Top-rated excavation pros.

Get matched with top excavation pros in Danville, VA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your excavation project in Danville, VA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Excavation pros in Danville

Avatar for Walker Boy Landscaping LLC
Walker Boy Landscaping LLC
4.0(
78
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Danville, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"It was good. There were certain things that weren't covered under the plan. I'm not sure if they cut the bushes down in the back around the fence. I had to pay extra for that. They should try get me to know the schedule so I know when they're coming and when they're not coming. Other than that, it takes time to get the workers together. I like Patrick and he's the owner. The thing in the firepit was included with the mulch but he said I had to pay for the materials."
Rock Wall Installations
Stripes
Recommended by72%of homeowners
John Dooley Excavating
1.3(
2
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Danville, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

John Dooley Excavating is your local excavation contractor. We also specialize in septic tank systems cleaning, inspection, and installation. We provide all kinds of excavation projects including land cleaning, grading and much more. Each project is unique and custom tailored to your specific needs.

Response time2 hrs
Showing 1-10 of 30
Excavating questions, answered by experts

There are several methods to hollow out a tree stump, and the best one depends on your tools, experience, and priorities. Common methods include using a chisel and hammer, a chainsaw, or burning.

  • Chisel and Hammer: This is often considered the easiest approach for those with limited tools or experience, though it is the most time-consuming.

  • Chainsaw: Using a chainsaw is the fastest method, but it comes with significant safety risks, especially for inexperienced users.

  • Burning: This can be an effective method, but it is not recommended unless you can first drill holes into the stump. Without holes, the stump will be difficult to light and may not burn completely through.

A power drill with at least a ⅜-inch diameter bit can make the job quicker and easier, regardless of the primary method. While you can use a chisel or chainsaw without a drill, it will require more time and effort. Always wear protective goggles and thick gloves, as splinters are an inevitable risk.

There are many ways to cut through roots when digging, especially if your trencher doesn’t seem to be removing the roots. First, use a shovel to expose the roots. Then, use gardening shears to clear out smaller roots or a reciprocating saw to remove larger plant roots. If you plan on keeping the plant, avoid cutting any roots over 2 inches thick.

To drill a shallow well, you may be able to use a drive well point. This is a tapered point that is driven into the ground. A drill bit at the end of PVC pipe may be another option to consider. A lot of the cost depends on what tools are available near 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.

If you have a broken sprinkler pipe underground, there will be some signs you can easily spot to locate it and take action. These include leaks, water spouts, flooding, consistently damp areas on your lawn, low water pressure, and grass around the sprinkler head that’s taller and darker than anywhere else in the yard. 

If there are no obvious signs of a broken pipe, you can use tools such as water leak mics, leak noise loggers, audio devices that record leaks, and acoustic testing links. 

Broken pipes can lead to uneven watering, plant damage, and higher utility bills. The longer you wait to fix them the more the repair cost may be.

The Danville, VA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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