A Guide to Installing Wires or Drainage Beneath a Sidewalk or Driveway – Embracing Outdoor Challenges

by Your New House June 21, 2023, 11:56 am 39 Comments

**Title: Hydraulic Mining: How to Install Drainage Under a Sidewalk or Driveway**

**Description:**

Are you looking for a hassle-free method to install drainage under a sidewalk or driveway? In this video, we’ll teach you how to use hydraulic mining techniques to achieve this without the need to cut the concrete. Plus, we’ll provide links to the tools and materials you’ll need for the project.

**Tools and Materials:**

– Spade [[source]](https://amzn.to/3kmbADX)
– Mallet [[source]](https://amzn.to/2XGQkiG)
– Pressure washer [[source]](https://amzn.to/3ifHaBm)
– Safety goggles [[source]](https://amzn.to/3knruy3)
– Drain pipe or tile [[source]](https://amzn.to/31u3C2Z) [[source]](https://amzn.to/2XGsq6T)
– Scrap piece of 2X4
– PVC pipe
– Screws
– Fitting to connect drain tile to PVC pipe [[source]](https://amzn.to/33KRRI6)

**Steps Involved In Hydraulic Mining:**

1. Dig a pit on the side of the sidewalk closest to the house.
2. Dig a trench on the opposite side of the sidewalk.
3. Start the hole on the trench side of the sidewalk and seat the PVC pipe in it by placing the 2X4 against the end of the PVC and lightly tapping it into place with a mallet.
4. Attach the water hose to the spigot and pressure washer.
5. Start the pressure washer.
6. Place the nozzle into the PVC pipe and pull the trigger.
7. As the mud and water begins to flow back out of the PVC pipe, periodically drive the PVC pipe further into the hole using the 2X4 and mallet.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until the pipe starts to come through the other side.
9. Drive the PVC pipe into the hole with the mallet and 2X4 until equal amounts of it are on either side of the sidewalk.
10. Place the drain tile into the trench.
11. Attach the drain tile to the PVC pipe with the fittings and use a screw to secure them.
12. Cover the drain tile with the dirt from the trench.

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Due to requests, I am now including links to products when possible. These links are provided for reference, no company or individual paid to be in this video. Depending on the vendor, a small commission might be paid and would be used to support adding content to this channel.
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Instructions for Hydraulic Mining

Hydraulic mining is actually a method of mining gemstones! We’ve adapted it and used it as a method of digging a hole under an existing sidewalk or driveway without having to cut the concrete. It is useful for placing drain tile, pipes, or electrical wiring.

Tools Needed
Spade: https://amzn.to/3kmbADX
Mallet: https://amzn.to/2XGQkiG
Pressure washer: https://amzn.to/3ifHaBm
Safety goggles: https://amzn.to/3knruy3

Materials Needed
Drain pipe: https://amzn.to/31u3C2Z or tile: https://amzn.to/2XGsq6T
Scrap piece of 2X4
PVC pipe
Screws
Fitting to connect drain tile to PVC pipe: https://amzn.to/33KRRI6

Steps Involved In Hydraulic Mining

Dig a pit on the side of the sidewalk closest to the house.

Dig a trench on the opposite side of the sidewalk.

Start the hole on the trench side of the sidewalk and seat the PVC pipe in it by placing the 2X4 against the end of the PVC and lightly tapping it into place with a mallet.

Attach the water hose to the spigot and pressure washer.

Start the pressure washer.

Place the nozzle into the PVC pipe and pull the trigger.

As the mud and water begins to flow back out of the PVC pipe, periodically drive the PVC pipe further into the hole using the 2X4 and mallet. You must have the pipe aimed slightly upward- this allows the mud to flow back out of it.

Repeat steps 6 and 7 until the pipe starts to come through the other side.

Drive the PVC pipe into the hole with the mallet and 2X4 until equal amounts of it are on either side of the sidewalk.

Place the drain tile into the trench.

Attach the drain tile to the PVC pipe with the fittings and use a screw to secure them.

Cover the drain tile with the dirt from the trench.