How to Install a Trenched Power Line & Water Line
- 1). Call a locating company to mark any buried utilities in the proposed path of the trench. Once everything is located, dig the trench using the trencher or backhoe.
- 2). Dig the trench a minimum of 48 inches deep. Place the water line in the bottom of the trench. Use the trencher or backhoe to place 12 inches of backfill back into the trench to cover the water line. A minimum of 12 inches of backfill is required between the water line and the power cable.
- 3). Place the buried power cables on top of the 12 inches of backfill. If there are three power cables, place one wire on the left side of the trench. Place the other two wires in the center and on the right side of the trench. Once the power cables are in place, finish backfilling the trench.
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