Do I Need Drain Excavation?
Drain excavation is one of the more extreme measures in solving issues with drains. The answer to the question “do I need drain excavation?” is a complex one, but if it’s being recommended, it’s likely that other options aren’t workable or have already failed.
To help you better understand drain excavation, along with how it’s undertaken and why it might be needed, we’ve produced a short guide on the topic here. Find answers to your common drain excavation questions, and if you’re still unsure about the topic in relation to your property, just give our expert team a call!
What is drain excavation?
Drain excavation is pretty much as it sounds. It’s the excavation of parts or all of your drainage system in order to repair or replace the pipes. It’s the most effective way to reach affected areas of your drains when all other options have been exhausted — but we’ll talk more about what those situations might be later in this guide.
How is drain excavation carried out?
Drain excavation services are carried out by physically digging a trench or hole over the area where the affected portion of the drain lies. This is designed to give drainage professionals direct access to the system so that any necessary work – usually replacement – can be performed.
Here are the common steps undertaken:
- Assessment of the site – to establish whether it’s the right course of action in exactly the right place
- Safety assessment – to ensure the work is carried out safely for you, our team and anyone in the area
- Excavation work – usually performed by digging by hand for minimal disruption, but may also require a mini excavator in some circumstances
- Storage of materials – what we dig up can sometimes be reused to backfill the trench, so we’ll ensure this is either stored appropriately or disposed of legally
- Reinstatement of the site – the excavated site needs to be reinstated to avoid subsidence, with replacement of materials performed like for like
When is drain excavation needed?
You should always get an expert to assess whether excavation is the right course of action.
Usually, it’s the last resort and is only undertaken because no other solution is feasible to restore your drains. Here are the most common reasons for drain excavation:
- Collapsed drains – this means a portion of the pipe needs to be replaced and the no-dig solutions aren’t suitable to fix the issue
- Tree root damage – extensive tree root damage means leaks cannot be fixed and the structure must be replaced
- Old or outdated drains – for drains that have deteriorated over decades or are no longer capable of meeting the increased demands of the property
- Distance issue – where the affected portion of the drain lies too far from an access point to be dealt with normally
- Shifting soil issue – where your pipes have seen major ground subsidence and therefore ruptured, requiring stabilisation
Drain excavation professionals
Are you worried that your drains will need excavation? Never fear, because at Power Rod we’re the drainage experts for Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire – including Watford and Aylesbury. That means we’ll never recommend excavation work unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Our expert drainage engineers can conduct CCTV drain surveys to discover the root cause of your drainage issue. From there, we’ll discuss your options with you, always recommending the least disruptive course of action for your home or business – whether that’s drain repairs, drain relining or any of our other services.
Call today to book an appointment with our team or to find out more about drain excavation and we’ll be happy to assist you.
