There are various reasons you might need to tunnel beneath a sidewalk or driveway, but the two most typical are building an irrigation system or installing outdoor lighting. Both jobs will almost certainly necessitate the installation of a supply line beneath an existing hard surface.
One approach is to dig a trench by removing a strip of concrete or asphalt, but some alternatives are less drastic. Using water pressure to drill through the soil is one such method that requires little additional equipment.
If you’ve ever tried to install landscape lighting, irrigation systems, or underground plumbing on a lawn, there’s a good chance you’ve run into a sidewalk or driveway. Although boring under sidewalks and driveways may not be a part of every work, knowing you’re prepared for any situation is helpful.
You only need the correct equipment and know-how to take on additional boring, horizontal jobs. When building conduit and irrigation systems, the horizontal boring attachments can help you get around obstructions like sidewalks, streets, and driveways.
Table of Contents
Ways To Bore Under Driveways
Manual Installation
There are various easy solutions for boring without much equipment for individuals on a tight budget. One method is to force a pipe through the ground using a hammer physically and raw brute might.
Repetitive stress injuries, the chance of slipping and hurting the operator, workers’ compensation claims, and so on are all risks associated with this technology.
It’s also time-consuming, has limited power for cutting through rigid materials, and might result in uneven installation. Ensure that all personnel use protective gear and are aware of their surroundings during this procedure to improve safety.
Use A Pressure Washer With Zero Degree Nozzle
Another manual option is to power through the ground with a pressure washer with a zero-degree nozzle. This procedure may cause the sidewalk to crack.
It’s also potentially dangerous because loose soil and pebbles can fly out throughout the procedure. Wearing protective gear, similar to the sledgehammer method, can lessen the danger of injury.
A duckbill shovel or spade is used in a third way that requires less equipment. This time-consuming procedure demands much effort and frequently results in digging at odd angles. Repetitive action can cause injury to workers, and this strategy can significantly lengthen the time it takes to complete a project.
Use Piercing Tools
Impact moles, often known as piercing instruments, are widely employed to dig beneath roads and other big paved surfaces. An air compressor activates the mole head. Moles are precise and come in various sizes, but their price tag might be prohibitive for those on a tight budget.
Despite being smaller and less expensive than directional drills, they can still be expensive to buy or rent. Moles also require two or more persons to operate and several processes and time for assembly, making them inconvenient for smaller projects.
Horizontal Boring Kits
Some manufacturers sell accessories for mechanical earth drills that turn them into horizontal boring machines. The attachments are designed for smaller jobs, such as boring under sidewalks and driveways and are simple to use by one person.
Conduit, pipe, and irrigation systems can all be installed with earth drills. A horizontal boring kit is not only easier to use than many other ways, but it is also less expensive.
Another advantage of these attachments is that they are light and maneuverable. As a result, they are appropriate for usage in residential environments.
Compared to driving the pipe through the pavement with a sledgehammer, the drills allow operators to install underground sprinkler systems and run lighting in half the time and with half the effort. The ergonomic usage of a drill, instead of a more laborious approach, is perhaps the most remarkable feature.
Steps To Bore Under Driveway
Needed Tools And Supplies
- An earth drill
- PVC pipe
- Hose nozzle
- Tape measure
- A hammer
- You’ll only need the dry auger kit and Earth Drill for a project that requires it. You’ll also need a garden hose to use the wet drilling kit.
- Make a water drill from the materials you have on hand. 4 feet longer than the width of the driveway, cut a length of PVC pipe, and if necessary, join two pipe lengths. Pipe cement one end of the male hose adapter and the other end of the PVC female hose adaptor. Connect the male end to a sweeper nozzle or another high-pressure hose nozzle.
- Place the Sidewalk Sleever a few inches beneath the pavement and tap it in. This will allow the tool to raise itself off the ground, making it easier to install and remove.
- Allow water pressure to bore into the earth by inserting the drill tip into the trench’s end. Push the drill under the driveway until the tip emerges on the opposite side. Moving the drill back and forth in the hole to dislodge debris if required. Using a PVC cutter or saw, cut off the adapters. To complete the system, connect the pipe to the remainder of the components.
- Simply grip the tool’s impacted end and pull it out of the installed pipe once the tool and pipe are visible at the other end. If necessary, use the hammer to help the sidewalk Sleever slip out of the pipe by tapping the pointed end of the instrument.
- You are all done!
What Is The Cost To Bore Under Driveway?
It costs $20 to $70 per foot to drill a residential bore under a driveway or, on average, $4,000 to $16,000 for an entire system and installation. Prices include drilling, a pump, casing, wiring, and other items. The depth of the well and its diameter have a significant impact on overall expenditures.
Final Words
Above all, it’s almost impossible to add the bore under the driveway at the initial stages of installation. You may need to bore the driveway again or later to add something new. At that point, you can surely add a new bore to the driveway by following the mentioned guidelines and steps.
Moreover, you can hire a professional for the tedious process if you are uncomfortable doing it yourself. Hopefully, this article will help bore under the driveway without touring or replacing it entirely.
