When backfilling a water main, how should soil be placed?

The correct approach to backfilling a water main involves placing soil equally about halfway up and hand tamped. This method ensures that the soil is compacted sufficiently to prevent future settling, which can occur if the backfill material is left loose. Proper compaction is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the water main and reducing the risk of damage from shifting soil.

By hand tamping the soil, workers can achieve a controlled level of compaction that meets the necessary standards for support and stability. This technique also allows for better monitoring of the backfill material's consistency and density, ensuring that it provides adequate support to the water main.

In contrast, other methods may not provide the same level of stability. For instance, packing soil tightly from the bottom up could lead to uneven pressure on the water main, risking damage. Layering in large chunks may result in voids or gaps between the soil, which can compromise the support around the pipe. Leaving the soil loose halfway up fails to provide the necessary stabilization and might lead to future complications as the ground settles.