Funny you say that. I asked one of the telco linemen out here what the code was on burial depth for phone lines, and he said there is no code. I do however agree that if a phone line is buried right next to an existing sprinkler, then the telco is responsible for repairing any breaks on their dime. It's one thing to utilize existing trenches for wire runs, but when I see wire run right next to a sprinkler (landscape lighting is the most common that I see) many very dirty words come flying out of my mouth.
In Missouri there is NO code as to how deep phone or TV has to be burried. My area is very rocky and I have cut phone lines as shallow as 2 inches. The contractos just get it deep enogh that it cant been seen and call it good.
I don't see how they can expect us to call for locates if we are just going to be digging up a head or two. They would have to employ one more person just to take care of my stuff. I can have myself and my guys go to 20-30 homes in a day, and there is always potential to dig up a sprinkler head. So they can either hire someone at $20k-$40k just to locate MY jobs for 8 months, or they can eat a $100 repair once in a while.
I seem to recall, last year, in CO, that they made an amendment to the "Call before you dig" law (rule?) that said routine irrigation and lawn repairs/work were no longer required to be located.
I seem to recall, last year, in CO, that they made an amendment to the "Call before you dig" law (rule?) that said routine irrigation and lawn repairs/work were no longer required to be located.
I seem to luck out as relates to phone lines. They always seem to be deep enough to be out of easy reach. Cable TV is another matter.
Ever see the cable TV installs in neighborhoods with underground utilities, in that time period before boring missiles came into use? You'd see where they rock-sawed the street, to drop in a cable, and pave over it.
In Missouri there is NO code as to how deep phone or TV has to be burried. My area is very rocky and I have cut phone lines as shallow as 2 inches. The contractos just get it deep enogh that it cant been seen and call it good.
Did a lanscape renovation a few years back where phone line was laid on the ground just before they rolled the sod. Need less to say it was probably the HO or shady contractor. For new construction (in CA) no code for low voltage, however all new construction they go 18". The renovations are usually nightmares. Posted via Mobile Device
Seriously, I do understand the need for calling in for locates. But realistically there is no way I am having 20-30 homes a day called in for what may or may not need digging. If I'm sitting in the office all day coordinating this crap, or hiring someone else to do it, my rates go up and I'm already on the high end for my area.
Quite often when I call for locates, only phone and cable get located. The main utilities don't bother showing up half the time.
One little story. I was working on an install many moons ago, before I was on my own. And one of the landscape guys was hammering in the 12" stake that holds the metal edging in place that is between the grass and rock. As he was hammering in the stake, he hit the electric that fed the house. Knocked the sh!t out of him, went to the hospital, and was OK. But the grade had changed over the years before they got there, and the electric was now less than 12" deep.
you subtle dog you, it's all about the eye dude jealous bastards all of you :laugh: i think that pretty women should be made aware that their beauty enhances the lives of others, and by golly i'm gonna tell 'em.
as far as the depth of laterals and minimum cover requirements for low voltage utilities goes, we're not going to get anything in writing to help the trade in respect to liability.
it's to your advantage to own a locator of some sort and learn to use it well, the 521/pro-700 is ok for all around locating but they use a 1748khz signal which can bleed to other paths easily. if you are in a congested area, locate the deepest utilities first and check depth both ways to verify the utility.
i have had very few damages due to my locating all usa markings that are done by others.
I bought a used RD from ex-wifes company (she works for a private locating company, hence how we met 12 yrs ago). Never liked the 521, nor tried the 700. Dynatel is nice too. Posted via Mobile Device
I bought a used RD from ex-wifes company (she works for a private locating company, hence how we met 12 yrs ago). Never liked the 521, nor tried the 700. Dynatel is nice too. Posted via Mobile Device
I used to, now it's about every other month. Other LS contractors call me for their problems. Never advertised it. Usually pull out metal detector first to give them sh&t... "I'm paying him how much for this?!" lol only a few contractors here have the 521 (like 5 maybe). Posted via Mobile Device
I used to, now it's about every other month. Other LS contractors call me for their problems. Never advertised it. Usually pull out metal detector first to give them sh&t... "I'm paying him how much for this?!" lol only a few contractors here have the 521 (like 5 maybe). Posted via Mobile Device
She sleeps later than I do. i'm using you guys to kill time alittle in the morning with coffee.
We are having a blast though. Gottalove those cask beers. Stockholm was beautiful and the Vasa Museum was spectacular if you love old sailing war ships.
1idejim - I had better results with the RD. Each machine has its own "personallity", just found her sweet spot. The 521 was the first machine I used though. Never tried the 700. Posted via Mobile Device
Peep page 1. The changes are BOLDED as "ROUTINE EXCAVATION"
"EXCAVATION"
SHALL NOT INCLUDE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON EXISTING PLANTED
LANDSCAPES.....
...."ROUTINE MAINTENANCE" MEANS A REGULAR ACTIVITY THAT
HAPPENS AT LEAST ONCE PER YEAR ON AN EXISTING PLANTED LANDSCAPE IF
EARTH IS NOT DISTURBED AT A DEPTH OF MORE THAN TWELVE INCHES BY
NONMECHANICAL MEANS OR FOUR INCHES BY MECHANICAL MEANS AND IF
THE ACTIVITIES ARE NOT INTENDED TO PERMANENTLY LESSEN THE GROUND
COVER OR LOWER THE EXISTING GROUND CONTOURS. MECHANICAL
EQUIPMENT USED FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE TASKS SHALL BE DEFINED AS
AERATORS, HAND-HELD ROTOTILLERS, SOIL INJECTION NEEDLES, LAWN
EDGERS, OVERSEEDERS, AND HAND TOOLS.
Looks like you need to dig with your bare hands past 4 inches to stay safe... At least the phone line at 1/2", you are covered on.
A forum community dedicated to lawn care and landscaping professionals and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!