How do you deal with a gas line that runs through the middle of your guest room? Well, you gotta move it. The plan in this case is to run the new line mostly outside, which will also allow us to install an earthquake shutoff valve. Running the new line mostly outside the house will also spare me the joy of drilling 3/4″ holes through about 15 support joists. Sounds good to me! I’m also
Side yard, pre-trench
Our friend S has been helping me map out where the new line will go, and we’ll be able to install it in such a way that I don’t have to take the downstairs down to the studs. We’ll essentially replace the existing lines segment by segment.
The less fun aspect of doing this is that the gas line needs to run underground outside the house — about 18 inches down, which means…. time to dig a ditch! Or a trench. Take your pick.
I was a little intimidated by the notion of digging a trench over fifteen feet long, so I planned to rent (or borrow from the tool library) a ‘trencher.’ I figured a nice motor driven tool would pop that trench down in no time!
Ultimately, I realized that it wasn’t going to be worth it – the cost of the rental, plus the time to drive the tool there and back were going to be a hassle. Also, the walkway is pretty narrow, and I figured it would suck if I hauled the thing all the way back to the house only to be unable to maneuver it down the walkway.
SO! Time to build some muscles…
Trench accomplished!
I tried to rally some helpers, but folks were busy this weekend, so I rallied early Sunday and got to work with a maddock and shovel (both of which came with the house – thanks, Greg Jones!). A few hours later, I’ve got a trench, voila!
I also have a sore back and sore shoulders, but it’s a good kind of pain, right?
As I got about 75% of the way through, Shannon poked her head out to helpfully ask why I hadn’t paid a day laborer $20/hr to do this part of the project. I suppose I could have; it’s not terribly complex, and doesn’t require any special skills or judgment. On one level, I’ve hesitated to commit to any outdoor projects because we’re still in the rainy season, which makes planning ahead difficult. And on another level, it’s definitely gratifying to literally ‘dig in.’