Trenches must be dug, prepared and backfilled in a way that prevents pipe damage. Common damage includes cracking, breaking joints and creating dips or bends in the pipe. Trench bottoms should be free of rocks and debris and provide uniform support. If there is bedrock, hardpan or large rocks on the trench bottom, the trench should be bedded with sand.Trenches should be wide enough to work in and allow the use of compaction equipment. Generally, pipe manufacturers require a trench to be at least twice as wide as the diameter of the pipe. This allows enough space to snake small-diameter
