Screw Pile Installation and Underground Utilities:
What You Need to Know
Edmonton Screw Pile Pros
how to safely install screw piles near underground utilities
When planning any construction project that involves installing helical screw piles, one of the most critical considerations is the proximity of underground utilities. At Edmonton Screw Pile Pros, we understand the challenges and risks associated with working near buried utility lines, and we’re here to guide you through the process. Whether it’s electrical lines, gas lines, or even private water and sewer systems, careful planning is essential to avoid dangerous and costly mistakes.
How Far Should Screw Pile Locations Be From Underground Utilities?
The exact distance screw piles need to be from underground utilities depends on the type of utility in question and local regulations. In general, it’s required to maintain a buffer zone of at least 1 meter from marked utility lines.
Avoiding Contact with Buried Lines
- Gas lines: Require a wider clearance due to the explosive nature of natural gas.
- Electrical lines: High-voltage cables may require additional distance to prevent electrical hazards.
- Water and sewer lines: While these do not carry the same risks as gas or electrical lines, damaging them can still result in expensive repairs.
It’s essential to consult utility location services before any digging begins. In Alberta, Alberta One-Call provides a free utility marking service to help identify the location of buried utility lines.
Installing Screw Piles Near Underground Utility Lines
When screw piles need to be installed near underground utilities, extra caution is required. Here’s what you should do:
- Call Before You Dig: Always contact Alberta One-Call before beginning any excavation to have public utility lines located and marked. This includes gas, electric, and telecommunications lines.
- Private Locates for Water and Sewer Lines: It’s important to note that Alberta One-Call does not cover water, sewer, or any privately owned utility lines. For these, you’ll need to hire a private locator to identify the exact location of buried water, sewer, and irrigation systems. Edmonton Screw Pile Pros can help coordinate this process to ensure all utilities are accounted for.
Adjust Pile Locations If Possible: If a screw pile is planned to be installed near a utility line, the best course of action is to shift the pile’s location to maintain a safe distance. This may involve working with structural engineers to ensure the new location still provides adequate support for your project.
What If the Pile Location Can’t Be Changed?
In some cases, the ideal or required location for a screw pile is too close to underground utilities, and moving the pile isn’t an option due to structural or design constraints. When this happens, there are still safe and effective ways to proceed without risking damage to vital infrastructure.
One of the safest approaches is hand digging or using hydrovac excavation to visually expose the underground utilities within the vicinity of the screw pile installation.
Hand Digging and Hydrovac Excavation for Safe Exposure
- Hand Digging: This is a manual process where workers carefully dig around the marked utility line to expose it without using heavy machinery. Although it’s labor-intensive, it’s the safest way to ensure you don’t damage sensitive underground utilities while trying to determine their exact location.
- Hydrovac Excavation: This method uses pressurized water and a vacuum system to safely expose underground utilities. The water loosens the soil, and the vacuum system removes it without disturbing utility lines. Hydrovac excavation is widely preferred because it’s faster than manual digging and minimizes the risk of damaging utilities, even in tight or sensitive spaces.
Once the utility line is exposed, the screw pile installer can see exactly where the utility is located and proceed with a safer, more accurate installation process.
Installing Screw Piles Near Exposed Utility Lines
The exact distance screw piles need to be from underground utilities depends on the type of utility in question and local regulations. In general, it’s required to maintain a buffer zone of at least 1 meter from marked utility lines.
Avoiding Contact with Buried Lines
- Gas lines: Require a wider clearance due to the explosive nature of natural gas.
- Electrical lines: High-voltage cables may require additional distance to prevent electrical hazards.
- Water and sewer lines: While these do not carry the same risks as gas or electrical lines, damaging them can still result in expensive repairs.
It’s essential to consult utility location services before any digging begins. In Alberta, Alberta One-Call provides a free utility marking service to help identify the location of buried utility lines.
Why This Method Works
By visually exposing the utility line and ensuring the screw pile’s helix is installed in a location that avoids contact, the risks of damaging critical underground infrastructure are significantly reduced. This approach also allows the project to proceed without delays caused by relocating the pile or altering the design plan, maintaining both safety and structural integrity.
The Dangers of Striking Underground Utilities
Accidentally striking an underground utility line can have serious consequences, including:
- Gas line rupture: A ruptured gas line can lead to explosions, fires, and gas leaks, putting nearby people and property in immediate danger.
- Electric shock: Striking an underground electrical line can cause dangerous electric shocks to workers and nearby individuals, as well as damage electrical systems.
Water and sewer line damage: Damaging water or sewer lines can lead to flooding, property damage, and unsanitary conditions.
Financial Costs of Striking Underground Utilities
Repairing damaged utility lines can be extremely expensive. Costs vary depending on the utility type, but common expenses include:
- Gas line repairs: Repairing a ruptured gas line can cost thousands of dollars, not including fines or legal fees if the damage causes a hazardous situation.
- Electrical line repairs: Striking an underground electrical line could result in repairs costing anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the extent of the damage.
- Water and sewer line repairs: While these repairs might seem less urgent than gas or electrical lines, they can still result in significant costs, often ranging from $500 to several thousand dollars depending on the scope of the damage and any property restoration required.
In addition to repair costs, businesses and property owners may face downtime, project delays, and legal liabilities if damage occurs during the installation process.
Private Locates: Water, Sewer, and Private Lines
As mentioned, water, sewer, and privately owned lines (such as those for irrigation, sprinklers, or septic systems) are not covered by Alberta One-Call. This means it’s your responsibility to arrange for a private locate service to identify these utilities before any screw pile installation begins. Failing to do so can lead to unintentional damage and expensive repair bills.
At Edmonton Screw Pile Pros, we understand the complexities of dealing with both public and private utilities. Our team is experienced in coordinating private locates and ensuring that every utility—whether public or private—is properly accounted for before we begin installation.
Conclusion
Screw pile installation near underground utilities is a task that requires precise planning, thorough locating, and careful execution. At Edmonton Screw Pile Pros, safety is our top priority. Whether you need to identify public or private utility lines, adjust pile locations, or explore alternatives when working near utilities, our team has the expertise to get the job done safely and efficiently.
If you’re planning a project that involves screw piles, contact us today to ensure that your installations are completed safely, effectively, and in compliance with local regulations. Let’s keep your project moving forward without costly or dangerous setbacks!