When the Problem Is Underground, We Dig.
Professional plumbing excavation for sewer lines, water mains, and underground pipe repair throughout the Triad.
Sometimes the Only Way to Fix It Is to Dig It Up
Not every plumbing problem can be fixed from inside your building. When pipes are buried under yards, driveways, or foundations, excavation is sometimes the only way to access, repair, or replace them. Collapsed sewer lines, broken water mains, and damaged underground pipes all require digging.
All-Star Plumbing provides plumbing excavation services throughout High Point, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and the Triad. We excavate for sewer line repair, water main replacement, drainage installation, and other underground plumbing work — residential and commercial.
Excavation is disruptive, so we do it right. We locate utilities before digging, minimize the excavation footprint, complete the plumbing work properly, and restore the site. One company handles the whole job.
When Plumbing Excavation Is Necessary
We try non-invasive methods first when possible, but some situations require excavation.
Collapsed Sewer Line
When a sewer pipe has collapsed, there’s no way to repair it from inside. We excavate to the damaged section, remove the collapsed pipe, and install new pipe.
Broken Water Main
The water line from the street to your building runs underground. When it breaks, we excavate to access the damaged section and repair or replace it.
Bellied or Offset Sewer Pipe
When a pipe section has sunk (belly) or shifted out of alignment (offset), trenchless methods may not work. Excavation allows us to replace the affected section properly.
Severe Root Intrusion
When tree roots have severely damaged a pipe — not just entered it — excavation may be needed to remove the damaged section and install root-resistant replacement.
New Sewer or Water Line Installation
Running new underground lines — for additions, new construction, or replacing entire systems — requires excavation to bury pipes at proper depth.
Drainage System Installation
French drains, yard drains, and other drainage solutions require trenching and excavation to install properly.
Septic System Work
Accessing septic tanks, distribution boxes, and drain fields for repair or replacement requires excavation.
Types of Plumbing Excavation
Different situations require different approaches.
Spot Excavation
Digging at a specific location — where camera inspection or leak detection identified a problem. Minimizes disruption by only excavating where needed.
Best for: Localized pipe damage, single leak or break.
Trench Excavation
Digging a linear trench along a pipe run. Used when replacing an entire section or installing new pipe.
Best for: Sewer line replacement, water main replacement, new pipe installation.
Deep Excavation
Some pipes are buried 6-10+ feet deep. Deep excavation requires proper shoring and safety measures.
Excavation Under Hardscape
Digging under driveways, patios, sidewalks, or other hard surfaces. More complex and requires surface restoration.
Consideration: We discuss surface restoration options before starting.
Basement/Foundation Excavation
Accessing pipes under or around foundations. May be exterior excavation alongside foundation or interior slab cutting.
Common for: Slab leaks, foundation drain installation.
How Plumbing Excavation Works
We follow a careful process to minimize disruption and ensure quality work.
- Step 1: Diagnosis First
Before any digging, we confirm what’s wrong and where. Camera inspection, leak detection, or pressure testing identifies the problem location precisely.
- Step 2: Utility Location
We call 811 and have underground utilities marked. We also use our own locating equipment to identify pipes and lines before breaking ground.
- Step 3: Quote and Approval
You get a complete quote covering excavation, plumbing work, backfill, and surface restoration. No surprises — you approve before we dig.
- Step 4: Excavation
We dig to access the problem — spot dig, trench, or full excavation depending on the job. We manage soil and protect surrounding areas.
- Step 5: Plumbing Repair/Replacement
With access to the pipe, we complete the plumbing work — repair, replacement, or new installation. All work done to code.
- Step 6: Backfill and Compaction
We backfill the excavation with proper material, compacting in layers to prevent settling.
- Step 7: Surface Restoration
We restore the surface — reseed grass, patch concrete, or other restoration as discussed in the quote.
What Affects Excavation Cost
Excavation pricing varies based on several factors.
- Depth
Deeper pipes require more digging, more time, and potentially shoring for safety. A pipe at 3 feet costs less to access than one at 8 feet.
