Get matched with top excavation pros in Zerbe, PA

Q: How deep are septic lines buried?

• <div><p>Septic drain lines (or leach lines) are typically buried between 18 and 36 inches underground, and should be at least 6 inches below the surface. These pipes are perforated and surrounded by filtering materials like sand or gravel. Burying the lines at this depth helps minimize odors and allows bacteria and other biological processes in the soil to effectively treat the wastewater. Burying lines too close to the surface can cause issues unless the soil is very compact and stable.</p></div>

Q: Is it OK to dig through tree roots?

• <div><p>Tree experts don&rsquo;t advise against digging through tree roots, but instead encourage caution and consultation with a local arborist to make sure you don&rsquo;t damage the tree&rsquo;s structure or interrupt its water or nutrient intake. An arborist can recommend specific practices when digging and help prune the roots or dig a trench for utilities with a tool that can remove soil without touching the tree&rsquo;s roots.</p></div>

Q: How long does it take an excavator to dig a pool?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-does-it-take-build-pool.htm">time it takes to build a pool</a>&mdash;and dig out the area&mdash;varies based on the pool size and type. A professional excavator will take between four and eight hours to dig a pool. The process will take longer if they encounter large boulders or tree roots. Keep in mind that this is a small part of the process in the long run. You will need between eight and 12 weeks to build a pool from start to finish, including the time to apply for permits.</p></div>

Q: Can excavation be done in the winter?

• <div><p>Yes, you can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/can-you-excavate-in-the-winter.htm">excavate in the winter</a>, but it might make the job harder. Frozen ground is harder to dig, and snow or ice can make the work site more hazardous. A contractor may need special equipment and techniques, such as ground-thawing methods, to break through frozen soil. Although winter excavation is possible, it may take longer and be more costly than excavating during warmer months.</p></div>

Q: How deep should a trench be?

• <div><p>Trenches are typically 12 to 24 inches deep and 8 inches wide. However, the required depth depends on the specific project and local ordinances. For example, a French drain may need to be 18 inches deep, while a water pipe might require a depth of 24 inches and a drainage pipe 36 inches. Your city or county may have specific regulations, so it's wise to consult with an excavation professional to determine the correct depth for your project.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Zerbe, PA

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Zerbe, PA 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 Zerbe, PA 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 December 30, 2025

Reviewed in December 2025
Had new siding installed. The crew did a decent job. There were a few issues along the way but Anthony my project manager handled everything to make sure the job was done right.
Home Genius Exteriors
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Reviewed in November 2025
The job was a full re-shingle of a 200 year old home, with a 50% replacement of the wood deck, plus replacement of the gutters. From start to finish the service was excellent. Everyone was polite, knowledgeable, professional. The materials used were top quality and correctly installed. Very...
Home Genius Exteriors
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Reviewed in May 2025
Arrived on time, was very knowledgeable about the project, offered some advice on how to fill in some parts of the stucco that was coming off in addition to painting and making it look like new.
C&N Construction
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Reviewed in April 2025
Doing an excellent job with ongoing mowing on my properties. Great, friendly service! Highly recommend 👍
PPM Lawn & Landscape
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Reviewed in November 2024
We had out vinyl porch posts taken off and had timber frame posts put up, we also had a timber frame pavilion put in the back of our home at our pool. Danial was very good to work with, despite some miscommunication he made things right. The quality is very good and precise. I would not hesitate...
Mountainside Home Improvements, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2024
They put up wainscotting in sunroom. They were personable and very efficient. Did an excellent job and cleaned up after themselves. Their price was very good also. I was impressed and would hire again.
Lynyrd Enterprises
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Reviewed in October 2023
They did a terrific job & even helped out with the power washing that needed to be done before the staining. We found this company to be very reliable & they took care of business. We are very satisfied.
Color Effects Painting
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Reviewed in September 2023
It went great. Job was completed timely and all debris was removed. 3 bushes and 1 tree trimmed and shaped to match height of fence amd removed overgrown weeds and vines . Will use again.
Lebanon Lawn Care
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Reviewed in June 2023
From the call of making the appointment to the actual removal was a quick turnaround. Very professional and left the yard neat & tidy.
AJ's Tree Service
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Reviewed in May 2023
Ryan did an excellent job putting in a carport for my trailer. He went above and beyond the work I expected. I would highly recommend Poletti excavating
Poletti Excavating
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Find Excavation pros in Zerbe

Poletti Excavating

4.9(

)

Serving Zerbe, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Ryan was such a pleasure to do business with.from the moment I he came.out to the finished job. I would highly recommend and without hesitation his company for all your excavating needs. Thank you, Ryan"

Response time3 hrs

Response rate98%

Recommended by91%of homeowners

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Tim Fisher Enterprises, Inc.

