How much does it cost to finish a crawl space?

• <div><p>If you don’t wish to dig it out and convert it into a finished basement, you can still <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-crawl-space-encapsulation-cost.htm">encapsulate your crawl space</a> to protect it from damage for an average cost of <b>$5,500</b>. Finishing a crawl space beyond this isn’t really worthwhile, as the low ceilings mean you won’t be able to use the area as living space.</p></div>

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Q: How deep are septic lines buried?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-deep-is-septic-tank.htm">depth of a septic tank&rsquo;s</a> drain lines is between 18 and 36 inches underground. These pipes are filled with perforations and surrounded by sand, gravel, or a combination of both, as both materials help filter wastewater. While some pipes are buried closer to the surface, this can create problems unless the soil is compact and doesn&rsquo;t shift much. </p></div>

Q: What are the rules for trenching and excavation?

• <div><p>The rules for trenching and excavation include setting up and following safety protocols, learning how to use tools and machines properly, and ensuring there is a safe exit for all workers. Keep heavy equipment and materials away from the edge of the hole or trench. Call the 811 dig line before starting any excavation or trenching project to ensure you don&rsquo;t hit any electrical or gas lines.</p></div>

Q: How much does it cost to finish a crawl space?

• <div><p>If you don&rsquo;t wish to dig it out and convert it into a finished basement, you can still <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-crawl-space-encapsulation-cost.htm">encapsulate your crawl space</a> to protect it from damage for an average cost of <b>$5,500</b>. Finishing a crawl space beyond this isn&rsquo;t really worthwhile, as the low ceilings mean you won&rsquo;t be able to use the area as living space.</p></div>

Q: How deep can you dig with a trencher?

• <div><p>The digging depth will depend on the size of the trencher you use. Even smaller units can dig up to 4 feet deep, which is plenty for a DIY job. However, much larger trenchers can reach a depth of 18 feet and are better used by a team of pro contractors, not a single DIYer. As with all home improvement projects, use the right tool for the job and proceed with caution.</p></div>

Q: Can a metal detector find a septic tank?

• <div><p>Yes. A metal detector is one of the quickest and easiest ways to find your septic tank. However, metal detectors can be too expensive (costing upward of $300 in some cases), and not everyone has a metal detector just lying around. If that&rsquo;s the case for you, you can also take a long metal rod and poke it into the ground at regular intervals until you hit something&mdash;likely your septic tank lid. </p></div>

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FRASE & CO CONSTRUCTION

2.75(

)

Free onsite estimate

Frase Construction Inc is a locally owned and operated business in the Ottumwa area since 1999. Business owner, Jeremy Frase invites you to come visit his showroom, complete with a large variety of retail products. Frase Construction specializes in new construction and remodeling. Serves include: - Roofing - Additions - Windows - Siding - Kitchens & Baths - Cabinets - Concrete - Electrical - Plumbing - Decks - Garages - General contractors - Designed build - Egress Windows - Casement Windows - Energy Efficient Windows - Skylights - Sliding Windows - Storm Windows - Installation - New Construction - Remdeling - Repair - Wood Shake roofs and Shingles - Maintenance - Green Building - Residential - Commercial - Metal - Wood - Fiberglass - Vinyl - Driveways - Concrete removal - Concrete Coloring - Walls - Foundations - Decorative Concrete - Concrete Cutting - Stairs - Patios - Sidewalks - Stamped Concrete - Industrial - Garages - Cabinets - Laminate - Cabinet hardware - Snow Removal - Ice Removal - Snow Blowing - Snow Plowing - Additions ? - Bathrooms - Decks - Electrical - Kitchens - Plumbing - Roofing - Siding - and more Our project types include: Commerical (Office Buildijngs, Shopping Centers, Car Dealerships and more), Resteraunts, Warehouses, Rental Spaces, Residential (Multi-Family and Tenant Finish) For the best service in the area, give us a call so we can prove to you that you made the right choice.

Bills Concrete & Handyman Services

5.00(

)

Bills Concrete & Handyman Services

5.00(

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2 years of experience

The company provides various exterior contracting solutions to meet the needs of every customer. We specialize in decks, porches, fences, outside fireplaces, brick lain walkways, septic tanks, residential utility service repair, environmental remediation, hazmat clean up and much more!

Excavating questions, answered by experts

The depth of a septic tank’s drain lines is between 18 and 36 inches underground. These pipes are filled with perforations and surrounded by sand, gravel, or a combination of both, as both materials help filter wastewater. While some pipes are buried closer to the surface, this can create problems unless the soil is compact and doesn’t shift much.

The rules for trenching and excavation include setting up and following safety protocols, learning how to use tools and machines properly, and ensuring there is a safe exit for all workers. Keep heavy equipment and materials away from the edge of the hole or trench. Call the 811 dig line before starting any excavation or trenching project to ensure you don’t hit any electrical or gas lines.

