We had a visit from Global News Kingston today (https://globalnews.ca/video/10813921/brockville-resident-trying-to-get-lead-pipe-system-replaced/ ) but otherwise we are just tidying up after three weeks of digging with pick, hoe, shovel and wheelbarrow; preparing for the new service line installation on our property over the next week or two.

The photo is from two weeks ago.  The deepest pit at the inside of the stone retaining wall is now at 10 ft and includes wood shoring to protect against soil collapse.  In the picture, I am at about 7 feet below the normal garden level and proceeding more carefully as I get closer to the service line.  We had to find where the existing lead line penetrated through the 18-inch thick wall to the curb stop on the other side, and we had to make the pit large enough for a plumber to work in.

A four foot deep trench extends in the foreground from this pit to a smaller shallower one where the water service enters the house.  

These were long days. It was a relief when we finally found the lead pipe at the expected depth and confirmed that the wall was still sound at that depth.  

On the way down, we found a horseshoe; I took that as a sign of encouragement!