DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi all,

As it says really, i have dug my footings, 600 wide by 1 metre deep but have existing services (gas, electric & water) all passing through the trench. I'm not sure that i understand the best way to protect/ encapsulate said services prior to pouring concrete. I know people have suggested laying lintels over them, but i dont understand how that works when the services are about 500mm down in the trench?!?

Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks in advance

Pour concrete in foundations, build blockwork up to undersides of services or as near as, then build over services using lintols to span from one side to another. Once solum has been filled you can surround the services with sand for extra protection.

if your concrete covers the gas, electric etc use pipe insulation to protect.
If the service pipes are visible after concrete is poured,start you brickwork and when you meet the pipes bridge over them with a concrete lintol.