Q&A for How to Install Posts in the Water for a Dock or Pier

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Is a water jetter the same as a pressure washer?

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A water jetter is more powerful than a typical pressure washer, but in a pinch, a pressure washer could work. Since it's weaker, it'll probably take longer to jet the piling into place than with a jetter.

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Why does the PVC only have to go into the ground 1 to 2 feet and the pilings much deeper?

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Since you're adding concrete inside the PVC, you'll have a much heavier and sturdier "foot" for the piling to rest on. However, if the lakebed is extra sandy or soft, you may have to go deeper than 2 feet.

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Question

How do I build a shoreline dock attach without ice heave moving it?

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Install an ice eater (a motor that bubbles the water around the dock and brings warmer water from below up to the surface) near your dock. It'll keep the water around the dock from freezing over, though it may not protect against a giant sheet of ice drifting into the dock.

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Question

What type of lumber was used for the dock legs?

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Wood dock pilings are usually pressure-treated pine, although other woods can work too.

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Question

What would be a good way to correct a dock that has begun sagging in the water because of its foundation settling over time?

Community Answer

Put in a longer post. It's a rookie mistake, especially in mud, sometimes piles need to be in more than 10 feet. Using a piece of 1/2 inch rebar as a prod will give you a "feel" of the strata and an informed idea of how far in you need to sink them.

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Question

How far apart should I place pilings if the walkout is 5.5' wide and 23' in length?

Community Answer

It depends on the size of your timbers. I was taught that 2 inches will span 3 feet, 4 inches 6 feet, 6 inches 9 feet, and so on.

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Question

How many feet in the water must have piling Marine pilings?

Community Answer

That depends on how much weight it is holding. A very small walkway at 5 to 6 feet is sufficient. For a large deck or boat lift, 8 to10 feet is better. If you are on open water where there is wave activity, then you may want to go deeper.

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Question

I have a pier that has been lifted by high water and looks like a roller coaster. The soil is somewhat sandy. Will water jetting work?

Community Answer

Yes, jetting will work. You just have to be careful not to over-jet. Keep people off the dock for a day or two while the pilings set up.

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Question

Can compressed air do the same job?

Community Answer

I don't see why it shouldn't work. Give it a shot!

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Question

How do you remove old piling when removing old dock?

Community Answer

Jet around it to loosen it, then pull it out with a boom or winch, or tow strap if you have vehicle access.

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Question

If I use concrete to stabilize my pipes, will that harm the fish?

Community Answer

No, it shouldn't.

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Question

How do I install an aluminum ladder to my dock?

Nick Kapsis

Community Answer

Use a half inch stainless steel hex head through the bolts. In my opinion it is better to also double up the decking underneath the ladder and use. 1/2"x5" ss bolts to make the ladder more rigid.

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Question

After I pour the concrete into the PVC pipe, do I need to leave the pipe in the water?

Community Answer

There is no harm in leaving the PVC in place. A lot depends on how successful you are at getting it loose from the concrete after it cures.

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Question

How are water and mud removed (in Step 4) from the PVC by using a bucket?

Community Answer

The best thing to do is once you have the hole started, drop the hose to the jet directly into the PVC. This method will create a flurry-like substance inside the PVC that should be able to be sump-pumped out easily. Plan to get wet!

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