Advice needed on disused pipe in back yard..

[Marmite]

Hi. My husband is digging up the turf and soil in our back yard to put in a patio and discovered an old rusty pipe coming from the foundation and slanting up gradually nearer the surface toward the middle of the lawn. He dug down to find the end of it, with three wires (not copper) attached at the end of it. My question is: is it safe to saw through this so we can have a flat surface for the patio?

Thanks for any advice.

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[sbre]

My first thought is…why cut it at all?

Going on the assumption that the pipe is more like a 1/2″ to an inch or so in diameter; I’d be inclined to dig-out around and below it for whatever length you need plus a foot and then just bend it down out of the way.

That way IF the wires are live (charged) then you’ve done almost nothing to disturb them AND don’t risk putting someone in danger.

Great Spring time project.

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[Genesee Hill]

I would check under your house at the source. Or, call an electrician. Wires are scary.

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[Ken]

An electrician can tell you if the pipe and wire arrangement is grounding for the current house wiring or lightning arrest or for something defunct. Do NOT replace or disconnect until you know since the ground connection is critical for the safe operation of all electrical equipment. I have a 400 ft old unused waterline that is STILL used as a ground line for my 200 Amp service. It also sticks up through my paver patio a few inches from the edge.

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[Marmite]

Thank you all for your replies. I like the idea of trying to bend it out of the way, or contacting an electrician. My husband also thought of trying to integrate it around the pavers somehow, though it would be nicer and easier if it was out of the way.

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