Sewer Line Excavation in Denver
An independent, licensed plumbing contractor. Not affiliated with Denver Water or the City and County of Denver.
Sewer line excavation in Denver is the right choice when the sanitary lateral is collapsed, the grade has failed, or the connection at the main has to be exposed and inspected. Denver Sewer and Water scopes the line first, then opens only as much ground as the repair actually requires.
- Open cut sewer excavation for collapsed or bellied lines.
- Grade correction and re-routing around structures.
- Tap and connection work at the public main.
- Trenchless alternative quoted when the host pipe supports it.
- Compaction and surface restoration to city spec.
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When Does a Sewer Line Need Excavation?
A sewer line needs excavation when the damage is too severe for a liner or burst head to correct. Collapsed clay, a belly holding water, or a separated joint at the property line are all cases where trenchless would leave the real problem in the ground.
The decision comes from the camera footage and the grade. We show you the video, mark the defects, and explain why excavation is the honest recommendation before any ground opens.
(720) 935-6221Signs excavation is likely the right repair
- Visible collapse or loss of pipe shape on camera.
- A belly or low spot that would hold wastewater.
- Separated joints or offset connections that break the line.
- Damage at the tap or property line connection.
- A re-route around a structure, addition, or protected tree.
How We Diagnose It
Open Cut or Trenchless? How We Decide
Trenchless repair works when the host pipe is intact and the grade is sound. If the pipe has collapsed, the slope has to be corrected, or the failure is at the connection to the main, excavation is the only method that solves the actual problem.
In some cases the best job is a hybrid: line the sound section and open cut only the failed portion. We quote what the pipe supports, not what is easiest to sell.
How an Excavation Job Runs
- 1
Camera and Locate
We scope the line, grade it, and mark depth and defect locations. Utility locates are requested and verified on site before any equipment moves.
- 2
Permits and Traffic Control
Sanitary review, right-of-way permits, and a traffic control plan where the street requires one. We carry these rather than handing them to the owner.
- 3
Site Protection
Access route planned, surfaces protected, spoils staged, and tree protection observed where the canopy or root zone is regulated.
- 4
Careful Exposure
Around known crossings we vacuum excavate rather than dig blind. Paint on grass is an approximation, not a guarantee.
- 5
Excavate, Shore, and Repair
The trench is opened and shored to depth, the pipe is replaced or the connection is made, and the work is inspected before it is covered.
- 6
Backfill and Restoration
Compacted in lifts to the spec for the surface above, then the surface is restored to what was cut, including concrete, asphalt, and landscape.
What Denver Customers Say About Working With Us
“They cleared our drain where Roto Rooter couldn't and quoted us to replace the line under our concrete.”
“Prompt service and worked well into the night to restore service due to hard soil. And did their best to prevent large scars to the yard”
“Denver Water And Sewer did an excellent job replacing my sewer lines. Trevor and his crew are extremely competent, honest, professional and prompt.”
What Drives Excavation Cost?
We will not put a number on this page, because excavation pricing is driven by conditions we have to see first. Depth is the single largest driver, followed by what is above the pipe and what has to be put back.
The honest version is that a shallow lateral in an open back yard and a deep connection under a concrete street are the same pipe and very different projects. We quote after the scope and the locate, not before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Excavation Services
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Rehabilitating lines from access pits when the host pipe supports it.
Explore Trenchless Sewer RepairOpen Cut Excavation
When trenching is the right method and how we sequence it.
Explore Open Cut ExcavationHydro Excavation
Vacuum excavation for safe exposure around live utilities.
Explore Hydro ExcavationLine Locating and Marking
Finding the line and verifying depth before anything opens.
Explore Line Locating and MarkingOur Family of Companies
For related services, see our sister company partners in the same family of companies:
Need a sewer line excavated in Denver?
Call (720) 935-6221 or request a quote and we will scope the line before recommending any dig.