled easily. 

Use proper equipment and proper precautions

Every job is best carried out with the tools best suited to it. This goes as much for the installation and repair of pipelines as for anything else. First, ensure that you have the right kind of ducting for your project. If you are laying cable or pipes for short distances, it is best to use a 20ft length of smooth-walled PVC. A longer run requires coils of flexible PE - 80 to 150ft in length. Also, use the correct color pipes. Pipes are color-coded according to their function. Sewer or drainage pipes are green, for example, while those carrying drinking water are blue. Check which code is appropriate for your project and select the right color PVC or PE piping.

You will also need a powerful PE glue to help you join your length of pipe. GRA Services has formulated PE Fusion, which creates long-lasting bonds between HDPE pipe lengths, as well as between HDPE and fittings made of other materials. Be sure to include this in your underground ducting toolkit.

GRA Services has been operating since 1994 and is focused on developing new products to preserve physical assets in the utility industry. Our solutions are focused on both installation of new assets, and repairs of existing ones. Contact us for more information on how our systems can help with your repairs to underground utility ducting.