If a minimum of 12 inches of cover cannot be provided for UG piping, what is required?

When underground piping does not have the minimum requirement of 12 inches of cover, installing the pipe in conduit or using shielded piping is the appropriate solution. This option ensures that the piping is adequately protected from physical damage and external factors that could lead to leaks or other failures.

Using a conduit allows for an additional layer of safety, protecting the piping from impacts and environmental elements while still allowing it to be buried underground. Shielded piping can also help prevent corrosion or damage from surrounding soil, moisture, or other underground conditions.

Other measures, such as installing the pipe above ground, would not provide the necessary underground protection and could expose it to greater risks. Using a thicker pipe might seem beneficial, but it does not address the issue of physical protection from the elements or potential damage without the required cover. Reducing the diameter of the pipe could compromise the system's flow and pressure requirements, making it ineffective for its intended use. Therefore, installing in conduit or shielded is the most effective approach when the minimum cover cannot be achieved.