A handheld auger is usually the best option as they are cheaper to rent and easier to work with and maneuver. Here in Los Angeles where the ground doesn’t freeze, the irrigation and sprinkler pipes are not buried very deep, so you need to be extra careful when digging around them.Ī shovel and post hole digger are all that is needed to dig a deep hole, but if you’ve got large rocks or hard pack in your area then a long pry bar is also helpful.Īn auger is the fastest way to dig holes and can save you a lot of time and money even with the cost of renting. Tips for DiggingĪnytime you are digging, it’s best to know the frost line as you will know how deep the water pipes are so you can avoid them. Check your frost line by zip code or address using this map from the National Weather Service.Īs we mentioned before, make sure you check with your local building codes before you start digging. If the map isn’t accurate enough for you. The maximum frost line depth is 100-inches as seen near the tip of Minnesota, North Dakota, and Alaska, all the way to zero inches in Florida, southern Arizona, and southern California. Note how it moves down from 72-inch depth to a 6-inch depth. This map is from the National Snow and Ice Data center and shows the frost line map across the United States. The ground will be thawed by then making it easier to dig to the proper depth. If you are in a cold zone and aren’t in a rush to build, it’s best to wait until spring to start digging. Dig a deep hole in the soil to pour mortar on the fence posts to strengthen the foundation. This is why it’s so important to be aware of the frost line and dig below it when installing your footings. You can see how this can be detrimental to any posts or footings.
This process causes the ground and anything in it to move upwards. What is Frost Heave?įrost heave is when the ground freezes and then thaws. Check your local building codes to determine the proper depth past a frost line a footing should sit. It’s also important that the footings for a building or a deck are placed well below the frost line so the posts don’t shift as the ground freezes and thaws. Water pipes should always be set below a frost line to prevent them from freezing in the winter. It’s important to know the frost line depth for construction purposes. The frost line is the depth at which the ground freezes.
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