I am trying to install a paver patio in my backyard but have run into some excavation issues. Everything I have read says to dig deep enough to allow for 6" of base material under the paver surface (4" of base gravel and 2" of builder's sand). The problem is, at 4" I uncovered the top of a 1-ft diameter PVC pipe running horizontally across the length of my backyard. I live in a townhome, and the pipe appears to be a drain pipe that everyone's gutter downspouts feed into. So there's definitely no chance of removing the pipe - it's there for good.
Because this is only at 4" deep, should I dig the rest of the area to the max depth needed, and just leave the section where the pipe runs at 4"? Or should I dig everything to the same 4" depth? Do I need to do something special to the pavers going on top of the area where the pipe runs? Or do I actually add material and go up, raising the surrounding areas around the space I plan to put pavers on as well? So many questions I can't seem to find any answer for through google.Any advice from experienced paver installers is greatly appreciated!