What is Drainage Excavation?
Drain excavation is the physical digging of a hole or trench to the drain that needs attention with the likelihood of destroying or removing anything from the problem area.
Related Article: What is Trenchless Pipe Repair Using Burst Pipe Technology?
Why Drain Repair by Excavation?
Drain repair by excavation is the last resort to repair damaged drain when its problem is so severe that other techniques are not feasible. In addition to being a costly method, drain excavation is also a complex task that requires safety monitoring.
The conditions necessitating drain repair by excavation include:
– When it really is not possible to fix the drain’s problem without digging into it because of the severity of the problem.
– When the drain is either old or in poor condition, with multiple problems or leaks.
– When the drain has collapsed completely or has been blocked by tree roots – one of the major problems of drains.
The Procedures for Drain Repair by Excavation
Drain repair by excavation involves several processes apart from the actual excavation and repair work. The procedures for a professional drain excavation task include the following steps:
1. Site Assessment
Digging a hole is the last thing any professional likes to do. Even when you have realized it is unavoidable, you do not want to dig the wrong place because drainage pipes are often neear other services such as water, electricity, and gas. As a result, a correct pre-excavation diagnosis and knowledge of the exact location of the problem are crucial to preparing cost-effective and successful repairs.
2. Health and Safety
Excavation is a dangerous task for workers and passersby because of the services mentioned above. Besides, there is always a risk of subsidence is the ground is wet and unstable. The risk involved is greater if the trench is very deep. So, proper shoring mechanisms and barriers should be incorporated for safety.
3. Excavation
Regardless of the availability of mini excavators, manual digging proves to be the safest and least disruptive drain excavation method especially when the drainage pipe is in proximity to other services.
4. Roots Removal
A crane can be used for roots removal or to excavate the area of root balls blocking the drain if there are no services near the location. Depending on the size of the root, the contractor may grind it and remove it.
5.Storing the Excavated Material
If the excavated material is good enough to be used for backfilling, it should be stored safely and kept dry otherwise, it should be disposed of responsibly.
6. Reinstatement
A good excavation plan must include the post-repair reinstatement of the site. The trench should be filled in a way that there will not be subsidence later. Concrete, tiles, and poles should be replaced like they were initially.
About Draintony
We are a locally owned and operated plumbing company, providing residential and commercial owner plumbing services. We specialize in Drain Repair, Drain Cleaning, Basement Waterproofing, Sump Pump Installation, Clogged Toilets and more. Our team at Draintony is dedicated to providing you premier plumbing quality and premier plumbing services.
