I am getting ready to install a horizontal closed loop field in my yard and I will be stacking my two loops.  One will be at 8 ft and the other at 6 ft (4 pipes per trench).  My question is what is commonly used to secure the 6 foot pipes to the sides of the trench.  I don't want to backfill 2 foot and repeat the process.  Are there u shaped clips that you can hammer around the pipe into the side of the trench.  I am sure this is a pretty common practice and/or a simple question, but I haven't been able to find an anwser as of yet.  Thanks!

http://www.greenbuildingtalk.com/Forums/tabid/53/aff/13/aft/66626/afv/topic/Default.aspx

Stakes made out of wood scrap or grade stakes pounded into the side of the trench and zip ties.
Drill a hole through the stake about 1/2" from the end.
Pound the stake in until the hole just shows.
Thread the zip tie through the hole.
Sink the stake with the ends of the zip tie sticking out.
Suck the pipe up to the side of the trench

You want to avoid binding the pipe too tightly or having metal-on-HDPE contact in case the pipe "works" a bit.

You can also buy PEX pipe holders "RHT PEX pipe holders" and screw them to the top of the stakes pounded into the sides. The full-capture type works best. Make sure the screw head doesn't protrude to rub the pipe.

whalentc, to date, ICFHybrid has not admitted to any practical geothermal experience, loop or otherwise. Be forewarned.

Thank....though the last reply was somewhat ominous.  

Any idea where I can get my hands on sod spikes?

Any idea where I can get my hands on sod spikes?

I only had 6" ones and they didn't hold very well in my soil. Normally, I would have used fencing wire bent into a staple, but I didn't like the metal on plastic issue.

Our installer had a box of them. I just measured one of them at 6" (I kept a few along with some pieces of scrap HDPE.) These metal spikes worked very well in our soil. Do you have a dedicated landscape supply or a sod farm in your area? If I was looking, and if there are no hits here, I would try calling that type of business. No pros in the previously mentioned thread mentioned a problem with metal spikes.  Make sure the size spike you buy will go around the pipe. 

How 'bout some cheap plastic pipe hangers from Lowes / HD ?

Lots of styles to choose from, improvise the spikes from stiff wire.

I had much better luck searching for sod staples. I'll try to edit my post in the referenced thread to include this epiphany!

http://www.homedepot.com/buy/outdoors/garden-center/easy-gardener/steel-fabric-and-sod-staples-75-pack-8313.html

http://www.gundogsupply.com/sodstaples.html

http://www.amazon.com/Triad-irrigation-and-Landscaping-Staples-Dripline/dp/B0006B07C4

Indiana Geothermal supply sells loop staples. They are better than sod staples because they are rounded for the pipe. 317-829-1490 I think they are $45.00 for a box of 1000

Why so deep? I would not get in a trench that deep.

Are there guidelines on safely working in trenches?
There's been a 7' deep hole in my backyard for a
couple of weeks...well, i think now it has a footing poured.
(There's a tarp and snow, so I am not sure :-)

I did not see any particular precautions against cave-ins.

I'm considering installing horizontal loops myself.
There's a great blog on the ecorenovator web site.
The rest of the install would likely be done by a local pro.

Try OSHA

When you get in a trench and there are 2 1/2 feet of dirt abouve your head, I think you will understand. We normaly go 5' deep and never go more than 6' deep and that is with the sides of the trench cut back at a slope.

That did have me a bit concerned, so i have changed the plan a bit which raised a couple of questions. 

I am using the program Ground Loop Design (trial verison) to size the horizontal field and something isn't making sense.  The total trench length multiplied by the number of trenches equals the total length of pipe.  Call me stupid, but shouldn't it equal half since there is a supply and return.  The design changed mostly becuase the large excavator that we hoped to use became available so I can go wider.  I will be running a pit system with three pipes in the trench. 

Total length of trench is 1428 ft and total pipe length is 1428.  because it is a pit system, 3 "trenches" and the pit will be 476 ft long.  When you multiply the 3 pipes by the length of trench, you get the total pipe length.  I guess I am just missing something because that only accounts for the trip to the end of the trench, but what about the return for all three pipes?  It seems like if the total trench length is 1428, the total pipe length should be 2856.  PLEASE HELP!

Also, I am going 8ft because I can.  Temperature is significantly more stable than at 6 ft and I have the resources to make it happen.  Now with a wider trench, working in the trench will be much less worrysome.

I am using the program Ground Loop Design (trial verison)...and something isn't making sense.

Is that the software that has this on the trial version?

"** DEMO VERSION SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR DESIGN PURPOSES.
AS THE RESULTS FROM DEMO VERSION WILL BE INACCURATE. **"

Posted By geome on 25 Jan 2011 02:41 PM
Try OSHA

Just remember it appears this is a homeowner doing his own work... OSHA is WORKPLACE standards, so it doesn't apply to him digging his own trenches and working in them. If an employer wants to risk workers lives, OSHA steps in, if a homeowner wants to risk his own life...well.... Same thing applies for my cherry orchard. If I apply/spray pesticides with a 7 day re-entry interval I can't send workers in for 7 days. I as the foolish owner can re-enter at any time I want....

OP asked this - "Are there guidelines on safely working in trenches? "
Response - "Try OSHA" (i.e. for guidelines)
Yes, for anyone that doesn't know, OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Cherry pies happily accepted c/o greenbuildingtalk.com :-)