Install Underground Utilities
At 0:06 in
So exciting to watch this go up
What happens here
In the areas previously designated for bathrooms, kitchens, or other utility connections, carefully dig trenches into the compacted sub-base. Install the appropriate PVC pipes for drainage (DWV - drain, waste, vent), water supply lines, and any electrical conduits according to your planned layout and local building codes. Ensure that drain lines have the correct slope for proper waste flow using a small level. Use PVC cement and primer to securely bond all pipe sections and fittings. After installation, it is crucial to test the plumbing for leaks (e.g., by filling drain lines with water or pressurizing supply lines) *before* backfilling the trenches. Then, backfill the trenches with granular material (like sand or gravel), compacting it thoroughly with a hand tamper or small compactor to match the surrounding sub-base level.
Goal: Lay all necessary drain and supply lines before concrete pour.
Tools and materials
- Granular Backfill Material — Filling trenches around installed pipes to protect them and restore the sub-base level
- Hand Tamper/Small Compactor — Compacting the backfill material in trenches to prevent future settlement
- Level — Ensuring the correct slope for drain lines to promote efficient drainage
- Measuring Tape — Accurately measuring pipe lengths and trench depths
- Pipe Cutter/Saw — Cutting PVC pipes cleanly and precisely to the required lengths
- PVC Cement and Primer — Chemically bonding PVC pipe and fittings to create watertight seals
- PVC Fittings — Connecting PVC pipe sections and changing direction or size of runs
- PVC Pipes — Constructing drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems and water supply lines
- Safety Glasses — Protecting eyes from debris, chemical splashes, and pipe shavings
- Safety Gloves — Protecting hands from rough materials, tools, and chemicals