4.8(

)

Serving Zerbe, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2001

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very good, arrive on day promised, did great job as well as cleanup"

FEI Welding Truck Left, Old Excavator Right

+14

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Zerbe, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Wes did a great job is very experienced in all types of excavation equipment. Will definitely recommend him to others."

Response time8 hrs

Response rate100%

Serving Zerbe, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I got a very efficient and professional job done. I was very happy and highly recommend them. My home caught fire. The structure was removed in less than two days."

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by40%of homeowners

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Boyle Electro Mechanical

5.0(

)

Serving Zerbe, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

"They were good, I was very pleased. They were easy to communicate and everything was good."

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Zerbe, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They are really trustworthy and they really go above and beyond to make you happy."

Response time5 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Parmer Construction

New to Angi

Serving Zerbe, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

We have been servicing central pa home and business owners since 1995. From concrete work, sewer and water lines, excavation and grading we cover it all. No job is to big or small.

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

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E&M land services

New to Angi

Serving Zerbe, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

Hello All,\n\nWe'd like to welcome you to the E&M family. \n\nWe are a small Christian family owned company, we strive to not only serve our customers but also our community.\n\nHere at E&M we specialize in a wide variety of services like, brush mowing/land clearing, driveway repair and grading, excavation, and snow removal.\n\nWe thank for checking us out and we look forward to serving you!

+13

Serving Zerbe, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very responsive and quick to get quotes and work scheduled. They did a great job in not disturbing areas of property where work was not being performed. Great work with fair prices, highly recommend Dirt Life excavating"

Response time3 days

Response rate95%

Recommended by62%of homeowners

Serving Zerbe, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Credit card accepted

"The crew arrived on time and finished the job in one day. The work site was left clean and I was able to begin construction on my new shed the following week.
"

+14

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

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Showing 1-10 of 72

Excavating questions, answered by experts

Septic drain lines (or leach lines) are typically buried between 18 and 36 inches underground, and should be at least 6 inches below the surface. These pipes are perforated and surrounded by filtering materials like sand or gravel. Burying the lines at this depth helps minimize odors and allows bacteria and other biological processes in the soil to effectively treat the wastewater. Burying lines too close to the surface can cause issues unless the soil is very compact and stable.

Tree experts don’t advise against digging through tree roots, but instead encourage caution and consultation with a local arborist to make sure you don’t damage the tree’s structure or interrupt its water or nutrient intake. An arborist can recommend specific practices when digging and help prune the roots or dig a trench for utilities with a tool that can remove soil without touching the tree’s roots.

The time it takes to build a pool—and dig out the area—varies based on the pool size and type. A professional excavator will take between four and eight hours to dig a pool. The process will take longer if they encounter large boulders or tree roots. Keep in mind that this is a small part of the process in the long run. You will need between eight and 12 weeks to build a pool from start to finish, including the time to apply for permits.

Yes, you can excavate in the winter, but it might make the job harder. Frozen ground is harder to dig, and snow or ice can make the work site more hazardous. A contractor may need special equipment and techniques, such as ground-thawing methods, to break through frozen soil. Although winter excavation is possible, it may take longer and be more costly than excavating during warmer months.

Trenches are typically 12 to 24 inches deep and 8 inches wide. However, the required depth depends on the specific project and local ordinances. For example, a French drain may need to be 18 inches deep, while a water pipe might require a depth of 24 inches and a drainage pipe 36 inches. Your city or county may have specific regulations, so it's wise to consult with an excavation professional to determine the correct depth for your project.

The Zerbe, PA 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

Paige Bennett
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Are Excavator Rental Prices? [2026 Data]
Preparing for a big excavation project in your yard? Find out excavator rental prices by type, project size, and more to budget for your project.
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Apr 8, 2026Apr 8, 2026
How Much Does Pool Excavation Cost? [2026 Data]
You can't have an in-ground pool without digging into the ground. How much does pool excavation cost, and can you take it on yourself? Our guide explains.
Haley Nothstein
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Dig Out a Basement? [2026 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.
Jamie Cattanach
•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 2026
What Is Trenching? What to Know for Your Upcoming Utility Work
Trenching means digging a depression in the earth that’s longer than it is wide. Here’s what you need to know about trenching—including doing it safely.
Mary Beth Eastman
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who Do I Call if I Need to Hire Someone to Dig a Trench?
If you want to hire someone to dig a trench, choose a local excavation company. Learn why you should hire a pro for your trench and what it will cost.
Barbara Bellesi Zito
•
Apr 8, 2026Apr 8, 2026
How to Use a Trencher Safely and When to Call a Pro
Using a trencher is more efficient than using a shovel when excavating. Here’s a basic guide on how to use a trencher for your next project.