All that you need to know about sewer excavation – complete guide

Embarking on a sewer excavation project can feel like plunging into the unknown. As you delve into the depths of your property’s underground, you may be greeted with unexpected challenges and surprises. That’s where this comprehensive guide to sewer excavation comes in. Whether you’re a homeowner, a property manager, or a contractor, understanding the intricacies of sewer excavation is essential. From identifying common issues to the excavation process itself, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to tackle this daunting task. In this article, we’ll explore the various factors to consider before starting your excavation, including permits, safety requirements, and equipment. We’ll dive into the different methods used for sewer excavation, such as trenching, hydro excavation, and trenchless technology. Additionally, we’ll discuss the importance of proper planning and inspection, ensuring that your project is completed efficiently and effectively. So, let’s plunge into the depths and uncover the secrets of sewer excavation together. Get ready to navigate the underground world with confidence as we shed light on this vital aspect of property maintenance and construction.

Most mainline issues don’t call for sewer excavation. With the help of the latest drain cleanings methods like hydro jetting or cabling, several excavation companies can quickly and easily resolve no-dig problems. But there are problems, including broken or burst pipes. Due to this, sewer excavation is at a higher cost which should not be avoided.

Here are two different sorts of sewer excavation details to assist you in deciding whether you actually need them. You might save a lot of money by using the solutions.

Common Sewer Excavation Types

Digging is typically necessary during sewer excavation to find the pipeline. This can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, but this method effectively removes waste and clogs from the sewage system. Additionally, it guarantees that attention is focused on the problem for a more thorough investigation.

There are different kinds of excavation. These two are:

Open-Top Sewage Excavation

When it comes to repairing sewer lines without digging trenches, there is a solution that can be used in some situations. Even though installing an open-top sewage line is expensive, it guarantees that the sewer system will be fully restored. The work is done by making holes on each side of the pipeline. As a result, a big portion of your lawn will need to be dug up. It may seem not very pleasant, but competent plumbers can usually get things back to normal. Once the sewer lines have been located, typically by a video inspection system. Then the repair work begins. In most cases, open-top excavation can save you a lot of money compared to trenchless repair. Repairing or installing a new sewer line with this method is risk-free and dependable.

Pipe Burst Excavation

The digging of trenches in the yards of some homeowners is an obstacle to repairing their sewage systems. Their grass will be uncovered, but the sewage line will be totally restored. One of its main advantages is that pipe burst doesn’t involve trench digging. Outdated or damaged pipes are removed using a hydraulic or pneumatic head. The procedure entails removing the outdated, broken pipe and installing a new, precisely-sized pipe in place. Only within the past few years this kind of gentle excavation approach has been widely used. Without the digging process, you save money on labor and on the cost of fixing up your property afterward. The fact that a few issues are beyond the scope of this approach may be the main drawback. In many cases, this trenchless technology cannot be used to replace the old pipe. The length of the new pipe must be greater than 15 feet. However, it cannot repair all problems associated with sewage lines.

Do I require Excavation and Repair of My Sewer?

Understandably, no one would like the prospect of excavating their garden. Some of the most common calls for sewer line excavation include:

New Construction

When constructing a new building, whether residential or commercial, a sewer line must be installed. A sewage system is one of the first things an excavation crew does when they work on a new property.

There’s a Break in the Sewer Pipe

Tree roots commonly cause sewer line breaks. The sewage system can be damaged by grease, oil and other non-toilet paper items. Hydro Jetting or other preventative maintenance is the best method to avoid this. As a result, you won’t have to spend as much money fixing the damage caused by the tree’s roots.

Modifying the Current Setup

Changing from a private septic system to a municipal sewer system? If the septic tank in your home breaks down or a new ordinance in your city mandates repairs, you should look into this. To accomplish the change, a new sewage line will be required.

What is the Minimum Depth?

Trenches are always dug to a depth of 12-24 inches and sufficient width to fit your pipe before being backfilled with dirt and sod. Sewage systems in colder regions require a deeper installation to prevent pipe freezing. Always check with your local government to find out how deep you can bury the sewage line before digging. Call the appropriate authorities to ensure no electrical wiring or connections are in the way.

Summing Up

Sewer line excavation is an intensive process that can take several days or even weeks. If the need arises, you should contact a plumber with access to an excavation team and appropriate machinery. If you don’t know how to hire the right excavation company, we have a complete guide on the subject. It’ll help you get more done in less time. An additional suggestion is to know how to dig in a safe way. People have died because they dug ditches that collapsed on top of them. Carry out the work safely with the right tools and the help of friends who know what they’re doing. If you are unable to do it yourself, hire someone who can.