How deep should I sink PVC pipes in clay soil?

Question

I'm making a vegetable garden and laying PVC pipes for a sprinkler and drip irrigation system. The soil is rather dense clay. Digging into it is difficult so I want to put the pipes at the minimum depth. This is in northern California near San Francisco, so the weather doesn't dip below freezing very often.

Answer 1

Just a suggestion, but if your local has a "frost line", such as we do in Pennsylvania (18 inches), you would want to bury it below that or you will have to drain the system during your coldest months to eliminate the possibility of the lines freezing and bursting.

Answer 2

particular, first attempt to tighten all connections, maximum many times a unexpected leak in a drain assembly is brought about by utilising somebody bumping into the pipes with the trash can or despite is saved below there. If it seems to be a cracked pipe, and that's % (white pipe) replace it with ABS. in case you do could desire to change it, you could replace purely the piece it is extremely cracked if it is the tailpiece, extension, etc. despite if it is a ingredient the catch you will could replace the finished catch. in case you have an all-glue catch (the areas are glued, particularly than threaded mutually) all you're able to do is replace it :( (I strongly propose you replace with a threaded catch if it is the case) good success :)

Answer 3

need to make sure that you go beneath the frostline. which here in northern michigan is at least six feet deep.

in your area probaly just a foot or two would do. contact your city or township supervisor they will tell you for sure. they probaly have an ordinance for such things.

Answer 4

I think I would scrap the pipe system and use soaker hoses.

Answer 5

If frost isn't a problem just go deeper than you will till.

Answer 6

4-8" should be fine