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There is one really inefficient way to go under the sidewalk. It's called a pick and a shovel; in some cases, just a shovel. It will take a very long time and be quite frustrating. You will feel like a gopher and will constantly ask yourself, "Is this really the only way?"
Use a Hose with a Nozzle Attachment
The next most popular idea people come up with is also tedious and slow. It's even something you might read in a garden magazine. You take your garden hose and a nozzle and slightly dig under the sidewalk. Then, you leave the water on for a long time to slowly eat away the dirt. What usually happens is it gets so muddy you have to wait a day or two for it to dry out. Even if it goes really well, you are looking at several hours of work. There is still a better way.
The Dig Bar: Usually the Best Option
You should buy a heavy duty dig bar. They are typically about six feet long with various points on one end and a larger end for hammering. This is the easiest method and by far the fastest method. You dig a small trench to put the bar in right next to the sidewalk (perpendicular). Then, you take a sledgehammer and start hitting it. It will take you maybe 15 minutes to get all the way to the other side. Then you take a railroad pick or Pulaski and hit it until it comes out. The whole process will take around thirty minutes.
Put In Pipe
After you pull the dig bar out, put the pvc pipe through. Put some duct tape or cap on the end to prevent it from getting clogged with dirt. In most cases, it will easily slide under by hand. Sometimes you may need to gently tap it with the sledge hammer.
Trenching Guy
If the trenching guy has a boring attachment, let him bore under the sidewalk. It is totally worth it.
Best Alternative
Do you have lots or compacted gravel or rocks to go through? If you are having lots of trouble, just buy a galvanized pipe and pound it through with a sledgehammer. Then, cut off the side that is damaged from the sledgehammer with a reciprocating saw or hacksaw. Then, use a compression fitting to connect the pvc with the galvanized pipe.
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