Plastic pipe is an ideal material for underground use. Corrosion can be a problem with metal pipe, but plastic pipe is not subject to corrosion. Plastic pipe is light in weight and cost-effective. Throw in the fact that plastic pipe is easy to join together and you ve got the best choice for buried pipe installations. For everything from water services for individual homes to sewers to major pipelines, plastic pipe is the answer. And, there are plenty of types of plastic pipe available for underground use.

If there is a complaint against using plastic pipe below grade, it is that the pipe is hard to identify once it is buried. This can cause trouble when excavation is done around the pipe after installation. It is said that most pipeline damage occurs as a result of accidental contact when excavating. With this being the only major drawback to installing plastic pipe underground, you can see why plastic installations are so popular. The problems associated with locating buried plastic pipe can be overcome by installing conductive wire next to the pipe in a trench. Then electronic instruments can pick up a signal from the wire to identify the location of the pipeline.

There are two basics methods for installing plastic pipe in trenches. Pipe with a large diameter is usually joined above ground and then lowered into a narrow trench. Smaller pipe, usually pipe with a diameter up to 8 inches, is often joined in a trench. This requires a much wider...