Deck post problem

[olosonu]

I'm replacing front door deck. The old deck posts are sitting right on top of water line. How does one dig post holes near water line safely. How close to the water line can the posts able to be. Thank You for any help!

 

[dave89iroc]

are we talking water table?

 

[ryan20021982]

are we talking water table?

Pretty sure he isn't digging down and putting posts into a water table.

Just dig very slow and be careful, I wouldn't put a post on the water line but next to it would be fine. If you have a permit I would ask the inspector since it might be different for each town.

 

[aircommuter]

If it is a water pipe you would want to relocate the pipe or the post base, if that is not possible then dig on both sides and under the pipe and put a sleeve over it .

 

[olosonu]

Thank you for the responses. I will plan on digging next to water line w/ the possibility the water line needs a sleeve while I wait for call back from inspector. I cant afford moving water line, nor moving front door. I am glad it looks like it can be done next to water line. Thanks again.

 

[Dustball]

Before digging, call the utility locating hotline to have your utilities marked. You may have to pay for a private locate if the water line you're referring to is not owned by a public utility (private well, irrigation, etc).

If your post hole is indeed very close to your water line, you'll have to dig by hand and not use a power auger.

 

[Daves69]

Could you use a concrete deck pier?

 

[Cyberbear]

Dig your hole, pour some concrete and set post on cured concrete and go from there.

 

[914wilhelm]

Why not move the post to one side or the other of the waterline and do a little cantilever action?