How to dig a hole under the foundation.
Fiddler110
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I need to run a 3/4″ pipe under the footing of the house foundation in order to add a new outdoor hose bib away from the house. I figure I’ll use PVC and bury the pipe about as deep as the bottom of the foundation footer, say at least 8″ maybe 10″. This is California at 2000 ft altitute so it’s not a big problem.
My question is: How do I dig under the footer? I could do it with a shovel, sure, but it would be difficult. Isn’t there an auger that I can fit in my drill for this? Or, I have heard of using a garden hose with the water on full to drill a hole through there. The ground appears to be just soil, no big rocks.
Replies
I wouldn't go under a footer this way, but I've gone under walkways with a water blaster set up-
Get a length of 3/4" PVC, glue a slip by hose thread fitting on one end, and screw your garden hose into that. Then jab that sucker in there, making a big muddy mess, which erodes a channel after a while.
This seems a bit sloppy for going under a foundation, it will wash out quite a bit of supporting soil. I guess if you've got enough rebar in there, it'll bridge the gap ok, but I'd urge against it.
You can't go through the cripple wall somewhere? Or core/drill through the footing?
k
Why not drill thru the foundation above ground, or thru the band joist? Are you affraid of the pipe freezing (not sure what part of CA you live and if freezing is an issue)?
How deep is the current footer?
I would NOT use water blasting method; you could disrupt the foundation too much.
Quantum materiae materietur marmota monax si marmota monax materiam possit materiari?
Perhaps you could pound a section of capped pipe through using a sledge or rotary hammer drill or whatever. Then remove the cap and slide your water pipe through the inside.
Rent a rotohammer with a long 1 1/4" masonry bit. The bit will go thru easily and then you can push in a pvc pipe.
mike