- Length
Spot excavation costs less than trenching 50 feet. The amount of digging directly affects cost.
- Surface Type
Digging through grass is simpler than cutting through concrete driveways. Hardscape excavation adds cost for cutting and restoration.
- Access
Backyard with good access is easier than a tight space between buildings. Equipment access affects how we dig and how long it takes.
- Restoration Requirements
Basic grass reseeding costs less than concrete replacement or landscape restoration. We discuss options before starting.
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Related Services
Emergency Plumbing
24/7 emergency plumber service for leaks, backups, and sudden plumbing failures.
Drains & Sewer
Drain cleaning, sewer inspections, and water or sewer main repairs done efficiently.
Commercial
Business & industrial plumbing, backflow testing, excavation through High Point and the Triad.
Remodels
Plumbing upgrades and renovations for kitchens, bathrooms, and whole-home remodels.
Emergency Plumbing
24/7 emergency plumber service for leaks, backups, and sudden plumbing failures.
Water Heaters
Installation, repair, and maintenance for tank and tankless water heaters.
Repiping
Water lines, sewer lines, gas pipes, underground pipe repair
Leak Detection & Repair
Find and fix water leaks, slab leaks, pipe leaks
Drains & Sewer
Drain cleaning, sewer inspections, and water or sewer main repairs done efficiently.
Commercial
Business & industrial plumbing, backflow testing, excavation through High Point and the Triad.
Remodels
Plumbing upgrades and renovations for kitchens, bathrooms, and whole-home remodels.
Your Plumbing Problem, Solved in 3 Simple Steps!
Call and speak with a real person
No automated systems or call centers. When you call All-Star Plumbing, a real person answers 24/7, listens to the issue, and schedules help right away so you’re never waiting.
Get Clear Pricing Before Starting
Before any work begins, we explain the problem, walk you through your options, and give clear upfront pricing. You know the cost before we start, no surprises and no pressure.
We Fix the Problem
Our licensed plumbers arrive prepared to fix the issue correctly the first time. If we can’t fix it, you don’t pay. Simple, honest, and backed by our guarantee.
Call and speak with a real person
No automated systems or call centers. When you call All-Star Plumbing, a real person answers 24/7, listens to the issue, and schedules help right away so you’re never waiting.
Get Clear Pricing Before Starting
Before any work begins, we explain the problem, walk you through your options, and give clear upfront pricing. You know the cost before we start, no surprises and no pressure.
We Fix the Problem
Our licensed plumbers arrive prepared to fix the issue correctly the first time. If we can’t fix it, you don’t pay. Simple, honest, and backed by our guarantee.
Helpful Plumbing Tips From Local Experts
Our blog shares clear advice homeowners can use right away.
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When Should You Replace Old Plumbing Fixtures?
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Locations and Areas Served
Plumber Service Company Serving the Entire Triad
Plumbing Excavation Questions
How much does plumbing excavation cost?
It varies significantly. Small spot excavations may run $500-$1,500. Major sewer line excavation and replacement can run $5,000-$15,000+. We provide detailed quotes after assessment.
How long does excavation take?
Spot excavation and repair: often 1 day. Full sewer line replacement: 2-5 days depending on length and depth. We provide timeline with your quote.
Will you damage my yard?
Excavation is inherently disruptive, but we minimize the footprint and restore the site. We discuss exactly what will be affected before starting.
Do you repair driveways and concrete?
We patch concrete and asphalt as part of restoration. For extensive driveway work, you may want a concrete contractor for best finish. We coordinate as needed.
Is there an alternative to excavation?
Sometimes. Trenchless methods (pipe lining, pipe bursting) work for some situations. We evaluate trenchless options first and recommend excavation only when necessary.
Do you handle permits?
Yes. We pull necessary permits for sewer and water line work and schedule required inspections.
What about underground utilities?
We call 811 for utility marking and use our own locating equipment. We’re careful to avoid gas, electric, cable, and other underground lines.