If you don’t wish to dig it out and convert it into a finished basement, you can still encapsulate your crawl space to protect it from damage for an average cost of $5,500. Finishing a crawl space beyond this isn’t really worthwhile, as the low ceilings mean you won’t be able to use the area as living space.

The digging depth will depend on the size of the trencher you use. Even smaller units can dig up to 4 feet deep, which is plenty for a DIY job. However, much larger trenchers can reach a depth of 18 feet and are better used by a team of pro contractors, not a single DIYer. As with all home improvement projects, use the right tool for the job and proceed with caution.

Yes. A metal detector is one of the quickest and easiest ways to find your septic tank. However, metal detectors can be too expensive (costing upward of $300 in some cases), and not everyone has a metal detector just lying around. If that’s the case for you, you can also take a long metal rod and poke it into the ground at regular intervals until you hit something—likely your septic tank lid.

The Graettinger, IA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Mariel Loveland
•
Oct 16, 2025Oct 16, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Dig Out a Basement? [2025 Data]
If you’re building a new home, you might need to consider the cost of digging out a basement. Use this pricing guide to get an estimate for the project.
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Dec 9, 2025Dec 9, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Dig a Trench? [2025 Data]
Digging a trench is usually the first step in a larger home project. Our trenching cost calculator breaks down the factors that affect the price tag of this job.
Mariel Loveland
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Nov 28, 2025Nov 28, 2025
How Much Does Excavation Cost? [2025 Data]
Excavation costs $1,500 to $6,300 for most residential projects—but it depends on factors like the size of the area. This guide will help you plan a budget.
Rachel Presser
•
Oct 24, 2024Oct 24, 2024
Who Can Dig a Trench for Me?
Who can dig a trench for you? You can rent trenching equipment for a simple job, but a local excavation company can help with tough ones. Here's how.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
Nov 4, 2024Nov 4, 2024
How Deep Will a Trencher Dig? Which Trencher to Choose
A residential trencher will dig 1 foot to 6 feet deep, depending on the machine. Learn how deep a trencher will dig and which trencher to use.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
Nov 5, 2024Nov 5, 2024
Directional Boring vs. Trenching: Differences, Costs, and When to Use Each
Trenching is simpler and boring is best for complex properties. Learn all about boring versus trenching and when to use each.

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Leroy Morford Construction Co. The Concrete King

Leroy Morford Construction Co. The Concrete King

Savannah Construction

Savannah Construction

Dirt Werks by Kurt LLC

Dirt Werks by Kurt LLC

FRASE & CO CONSTRUCTION

FRASE & CO CONSTRUCTION

Bills Concrete & Handyman Services

Bills Concrete & Handyman Services

Glens Sackett Trucking & Excavating

Glens Sackett Trucking & Excavating

myhometutions

myhometutions

K&M Exteriors LLC

K&M Exteriors LLC

VANS Excavating, LLC.

VANS Excavating, LLC.

Gilbert's Septic Service

Gilbert's Septic Service

The Graettinger, IA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

How Much Does It Cost to Dig Out a Basement? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Dig a Trench? [2025 Data]

How Much Does Excavation Cost? [2025 Data]

Who Can Dig a Trench for Me?

How Deep Will a Trencher Dig? Which Trencher to Choose

Directional Boring vs. Trenching: Differences, Costs, and When to Use Each

Get our Angi-powered app

Get matched with top excavation pros in Graettinger, IA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your excavation project in Graettinger, IA?

Tree Removal Service

Building Site Preparation and Clearing

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Find Excavation pros in Graettinger

Leroy Morford Construction Co. The Concrete King

Leroy Morford Construction Co. The Concrete King

Savannah Construction

Savannah Construction

Dirt Werks by Kurt LLC

Dirt Werks by Kurt LLC

FRASE & CO CONSTRUCTION

FRASE & CO CONSTRUCTION

Bills Concrete & Handyman Services

Bills Concrete & Handyman Services

Glens Sackett Trucking & Excavating

Glens Sackett Trucking & Excavating

myhometutions

myhometutions

K&M Exteriors LLC

K&M Exteriors LLC

VANS Excavating, LLC.

VANS Excavating, LLC.

Gilbert's Septic Service

Gilbert's Septic Service

The Graettinger, IA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

How Much Does It Cost to Dig Out a Basement? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Dig a Trench? [2025 Data]

How Much Does Excavation Cost? [2025 Data]

Who Can Dig a Trench for Me?

How Deep Will a Trencher Dig? Which Trencher to Choose

Directional Boring vs. Trenching: Differences, Costs, and When to Use Each

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