Properties, old and new, require regular maintenance. However, owners sometimes disregard this task until an issue pops up. At home, the plumbing systems for sewer and drains also encounter emergency problems from time to time.

Most of the drainage and sewer system’s components are located underground, so when a problem arises, it can require plumbing excavation. Digging a portion of a given property allows plumbers to have a clearer view of the problem and provide an accurate set of solutions to fix it. While excavation can effectively address many plumbing issues, some property owners are wary of this method.

If you encounter problems that require plumbing excavation, here is some information that can help you decide which type is best for you.

Types of Excavation in the Plumbing System

Plumbing excavation sounds intimidating. However, it can be a relief to homeowners, especially when flawlessly executed by professional plumbers. To help you gain more information about this approach, here are the different types of excavation:

1. Exterior Excavation

Exterior excavation is the most common type of plumbing excavation. It has already been tried and tested by plumbers and their clients for several decades.

Plumbers dig trenches and tunnels in and around the property to completely expose the plumbing pipes underneath. This process allows plumbers to have better access to the pipes underground and study the problem(s) more thoroughly. This type of excavation takes time to complete.

The downside of exterior excavation is it damages the land within the property. In some cases, it can also affect the quality of the surrounding land. Also, after plumbers fix the problem with your pipelines, you will need professional landscapers to fix the damaged lawn and bring back its lost beauty.

2. Interior Access Excavation

The interior access excavation is a less invasive way of digging the plumbing pipes. This type of excavation plumbing is recommended when there is only a single leak in the plumbing system and it’s set in a highly identifiable location. Plumbers use a jackhammer to dig a hole in the part of the property where the problem lies. Unlike exterior excavation, once the portion of the property gets dug, repairing is more manageable, with the problem getting resolved more accurately.

The downside of interior access is the plumbing excavation cost and the aesthetic repairs that have to be made afterwards. You have to buy a new set of flooring tiles or floorboards and pay professional fees to a restoration company. Apart from the cost of plumbing excavation and repair, you will also need to hire builders or tile setters to restore the flooring of your property.

3. Rerouting

Rerouting or the “cured-in-place-piping” method is the least invasive type of plumbing excavation. It requires little to no land digging at all. When plumbers provide this service, they only dig a small portion of the land surrounding the entrance of the damaged pipe so they can have better access. Less digging means that plumbers can solve the problem faster.

In other places, they call this type of excavation the no-dig pipe relining method. Plumbers use a sewer or drain camera to inspect the problem, and they will reline the damaged pipe with a resin-epoxy mixture to cover the hole or leakage.

The only downside of rerouting is the plumbing excavation cost. This is a fairly new technology in the plumbing industry, so there is a premium for this method. However, you will no longer have to deal with other repairs caused by this excavation type.

4. Combination Method

Most plumbing issues that involve underground pipes require some digging and drilling. There are even cases when plumbers recommend combining several excavation plumbing methods to provide the best solution optimally. They often combine the “cured-in-place” method with other excavation types. A mix of various excavation methods will help limit the damage of the digging process on your property.

Plumbing Issues that Can Be Solved Through Excavation

When you encounter a plumbing issue related to pipes running under your yard or home, dealing with it on your own can be challenging. Often, you will need professional help from experienced plumbers to resolve the problem. Here are some plumbing issues that may require excavation:

1. Burst Pipes

When your home encounters a burst pipe problem, it is not the easiest to detect, especially when the pipe is located underground. A small leakage can also turn into a burst pipe when left undetected for a prolonged period. Either way, when the leaky pipe is found underground, it will need plumbing excavation for proper diagnosis and repair.

2. Blocked Drainpipes

Typically, plumbers use different plumbing tools such as a drain snake or a water blaster to remove the blockage in the drainpipes. However, when the clogging is severe, they may need to excavate a portion of your property to see how the blockage looks.

When the cause of the clog is a tree root that has penetrated your drainpipe, experienced plumbing excavation contractors commonly dig a portion of the property to find the culprit. An excavation method allows plumbers to effectively resolve the issue by killing or cutting down the root of the tree that has penetrated the drainpipe. Once the obstruction gets removed, plumbers will replace or reline the damaged drainpipe.

3. Damaged Water Supply Lines

Plumbing systems have two primary components, the drainage and sewer systems and the water supply line. The latter connects to the central plumbing system of your water supplier. When the plumbing pipe or fixture gets damaged, it will disrupt the water supply going into your property.

When you encounter low water pressure or no water supply at all, the chances that a pipe or fixture is busted are high. Immediately call a reliable plumber to get a proper diagnosis and solution.

In any case, excavation is the primary solution to this problem because all water supply pipes and fixtures are located underground. When plumbing excavation contractors dig up a portion of your property, they can easily see where the busted pipeline lies and provide you with several courses of action to solve the problem. If you have a burst water supply line, they will either replace or reline the portion of the damaged pipe.

Call Absolute Electrical Heating and Air to Diagnose Problems With Your Plumbing System

When you encounter a plumbing issue requiring an excavation process, consult professional plumbers on which method is best for your situation.

If you are looking for a plumber in Colorado Springs who can provide excellent excavation services, call us at Absolute Electrical Heating and Air. Our team of licensed plumbers will guide you in the whole process of resolving your plumbing problem. They are all knowledgeable and experienced in delivering excellent plumbing excavation services. We can assure you that we will efficiently and effectively repair your damaged plumbing pipes.

Call us now to know more about our plumbing excavation services!