Get matched with top excavation pros in Charleston, MS

You can dig 60 to 80 linear feet by hand per day depending on the depth. Digging a 100-foot trench by hand will take you two work days, but it can take longer if you have heavy or rocky soil. If you’re digging a deep trench or one that’s over 100 feet, consider renting a mechanical trencher, such as a walk-behind or ride-on, or calling a pro for help. 

No, you typically cannot use metal detectors to find your sewer line. Most sewer lines are made of non-metallic materials such as PVC, clay, or cast iron, which are not detectable by standard metal detectors. Metal detectors are designed to locate metallic objects, so they won't be effective for identifying the path of a non-metallic sewer line. To locate your sewer line accurately, it's best to use other methods.

It takes one hour to dig a 10-foot trench by hand. Use a trenching shovel with a sharp tip and a long head. Plan for more time if your soil is heavy or rocky. Consider renting a trencher if you’re digging a long or deep trench or if you have challenging soil or terrain. 

The cost to repair a crawl space runs between $1,500 and $15,000, depending on the extent of the damage. Major flooding or water repairs can cost up to $10,000 for removal and repairs. If you simply need to clean your crawl space, expect to pay between $2,000 and $6,000 for a major cleanout. Replacing a crawl space beam due to rot or damage can cost between $1,500 and $5,000, while removing and replacing damaged insulation costs between $1,000 and $4,000.