How to Estimate the Temperature of Underground Piping

Underground piping reaches a certain temperature based on the temperature of the earth. According to the California Energy Commission, temperatures that are 6 feet underground -- the average depth for underground piping -- range between 45 degrees and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This wide range depends on the latitude of the location, as well as the season in which the temperature is being taken. If you want to come up with the estimated temperature of underground piping, there are ways to get a more accurate representation.

Soil thermometer

Instructions

- 1
  Stick a soil thermometer into the earth. Take the reading to find the temperature of the ground. Write down the number.
- 2
  Review the average temperatures from the current or previous winter and summer seasons. You can retrieve this information from your local weather station or website. The earth below the ground is not impacted by the daily weather aboveground, but rather is affected by the average temperatures from the overall year. Write down the average summer and winter temperatures.
- 3
  Add all of the temperatures together, including the average winter, average summer and current ground temperature that you took with the soil thermometer. Divide the temperatures by 3 to come up with an estimated temperature. This number should give you an approximate temperature for your underground piping.

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