Driveway Culverts

Installing driveway culverts may help to prevent erosion and flooding, but several tips should be followed to ensure proper functionality. The correct diameter and length of culvert pipe must be installed to efficiently handle the flow of water. Large, heavy driveway culverts may require the use of a backhoe for trenching and lifting. Asphalt and concrete driveways should be cut with a masonry saw for smoother resurfacing. Driveway culverts must be installed in a compacted gravel base to prevent future settling.

Driveway culverts must be the correct diameter to permit the maximum flow of water during heavy rains. Choosing a pipe with a larger diameter may also prevent debris from accumulating at the entrance. Driveway culverts must be the correct length as well. As a general rule, culvert pipes should extend 1 foot (30.5 cm) beyond the edge of the driveway on either side. This additional length usually prevents soil erosion around the pipe ends.

When dealing with large diameter pipes, it is best to use a backhoe for trenching and lifting tasks. Steel and concrete driveway culverts can be quite cumbersome and must be handled carefully. These pipes must sometimes be buried deep below the driveway surface to properly align with the ditch bottom. A backhoe can quickly dig a straight, deep trench and lift heavy pipes with ease. The backhoe can also widen and slope the sides of the surrounding ditches for better water flow.