Get matched with top excavation pros in Fort Thompson, SD

This depends on your location. Sewer lines can be buried anywhere from 18 inches to 8 feet deep. People in colder climates will have deeper sewer lines than people in warmer climates due to the dangers of the frost line and freezing pipes. Permits are required for all aspects of septic system installation, so the city should have the building plans for your system, which will tell you how deep your lines are.

Excavations take a few days or up to a few weeks. The time it takes to excavate an area depends on the size of the area, the type of soil, the type of excavator, and even the time of year, since winter can make digging up the ground more difficult.

Completion time ranges from days to weeks, contingent on project size, environmental conditions, and regulatory approvals.

To locate an underground downspout, you should start by identifying where the above ground gutter drains. Look for an entry point, such as a pipe or elbow leading into the ground. Follow the surface path for signs like depressions, landscaping disruptions, or wet areas after rain. You can use a metal detector or plumber’s snake to trace the pipe underground. For deeper pipes, a professional locator tool or camera inspection may be necessary. Visual markers or utility maps can also guide the search.