thomas rubino

Well , Poly pipe easily.    Hard schedule 40 pvc?  Not so easy.
Let me ask a question.  I think you said you wanted to use pvc?
If that is so then you must plan on bedding that pipe,  preferably in sand.   Backfilling hard pipe is also partially done with sand.
Black Poly pipe is much more forgiving about being pushed into a hole and  backfilled with what you have.

Ha Ha    My dogs used to like rolling in cow pies...   maybe bury a few of them :-)    
Sorry couldn't resist!

I agree, cosmetic only easily fixed.
With only one in town I would go buy it before someone else does!

I think the 3" will work fine but 4" would be better.
1.5" poly (black) pipe is at least 2"  outside diameter.  After you backfill, over time your hard pipe will slowly get a dirt/mud layer that fills in on the bottom.  
If you have to push/pull  a coupler with hose clamps on then 3" suddenly isn't so large.

Fluffy puts in a hard day

Hi Denise;
It really is a good idea to use a hard pipe under a road.
As was mentioned the compaction over time and the possibility of a freeze being pushed that deep are true.
The reason I think its a good idea is for when you have problems later.  
Being able to replace a line under the road without having to dig it up is a great benefit.
Even if it is your road on private property it is still a hassle and creates a new  pothole to drive over.

I have lines run under a county road. They are all hard pipe covered  to ease changing. They were that way when I bought the place...
And I did need to change a water pipe out in the 40 years I have been here.
Being able to just slide the new pipe in was SO NICE!   Not needing to dig up a county gravel road was even nicer!

Do you need to go 10' out?     I don't think so.  
A few feet past the toe of fill on either side would be how I would do it.

.

Gosh Ms Pearl, I thought you were explaining not asking!

How about smashed up milk biscuits where you want her to dig?

Hi Eugenia;
Big Welcome to Permies!   Congratulation's on building a RMH!
A ten inch!  Wow that is large!  Is it a J tube rmh ? Or is it a Batchbox rmh?
No matter what one you built, you are sure to be happy with it.

I do not have the answer you are looking for about plaster.  I am a builder not a finisher. I prefer the look and convenience of using red clay bricks rather than cob.
Plenty of others are finishers and will be happy to help you choose the right product.

We would love to see your RMH.   How about starting a new thread all about your stove!
If you do not know how to add photo's we will be glad to instruct you.

Looking forward to hearing more from you.
Come back often we have a lot of interesting subjects and a bunch of interesting people to chat with!

Hi Arthur;
Absolutely, you can build without a barrel, they are for fast radiant heat.
You can have an all brick bell, with no metal at all if you like. They are slower to heat that way, but hold that heat and share it for a good long while.
Propane @ $3.50 a gallon bulk delivery!!! Wow that sure is high!  I would be heating with wood already!