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TRUSTED BY SALEM, NH HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.6
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon55
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Salem

Avatar for Twin Timber Construction
Twin Timber Construction
5.0(
8
)
Building Site - Preparation and Clearing

Serving Salem, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Couldn’t have asked for a more honest and trustworthy contractor. After letting my previous GC go, Mike and his team were a breath of fresh air. Extremely impressed and grateful for their work. Highly recommend. Should have called Twin Timber first."
Laconia Custom Home
Laconia Custom Home
Laconia Custom Home
14 neighbors recently requested a quote
Smithtown Landworks
5.0(
5
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Salem, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I hired Matt to prepare a site for a shed we have ordered. He replied promptly for a request for an estimate. He explained what needed to be done and gave me a fixed date when he could do the work. Throughout the project, he kept me apprised of the progress and explained the choices that needed to be made. I was impressed with the care with which he approached every aspect of the project. Just a great guy to work with."
Response time5 hrs
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by80%of homeowners
McAdams Excavation & Landscaping
3.9(
27
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Salem, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I had Ken come out to look at a stump removal and I mentioned a retaining wall project I needed to get done. Ken took some quick measurements and then came back again late that afternoon with his team and took more precise measurements. That evening I had a quote that was comprehensive and fairly priced. We quickly agreed on the project and date. Ken, Rowan and Roger showed up on time and completed the job quickly and efficiently. I would highly recommend McAdams Excavation and Landscaping for all your excavation, landscaping, and hard scaping needs. I am more than totally satisfied!!!"
Response time1 day
27 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by80%of homeowners
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

There is no standard depth for burying a septic tank; they are typically buried anywhere from 4 inches to 4 feet underground. The final depth depends on several factors, including the depth of your main sewer line, the height of the bedrock, soil type, local regulations, and the property's landscape. If you plan to grow grass or plants over the tank, a depth of at least 4 to 6 inches is recommended. Deeper tanks can be more difficult to locate, but a septic professional can help find it for you.

Sewer lines can be buried anywhere from 18 inches to 8 feet deep, with a common average depth between 18 and 30 inches. The exact depth depends on local factors like climate and soil type. In colder regions, pipes must be buried deeper (below the frost line) to prevent freezing, sometimes as deep as 8 feet. The digging depth can also impact the cost of sewer line replacement. To find the specific depth for your property, you can check the building plans for your system, which should be on file with your city or local sanitation department since permits are required for installation.

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.

A walk-behind trencher can cut through roots as long as they’re not too thick, making a project much easier than digging with a shovel and other hand tools. Assess your terrain and the number of trees in the surrounding area to determine if a walk-behind trencher will ease the job. Digging a trench by hand is much more time-consuming and labor-intensive. 

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.

The Salem, NH homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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