When is Drainage Excavation Necessary?

It's time to set the scene. You're dealing with problematic, recurring blocked drains. Water isn't flowing properly and all the usual DIY methods just haven't worked.

That’s why you’ve called in the professionals. Licensed and trained plumbers who deal with clogged drains on a daily basis.

Sadly, after a thorough site assessment, the plumber has determined that the solution isn’t going to be a quick fix. For whatever reason, the pipework is beyond the point of repair, or the blockage cannot be removed. So what does that mean?

Unfortunately, it means you’ve reached the point of last resort. The pipework you’ve relied on for many years simply has to go. It needs to be dug up and replaced to ensure long-term health and safety with an efficient drainage system.

If drainage excavation is on the cards and you’re left with a few lingering questions, Plumber Near Me is here to help. We’ll take you through some of the most common questions surrounding stormwater and sewer drain excavation services.

So, What is Drainage Excavation?

When your pipes are blocked and there’s no alternative form of repairs, your plumber or contractor will have to dig deep. Literally. Drain excavation involves digging up damaged or blocked pipework and replacing it with brand new PVC piping.

Excavation services are necessary only when pipes are damaged beyond repair and cannot be fixed with a non invasive measure. It can be a big process at times, as not all jobs and services are uniform, but it comes with long term success.

Any offending tree root blockages can be safely removed. Pipe replacement also ensures any drainage issues or potential risk factors are 100 per cent taken care of.

Is it the Same for Sewer and Stormwater Drainage Systems?

Yes! Both stormwater and sewer drainage pipes can be repaired in the same way. There are no unique requirements, other than maintaining structural integrity and quality performance.

How Far Underground Do You Dig For A Plumbing Excavation?

The good news is drainage excavation rarely has to go too deep. That means you won’t be staring at trench lines that seem to stretch into the centre of the Earth.

In reality, most sewer lines are at least 450mm deep. On average expect it to be about 600mm, and at worst a deep dig would be about 1000mm. So unless the conditions are wildly abnormal, your plumber won’t be going too far past one metre.

However, there are exceptions, especially in older homes. Previous DIY work might not match up to modern standards. There could easily be some wild variations that pose a challenge to even the best plumber with expertise.

Concrete foundations, surrounding tree roots or other underground structures might mean the excavated depth is deeper – or wider – than planned. Regardless, if there are any issues with excavating, you can count on your local plumber to tackle the problem in the most efficient way.

Is Drain Excavation Better Than Pipe Repairs?

In terms of drainage excavation vs hydro jet drain cleaning and/or pipe relining techniques, there is no winner or loser. The best solution is the one that best solves all of the plumbing problems at hand.

If that’s using a hydro jet to break apart tree root blockages, and pipe relining to provide a new inner layer, so be it! But if the pipes are cracked beyond repair and water is leaking into the soil, then it’s time to dig and replace them.

Safety First

With any drainage excavation project, our contractors make safety considerations a top priority. Especially here in Australia, with our dynamic climate conditions and bouts of severe weather, it’s vital that homeowners use licensed contractors with expertise in the local landscape and fully compliant with Australian standards.

To prevent any avoidable collapses of the soil, it’s crucial to carry out a detailed assessment of the soil conditions and make sure it is stable. Equally as crucial is the precise detection and avoidance of underground services like gas, water, and electricity services. The sides of the excavation require proper shoring or benching, especially in sandy or unstable soils found in many coastal regions. It’s also standard practice for our team to wear the necessary PPE, including hard hats and steel-capped boots.

Will Excavation Services Damage My Garden?

There’s no denying that excavation will impact how any garden looks. Flowers may need to be dug up, concrete cut open, and pavers moved. Sadly you will have to disrupt a pristine surface area to get to the bottom of the damage.

However, that doesn’t mean the garden itself will be damaged. Any good plumber or tradesperson will take their time to ensure everything is neatly performed. They’ll look after your property and stay away from delicate flora when possible.

Often the finished product will look just like it was, too. No one will even know there was any other construction project or disruption to your home.

What is the Long Term Success?

Rest assured that drainage excavations come with the promise of long-lasting success. How long? One hundred years.

PVC pipes are incredibly durable, and on average will last 100 years. They can easily replace existing materials such as clay pipes or slot into any existing section of PVC piping. If you are looking at sewer or stormwater pipe replacement, PVC will be the perfect option for continued success.

How Much Does Drainage Excavation Cost?

Given the range of factors that influence any pipe repairs, it’s difficult to provide one fixed-price quote for excavation.

The length of pipe required, depth of digging, material used, potential trench shoring and equipment hire will all influence the final cost. Typically, that will also only be known after an initial site assessment and CCTV drain camera investigation.

One key piece of advice is this: be prepared for a more expensive job. Excavation can often be a 1-2 day job with multiple hands on deck. It’ll be intensive and thorough, but in the end, you’ll have said goodbye to any damaged pipes.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.