What is Sewer Excavation? (And Do You Need It To Repair Your Main Line?)

The majority of mainline problems don’t require sewer excavation. Most can be solved with “no-dig” drain cleaning/clearing techniques like cabling or Hydro Jetting.

However, there are issues — such as burst or cracked pipes — that make the more expensive sewer excavation unavoidable. Here are 2 types of sewer excavation and information to help you determine if you even need it. The answers could save you thousands of dollars.

2 Different Types of Sewer Excavation

Sewer excavation usually requires digging to unearth your pipeline. This process is labor-intensive but efficient in removing trash and obstructions from the plumbing system. It also ensures that eyes are on the issue for a more detailed examination of the problem.

But there are other types of excavation. Here are two:

1. Open-Top Sewer Excavation

There is an alternative to trenchless sewer line repair in circumstances when it isn’t possible.

Although an open-top sewer line excavation is time-consuming and labor-intensive, it ensures that your sewer line is thoroughly and completely repaired. Holes must be dug on both sides of the pipe, as well as around it.

As you can expect, this necessitates the excavation of a significant area of your yard. That’s the downside. But good plumbers will put everything back in place within reason.

The repairs can commence once the pipes have been discovered, usually through a camera inspection system. Workers will have simple access to the sewer system, whether it needs to be completely replaced or simply adjusted.

An open-top excavation is usually much less expensive than a trenchless repair. It’s a safe and reliable approach to fix a broken sewer line or replace it with a whole new one. 

2. Pipe Bursting Excavation

Some homeowners are hesitant to have sewer lines repaired because they don’t want trenches dug in their yards. Although it fully restores the sewer line, it also opens up their lawn.

One of the key advantages of pipe bursting is that it does not entail the digging of trenches. A pneumatic or hydraulic head is used to remove old and broken pipes. The process involves taking out the old, damaged pipe and replacing it with a new one that’s exactly the right size for the space.

This method of excavation is relatively new, having been around for just the last two decades. The lack of digging reduces costs, both in terms of labor and in terms of what you’d have to spend later to restore your property.

Perhaps the biggest problem with it is there are often issues that can’t be fixed with this method. The old pipe often can’t be replaced with this trenchless method. The pipe replacement needs to be over 15 feet. And it can’t fix certain types of sewer line issues, like a collapsed pipe or problems resulting from poor grading.

Do I Need My Sewer Excavated & Repaired?

Nobody wants to have their yard dug up and excavated, but it may be necessary. Here are some of the most frequent reasons for excavating a sewer line:

• Constructing a building. You’ll need a new sewer line if you’re building a new home or commercial building. This essential sewage system is installed on a new property with the help of an excavation team.
• The sewer line is damaged. Tree roots are frequently to blame for sewer line damage. Oil, grease, and flushing anything other than toilet paper can all cause damage to your sewage system. The best way to prevent this is with routine maintenance or Hydro Jetting. This will prevent major, more expensive repairs and keep tree roots from doing more harm.
• Updating the current system. Switching from a septic tank to the public city sewer? Consider this if your septic tank needs to be repaired or if a new city bylaw requires it. If that is the case, you’ll need a new sewer line to make the switch.

What is the Minimum Depth of a Sewer Line?

Before filling it in with soil and sod, trenches should be 12-24 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate your pipe comfortably. Another factor to consider is that in colder climates, this will need to be deeper, or your sewage may freeze.

Before digging, always contact your municipality to determine the correct depth to bury your sewer line. You will also want to determine if any electrical lines or cables are in the area by contacting your local utilities.

Final Thoughts

Excavating a sewer line to make a repair (or replacement) is a tough job that can take days, even weeks. When the situation arises, contact a plumber with an excavation crew and the right equipment. It will make your job go much faster.

Another tip is to understand how to safely dig. Homeowners have literally lost their lives by digging trenches that caved in on them. Do the work safely, with the right equipment, and assistance from knowledgeable friends. If you can’t, then hire a professional.

Related Resources

• Sewer lines: the essential homeowner’s guide
• Camera line inspection? What’s wrong with your sewer pipe?
• What is a sewer lateral?
• What causes a broken sewer line?
• How deep are sewer lines buried?
• How to make an underground cast iron sewer pipe repair
• Are sewer backups covered by insurance?
• Clay or terra cotta sewer pipes?
• Off-the-grid plumbing for water and sewer
• What is a private water well?
• The best septic-safe toilet paper
• 7 signs of problems with your septic system
• 3 types of plumbing systems
• Sewer Excavation Page

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help inspecting, repairing, or excavating your sewer line.

1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.