What Is Backfilling & When Do You Need It?
“Backfilling” is a term that the average person might not be familiar with, but the foundation of your home or business depends on it. Backfilling puts soil back into the foundation after an excavation. Maybe a pipe needs relined. Maybe you’re installing underground utilities. You’ll need backfilling to protect those utilities once they’re fitted.
Undoubtedly, this process is not something you can do on your own. It requires specific equipment and knowledge of contract requirements and codes. Not to mention, every geographic area has unique soil. That can impact the techniques used.
Learn more from experts at Art Rooter, Sewer & Drain Cleaning. What is backfilling? How is it used?
How Backfilling Works
Backfill conditions have two primary types.
Backfill For Pavement
The first is for pavement: underneath and around a building, typically within five feet. It’s filled with soil that may be excavated spoils from previous projects used with special permission from the engineer or project owner.
The other type of backfilling uses “premium” backfill, typically made of sand, coarse and fine-graded aggregate, or a combination of both. For both types of backfill, there’s a lift in the material that tends to be between four to twelve inches thick.
To avoid erosion and other damage, each type of backfill is watered and compacted. This material is then poured back over the pipes in the ground. Or alternatively, other materials are placed there to protect them so they continue to function properly.
The Compacting Process
Loose material gets compacted in layers, depending on the type of backfill used. The soil should have a certain percentage of dry density and be between four to six inches thick. Water is added. This prevents cracking and promotes strength. Our compressor uses a hose that’s three to four inches long, with a rock-filled large hopper to shoot the rocks at the right distance (about 65 miles per hour).
The Flowable Fill Process
Another backfilling process involves the use of flowable fill, with a low ratio of water to cement that comes from a truck on-site. Aggregate material poured like concrete transfers the flowable fill. The aggregate around the pipe allows for easier repairs in the future.
It can be difficult for contractors to control the liquidity of this material, but the team at Art Rooter, Sewer & Drain Cleaning is extremely careful when it comes to this process. We’ve perfected the art of controlling the liquidity in the backfill material and incorporate special practices to prevent this mixture from getting into areas in the foundation or trench where it shouldn’t be.
Experts In Backfilling Are Here To Help
Working with backfill and other materials is challenging and messy. For properly working plumbing, you want your pipes to be protected. You also don’t want to end up with preventable damage to your home or business structure.
Experienced help from Art Rooter, Sewer & Drain Cleaning technicians is the answer. We get the job done efficiently by using the latest technologies and equipment. We’re one of South Florida’s most trusted names in commercial plumbing, electrical, and water treatment since 1983. You know can count on us.
Schedule an appointment today! Call 1-888-773-1524 for all your drain clearing needs!
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