Sewer line excavation services are expensive but often worthwhile. They represent one of the most costly plumbing services you can find. According to Angi, hiring an excavator contractor costs $3,155 on average, but a sewer line replacement project can cost as much as $9,500. You may wonder if this is worth it; modern trenchless repairs can cost less (depending on the issue and length of the pipe replaced). 

However, sewer line excavation isn’t always more expensive than trenchless repair. But digging and restoration are factored into the cost of the project. Based on Angie’s data, trenching-related repairs add $4 to $12 per linear foot while excavation costs can go from $30 to $70 per cubic foot. That doesn’t include hiring a landscaper, which costs $100 to $350, or hiring a contractor for driveway repair, which can cost $1 to $10 per square foot.

Nevertheless, you can still be better off excavating and replacing the entire sewer line.

Reasons Excavation In Portland May Be More Worth It

Trenchless pipe repair is a convenient option but is not always possible. While sometimes you can choose between trenching and trenchless methods, there can be complicating factors that can make digging more practical, safer, and an optimal long-term solution. Pipe lining and pipe bursting aren’t always possible and, in some cases, can cause more damage. We’ll now look at when a sewer line excavation service may be worth the investment:

• A Sewer Line Is Extensively Damaged: The pipe must be relatively intact for a pipe liner to be used. If it has collapsed or is broken in multiple sections, the best repair option is to dig up and replace the pipe. A resin liner or new segment brought in by pipe bursting may not restore the line’s integrity if the damage extends beyond its reach.
• Utility Lines Are Too Close: Trenchless methods can involve pushing the walls of the old pipe into the surrounding soil. This is not a great idea if utility lines are nearby. An old pipe segment or the surrounding soil can be pushed into a line, crushing or cutting it. During trenching, the contractor can see and avoid utility lines while fixing the sewer pipe.
• You Don’t Want to Leave Damaged Pipes In the Ground: Some property owners aren’t comfortable leaving shattered pieces of old pipe in the ground. It usually isn’t harmful. However, depending on your mindset, this might not seem ideal. The old pipe can be entirely removed during excavation and the line completely restored with a newer, more durable material.
• Soil Conditions Are Poor: If the soil has shifted, is improperly sloped, or is in poor condition, a sewer line can be damaged. In this case, it isn’t worth attempting a trenchless repair. It probably won’t be effective. The best way to fix the pipe and improve the surrounding soil quality is to dig, reinforce, or replace the ground material, and install a new line.
• Tree Roots Have Invaded the Sewer Line: Tree roots can grow towards, around, and into sewer lines. With pipe lining or pipe bursting, a contractor may not get past the root blockage. Digging allows them to access the damaged sewer pipe and physically remove the tree roots before restoring the sewer line. They can also prevent further tree root issues by installing special barriers in the ground.
• The Sewer Line Is Old or Badly Corroded: If corrosion has spread throughout the line or is blocking it, your local plumbing contractor may suggest a sewer line excavation service. The age and material of the pipe are also factors. Aging metal, concrete, clay, or plastic lines may be too deteriorated for other options, but an experienced professional can replace the old lines to resolve any sewer system issues.
• You’re Concerned About Safety: Any sewer line repair can be complicated. The process also comes with dangers, such as contact with waste material and the use of heavy machinery. An experienced excavator contractor can manage all the risks safely and complete repairs efficiently. Trenchless repair may sound simpler, but when it’s not an option, a pro can make trenching worth it and protect your home and family.
• The Repair Company Provides a Warranty: Sewer line excavation service contractors should include a warranty on their work. It avoids having to pay to fix issues that arise after the repair. Contractors also perform a thorough inspection, address immediate concerns, and detect problems that can escalate later. They also take steps to protect the line from future issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

To help you better understand excavation and sewer line repair and when digging is more worth it compared to newer methods, here are answers to a few common questions:

How Does Sewer Line Excavation Work?

Sewer line excavation is a multi-step process that typically goes as follows:

• Call your local utility to locate underground water, electrical, gas, and communication lines.
• Apply for a permit to ensure the job is done correctly and the line is properly inspected.
• A technician evaluates the sewer line using video camera equipment.
• The contractor determines how deep to dig and assesses the soil type to determine if support is needed to avoid collapse.
• Heavy equipment is brought in to start the digging process.
• Tree roots and other obstructions are removed.
• The pipe is replaced and the trench is covered up.

How Long Does Sewer Line Excavation Take?

While a trenchless repair can take a day or two, an excavation service can last several days. It takes time to dig the trench and then repair the sewer line. The overlying soil and ground materials must then be replaced. Restoring your landscaping and hardscaping can add even more time to the project. These factors help determine the labor cost, which can range from $50 to $150 per hour. Or, it may be calculated as a total job estimate or by the foot.

How Deep Is a Sewer Line?

Most residential sewer pipes are buried five to six feet. In a colder climate, a pipe may be buried up to eight feet under the ground to prevent it from freezing. The depth a contractor must dig is a factor in determining the sewer line excavation cost.

When Should I Replace a Sewer Line?

The signs you may need an excavation service may or may not be obvious. Consult with an excavator contractor if you notice any of the following:

• Increasingly expensive water bills
• Gurgling sounds from drains and pipes
• Toilets and sinks frequently clog
• Sewage odors around your property
• Unexplainable wet spots on your yard
• Increased humidity in your home
• Mold growing near plumbing fixtures
• Insects, mice, and other pests are present in your home

Can I Reduce the Need for Excavation or Sewer Line Repair?

Many sewer lines can last 50 to 100 years. You can reduce the risk of repairs and the need to replace a line sooner by first installing it away from trees. Installing a sewer line in stable soil also helps. You should also avoid putting cooking grease, paper towels, and food scraps down drains. These can clog up a sewer line and shorten its life.

How Do I Find the Best Excavator Contractors In Portland?

Research whether the contractor is licensed to perform excavating in Oregon. Also, determine whether they are insured against any incidents on your property and offer warranties for the work they complete. The contractor should perform an in-home evaluation to identify the best solution. Get an estimate and ask if there will be additional charges, and if post-work cleanup and building permits are covered. Repeat the process with three or four companies to ensure you get the best deal.

Call Sky Heating & Air Conditioning to Schedule Sewer Line Excavation Service

Our team has provided high-quality plumbing services in the Portland area since 1979. We effectively access, remove, and replace old sewer lines using state-of-the-art excavation equipment. Whether a pipe has collapsed, the ground has shifted, or tree roots are growing into a sewer pipe, our excavator contractors are ready to help. 

They’re also trained in the latest methods and can perform spot repairs, reroute sewer lines, correct ground sloping, or install a brand-new sewer system. Hydro excavation can be used to remove soil. It provides a more efficient approach than manual digging. 

If you live in Portland, The Dalles, or surrounding areas, we’re available 24/7 to address a sewer emergency. We determine the best repair options and provide high-quality materials, products, and customer service. To schedule sewer line repair, book your appointment online or call (888) 900-2109.