Directional Bore

Jim_65

Thank you for your response. I am not aware of the "Thumper" but I will look into it. We always call for a utility location prior to any ground work. But that isn't to say I am not concerned with the experience of hitting a gas main. Plus I have also thought of the insurance being an issue. Not only now but in the future.

I will contact Wirsbo and look into what they have to offer. I have also made contact with Logstor / Urecon in hopes that they may shed some light on this for me.

One of the major issues that we are up against is the distance from point A to B. We have three seperate areas that are approximately 300' away from the physical plant. Does anyone know if this can be accomplished safely in one pull?

Thank you all for your valued input.

Jim

Jim_65

Directional Bore

I am in need of assistance from my fellow Wallies.

I have a contractor who is interested in having us design and install a snowmelt system for an existing building. In the past we have trenched the earth and insulated our distribution piping with out any issues. However, this client is adament that we do not disturb the existing landscaping. They are strongly suggesting to go with Directional Boring to get from point A to B. My question is: Does anyone know of a product that is approved for this type of application and not only is flexible to be installed in this fashion but is also insulated.

I am aware of a insulated pex product but I am trying to cover my bases and see if there is something else out there to work with.

Thanks in advance!
Jim

Dave Yates (PAH)

test drive tomorrow

We're test driving a "thumper" tomorrow. Given the enthusiasm expressed by our men to drop the sledgehammer and work smarter, I suspect we'll be buying this tool. Either that or I'll have a mutiny on my hands!



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jerry scharf_3

ecoflex???

Check with wirsbo to see if it can be pulled. It's pipe and insulation in a single bundle and designed for direct burial. You will need to cut a fairly large hole, so you may be talking a bigger rig that the standard 2-3" units.

jerry

Dale

Thumper

We call them a bullet and have dozens in several sizes. We like the Vermeer brand best. Plumbers in our area use them to replace lead water services, shooting from inside to out at the water main. Usually works fine except when they hit the gas main. Blew one house to bits (guy is out of business as no one would insure him after that) and another plumbing co. just about did it again last summer. If you use this tool remember it's excavation and must be one called prior to use. After the one call utilities crossed must be exposed. And, lesson learned, MEASURE the path first and mark the bullet hose in feet so you know how far you are. It's really easy to shoot at an angle and miss the gas main view hole to hit the gas main or fiber optic, or sewer line somewhere else. Since the bullet sometimes won't come back and it's expensive we have locators on each truck and can put a signal on the bullet hose to find it and know where to dig. Shut off all pilot lights first if you shoot from the inside, and get everyone to agree on what to do if 60psi gas comes back along the bullet hose hole. Answer, everyone out immediatly and 300 feet away until the main is shut off, gas co. and 911, not your office, to be called immediately. Office later. Bullet is a great tool if used carefully, directional drill is too but can get you into even more trouble.

Dave Yates (PAH)

thumper

30' in 25 minutes! No skinned knuckles & no sweat. Hit the mark on the dot.

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Jim_65

Thanks Dave. Was the 30' you mentioned the total distance you had to pull in it's entirety or ???

Did you sleeve and then pull the insulated pex thru or did you just pull pex without a sleeve. I am sorry for the questions but I am struggling with how I am going to go 300' on three seperate areas.

Thanks again.
Jim

Dave Yates (PAH)

it was

3/4" K copper

The "thumper" demo'd today can go 100' max (we were using the 2" dia model).

We're looking at this for water service lines in replacement modes for the most part.

One of my concerns is/was loosing one if it gets deflected, but the air hose is braided and we can trace that with our Ridgid Navitrak. Also, the thumper beastie has reverse mode.



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Jim_65

Thanks again for the insite. I appreciate it!