Do I have to grind an old tree stump?

• <div><p>We recommend removing the stump, and grinding is a popular way to do it. You can also dig out small stumps or stumps that have fully decayed instead of grinding them. However, don’t try using acids or fire for <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-kill-tree-stump.htm">killing a tree stump</a>, which is a fire hazard and illegal in many areas.</p><p>Leaving the stump alone invites eventual problems, including attracting termites, mold, and fungi.</p></div>

What type of soil is best to build on?

• <div><p>The best type of soil to build on is a mixture of sand and clay, known as loam soil. Loam soil has the best combination of these soil types to build a foundation on. The clay particles help with water retention, so it won’t erode like sandy soil might, and the sandy particles help with drainage, so you won’t see unsafe soil expansion or have an increased risk of leaks from water sitting against your foundation.</p></div>

What are the disadvantages of directional drilling?

• <div><p>Directional drilling is complex and requires training to use the advanced machinery. It can be challenging to monitor the position of the drill since there’s no direct line of sight. Directional drilling can also be more expensive with a cost of $10 to $30 per linear foot compared to $5 to $12 per linear foot for trenching. </p></div>

Get matched with top excavation pros in Ruthven, IA

Q: How long does it take to thaw frozen underground pipes?

• <div><p>Depending on the severity of the freeze and the method used, thawing frozen underground pipes can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Applying heat directly to the pipe using heat tape, infrared lamps, or hot water jetting can speed up the process. However, patience and careful monitoring are key to avoiding pipe damage.</p></div>

Q: How deep should a crawl space be under a house?

• <div><p>A crawl space can be as little as 42 inches below the grade of your house, but this is not always recommended in flood-prone areas. At a minimum, there must be at least 16 inches of clearance between the ground and the floor joists to access the space in an emergency.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Ruthven, IA

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Ruthven, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Excavation companies in Ruthven, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

Last update on January 14, 2026

Reviewed in February 2025
BHG Frameless Shower Doors Denver provided top-notch service from start to finish. They helped us choose the right shower door for our space, and the installation was flawless. We highly recommend them to anyone looking for a quality shower door replacement!!!
BHG Frameless Shower Doors Denver
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Reviewed in March 2024
The trai n ing of the dogs went great. So far so good!
Dog Guard
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Reviewed in November 2023
They were very prompt and professional.
Mr. Appliance of Sioux City
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Reviewed in June 2023
My wife Lori hired Tammy a few times over the years. She's helped us clear out a house in Denver (we're in Iowa), organize house space, and organizing office space. This relationship has gone on for years and we keep going back to her because she's reliable, innovative, and...
Tidy Tammy Organizing Services
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Reviewed in March 2023
All I can say is wow. Mike was very nice and professional. He was Ontime and his team worked together very well. I was given an up front price and there were no surprises. I recommend TOP 1 Expert Home improvement LLC for your roofing work
Top 1 Expert Home improvement LLC
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Reviewed in July 2022
Len was very professional, friendly, conscientious and easy to work with! He did a great job and our area rug looks amazing!
Advanced Interior Care, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2021
They have been excellent and I have no problems with them. I like that I can make an appointment and they can work me in. I would highly recommend them.
Exhaust Pros
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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(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We have done all our own work we do not sub work out to anyone We want you to be happy with us. We accept Checks and credit cards their is no job to small we can't handle

VANS Excavating, LLC.

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VANS Excavating, LLC.

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10 years of experience

Excavation, Demolition, & Concrete Flat Work serving throughout Northwest & Central Iowa.

Gilbert's Septic Service

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Gilbert's Septic Service

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3 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!

Showing 1-10 of 20

Excavating questions, answered by experts

We recommend removing the stump, and grinding is a popular way to do it. You can also dig out small stumps or stumps that have fully decayed instead of grinding them. However, don’t try using acids or fire for killing a tree stump, which is a fire hazard and illegal in many areas.

Leaving the stump alone invites eventual problems, including attracting termites, mold, and fungi.

Depending on the severity of the freeze and the method used, thawing frozen underground pipes can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Applying heat directly to the pipe using heat tape, infrared lamps, or hot water jetting can speed up the process. However, patience and careful monitoring are key to avoiding pipe damage.

The best type of soil to build on is a mixture of sand and clay, known as loam soil. Loam soil has the best combination of these soil types to build a foundation on. The clay particles help with water retention, so it won’t erode like sandy soil might, and the sandy particles help with drainage, so you won’t see unsafe soil expansion or have an increased risk of leaks from water sitting against your foundation.

A crawl space can be as little as 42 inches below the grade of your house, but this is not always recommended in flood-prone areas. At a minimum, there must be at least 16 inches of clearance between the ground and the floor joists to access the space in an emergency.

Directional drilling is complex and requires training to use the advanced machinery. It can be challenging to monitor the position of the drill since there’s no direct line of sight. Directional drilling can also be more expensive with a cost of $10 to $30 per linear foot compared to $5 to $12 per linear foot for trenching.

The Ruthven, IA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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

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Oct 13, 2025Oct 13, 2025
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Nov 19, 2025Nov 19, 2025
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Oct 29, 2024Oct 29, 2024
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Oct 29, 2024Oct 29, 2024
Can a Trencher Go Through Rock?
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Oct 22, 2024Oct 22, 2024
Who Can Demolish a House?
Demolishing a house is a major project that’s best completed by professional demolition services. Read more about why and who to hire.

What do you need done? We’ll find top pros.

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Tree Removal Service

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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

VANS Excavating, LLC.

VANS Excavating, LLC.

Gilbert's Septic Service

Gilbert's Septic Service

Glens Sackett Trucking & Excavating

Glens Sackett Trucking & Excavating

myhometutions

myhometutions

K&M Exteriors LLC

K&M Exteriors LLC

The Ruthven, IA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

How Much Are Excavator Rental Prices? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Demolish a House? [2025 Data]

How Much Does Mobile Home Leveling Cost? [2026 Data]

Excavation vs. Trench: Key Differences and Safety Protocols

Can a Trencher Go Through Rock?

Who Can Demolish a House?

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Get matched with top excavation pros in Ruthven, IA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

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

Tree Removal Service

Building Site Preparation and Clearing

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Ruthven, IA

Find Excavation pros in Ruthven

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

VANS Excavating, LLC.

VANS Excavating, LLC.

Gilbert's Septic Service

Gilbert's Septic Service

Glens Sackett Trucking & Excavating

Glens Sackett Trucking & Excavating

myhometutions

myhometutions

K&M Exteriors LLC

K&M Exteriors LLC

The Ruthven, IA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

How Much Are Excavator Rental Prices? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Demolish a House? [2025 Data]

How Much Does Mobile Home Leveling Cost? [2026 Data]

Excavation vs. Trench: Key Differences and Safety Protocols

Can a Trencher Go Through Rock?

Who Can Demolish a House?

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