Underground Utility Work: How We're Upgrading a Brownsville Barn's Electric and Drainage Systems
Double B Excavations & Grade LLC
When Simple Projects Reveal Complex Solutions
DISCOVERING AND IMPROVING EXISTING SYSTEMS
Sometimes the straightforward jobs turn out to be anything but.
That's exactly what we found when we started working on a barn upgrade in Brownsville.
What began as a basic drainage project quickly evolved into something more complex - and more important - when we discovered existing electric lines and drainage systems that needed attention.
In our line of work, you learn to expect the unexpected.
When you're digging around old farm buildings, you're bound to find surprises underground.
But that's not a problem - it's an opportunity to make things better than we found them.
After all, there's no point in just working around old systems when we can improve them for the long haul.
Welcome to Double B!
Project Overview
This Brownsville project started with a later morning than usual - we had an early meeting in Hilliard to handle first. But by the time we got on site, we had a clear picture of what needed doing. The barn needed new electric lines run to power the chicken coops, plus we had 400 feet of drainage to install. Simple enough, right?
Well, during initial excavation, we discovered existing electric lines and drainage pipes. This is pretty common with older agricultural buildings - over the years, different systems get added or modified, and not everything gets documented. Instead of just working around these existing systems, we developed a plan to upgrade everything properly. That meant installing new electrical boxes, reorganizing the power distribution for the chicken coops, and integrating new drainage with the existing system.
The scope grew, but so did the value we're providing. Instead of just adding to what's there, we're creating a properly organized, efficient system that'll serve this property better for years to come. Because when it comes to underground utilities, doing it right means never having to dig it up again.
The Underground Challenge
Finding surprises underground isn't unusual in our line of work, but that doesn't make it any less tricky to handle. When we discovered the existing electric lines and drainage system in Brownsville, we had to stop and think things through. You can't just start moving electric lines or cutting into drainage pipes without a solid plan - that's how you create bigger problems than you started with.
The real challenge here wasn't just working around what we found - it was figuring out how to make everything better while we were at it. Think about it like solving a puzzle: you've got power needs for the chicken coops, existing electric lines that might not be in the best spots, and drainage that needs to work with everything else we're doing.
Our Solution Approach
Here's how we tackled it: First, we mapped out exactly where we needed new power and where the drainage needed to go. We decided to set up a new electrical box that would serve as a central point for powering the chicken coops and other barn needs. This isn't just about running new wire - it's about creating a system that makes sense and is easy to work with down the road.
For the drainage part, we're trenching in 400 feet of new pipe. But before we even started digging those trenches, we had to figure out how to tie it into the existing drainage area we found. Sometimes the old system might be in decent shape - no point in replacing what's working if we can integrate with it properly.
Technical Details That Matter
Let's talk about what goes into a job like this. We're using specific types of conduit for the electrical work - you can't just bury any old pipe and run wire through it. There are codes to follow and safety considerations to think about. The same goes for the drainage pipe - we use materials that'll last and handle the water flow this farm needs.
Then there's the stone we use around these installations. It might seem like a small detail, but the right stone helps with drainage and keeps everything properly supported underground. When you're dealing with both electrical and water, you need to make sure everything stays exactly where you put it.
All this gets installed in a specific order - you can't just dig one big hole and throw everything in. We work systematically, making sure each system is properly placed and protected before moving on to the next. That's how you avoid problems and ensure everything works together like it should.
Project Management Realities
Managing projects across central Ohio isn't always straightforward. Take today, for example - we started with an 8 AM meeting in Hilliard before heading to Brownsville. That's just part of taking care of our customers properly. Sometimes you've got to put in those extra miles to make sure every job gets the attention it deserves.
Having the right equipment and materials on site makes a big difference too. When you're dealing with electrical work and drainage installation, you need everything from conduit to stone to pipe - and running back to the supply house isn't always an option. That's why we come prepared, especially on rural jobs like this one where the nearest supplier might be a good drive away.
Looking Forward
When we finish this project in Brownsville, the property owner will have more than just new drainage and power to their chicken coops. They'll have a properly organized system that makes sense, works reliably, and won't cause headaches down the road. That's what we mean when we talk about making things better than we found them.
Getting It Right
Underground utility work might not be the most exciting part of farm improvements, but it's crucial to get it right. Whether you're upgrading an old barn, adding new outbuildings, or just trying to solve drainage issues, taking the time to do things properly saves a lot of trouble in the long run.
If you're dealing with utility upgrades or drainage issues on your property, we're always happy to take a look. From Hilliard to Brownsville and everywhere in between, we'll help you understand what's going on underground and how to make it work better for your needs. Because at Double B, we believe in solving problems, not just covering them up.
