When Are Excavation Services Unavoidable?

Nowadays, there are simpler sewer repair methods, but sometimes excavation services are unavoidable. Homeowners typically prefer the no-digging method of trenchless sewer repair. But it isn’t always possible or the best solution. We’ll look at when your main sewer line may have to be excavated.

Open-top sewer line excavation is labor-intensive and time-consuming. It entails digging holes around and on both sides of the pipe. Much of your yard is dug up during the process. The repair crew will fix or replace the sewer line once it’s exposed and then put the soil and other materials back in place.

When Is Sewer Line Excavation Performed?

Excavation services are unavoidable in circumstances such as:

• New Building Construction: Connecting a sewer line to a newly constructed home or commercial building requires excavating nearby ground to install pipes and other components.
• Major Sewer Line Repair: If a sewer line is damaged due to severe blockages caused by flushing solid objects or tree root intrusion, excavation may be preferred over other methods.
• Sewer System Updates: A large overhaul, such as switching from a septic system to a main public sewer line connection, requires digging.

How Do I Know I’ll Need an Excavation Service?

It can be hard to know if excavation is required without the advice of a professional. However, some signs can indicate your sewer line may need to be accessed from above. Your local plumbing contractor may choose this option if:

• Water Pressure Isn’t Right: Subtle, gradual changes in water pressure are often caused by pipe corrosion. A damaged sewer line can cause fluctuations in water pressure or sudden drops in pressure due to a large leak or break.
• Floors Are Uneven: Sagging or bowing floors can mean there’s a problem with your sewer line. Sinking floors can indicate pillar, beam, or other foundation issues, or a concrete slab is off-level due to a sewer leak.
• Windows and Doors Won’t Close: If your windows and doors keep getting stuck, the problem may be due to pipe leaks or soil conditions causing your home’s foundation to shift. Look for gaps around doors and windows or cracks in walls, which can allow in more water and also bugs.

Call a Professional Before It’s Too Late

There are no DIY solutions to these problems. A professional must determine the right course to take; they also have the tools and machinery to properly excavate and repair the affected sewer line. They’re familiar with general requirements, including depth. A sewer line must be 12 to 24 inches deep, depending on climate and other factors. Colder conditions require deeper lines to prevent freezing. The location of electrical lines and cables is also a factor.

An excavation services company can help when you have issues such as water or sewage backing up your drains or toilet, mold forming inside your home, or you smell sewage indoors. Also, call a professional if outside grasses and plants are overgrown or greener than usual, or if water is pooling in your yard when it hasn’t rained.

What Can an Excavation Services Company Do?

A plumbing contractor that does excavation can replace an entire sewer or water line. They can also perform spot repairs, which may require just digging up a limited area to access the damaged pipe. Sewer line damage may be caused by corrosion, temperature fluctuations, or ground shifting, but tree root growth, mineral or sediment buildup, and the effects of age are common issues as well.

Excavation can also allow contractors to reroute existing sewer lines, correct the slope of drainage pipes, or install a new system. Hydro excavation is one way it’s performed. Sky Heating & Air Conditioning offers this service. It involves removing soil using pressurized water, moving it to a tank with air or a vacuum, and replacing the material, all without disturbing the surrounding soil.

Contact Sky Heating & Air Conditioning 

We provide sewer line excavation and other plumbing services in the Portland, OR, area. Our employees are highly trained and dedicated to a job well done, whether it requires excavation or trenchless sewer repair. Committed to high-quality service and permanent solutions, we aim to cause as little disruption as possible and ensure your plumbing system is safe and functional. To schedule excavation services and receive a free estimate, call (503) 563-2698.