trenching footer problem

[kk2]

As I was diggin for a 30" footer to add a 4X5 shower addition to the existing half bathroom next to the existing garage, there's a main service water pipe about 20" deep in the way of side footer I am to build. The main service water pipe tunnels into the existing footer wall of the foundation so do I dig deeper than 30" required footer and build around the pipe with concrete blocks after footer is poured or pour footer up to the slab level then build blocks from there? Encasing the water pipe with concrete may be a bad idea that it wont have flexiblility to move should the addition slab settle down. Since it is only a small addition 4X5, what is your thought or experience on this?

[roger g]

Try getting a piece of plastic pipe 3-4 inches in diameter and make one cut lengthwise and open up the pipe and fit it over the water pipe then dig down as deep as you want. When you pour the footings the concrete will surround the plastic pipe and protect your water pipe just like I hope they originally did.

Roger

[Rich]

I agree with roger - put in a pipe sleeve and block/pour around it.

[kk2]

Maybe you could verify your suggestion again that the water service pipe is approximately 6 inches in diameter. So do I encase the pipe with a 8" pvc? Would it still be acceptable within the universal building code? Thanks in advance.

[roger g]

Whoa!!!! That aint no water line going into your house. Water lines are about 1 inch. It sounds too big to be a sewer either but soil pipe might look like 6 inches
Best get someone to look at it first. You did call before you started to dig anywhere didn't you. Water, gas, electric, cable TV, telephone companies etc etc.. You might have to put a wooden box around it and pour concrete which would be the same as a big pipe. I don't think you could pry a big plastic pipe open.
When in doubt always check with local authorities or professionals as to the best course of action.

Roger

[kk2]

I will check with my county builder inspector and see which method is a go for him. Thanks for the suggestion, appreciate it.

kk