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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Gretna, VA

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Gretna, VA 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 Gretna, VA 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 March 13, 2026

Find Excavation pros in Gretna

Apex Earthworks
5.0(
1
)

Serving Gretna, VA and surrounding areas

"Ive had my driveway "fixed" by a couple of different companies over the years and it never lasted — washouts, ruts, standing water, the same problems creeping back within a season. Apex Earthworks actually diagnosed why it kept failing instead of just patching the surface again. They regraded it properly and addressed the drainage, not just the driveway itself. It's been solid through everything since, no ruts, no washouts, no puddles. What stood out most was that Gaige and his Crew clearly know what they're doing — this isn't guesswork, it's actual expertise in grading and drainage. They showed up when they said they would, and cleaned up the site when they were done. After years of paying other people to "fix" my driveway, it's a relief to have it actually done right the first time. I will recommend Apex Earthworks to everyone!! Thank you Gaige!! Your professionalism speaks volumes!!"
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Mitchell's Excavating
New to Angi

Serving Gretna, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

With years of experience serving the area, we are your solution for all your excavation needs. We take great pride in our extreme professionalism, timeliness and superior customer service on every job. We make sure to develop a lasting relationship so that the next time service is needed there will be no question on who to call. Check out our 5 star reviews from happy customers! Call us today so we can discuss your needs and make a plan that fits your budget. Satisfaction guaranteed!

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Hackney’s Excavating
New to Angi

Serving Gretna, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 1993

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Hackney’s Excavating is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

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Excavating questions, answered by experts

Trenching and boring are two distinct methods for installing underground utilities. Trenching involves digging a channel using equipment like an excavator, trencher, backhoe, or shovel. While it is a simpler process, it causes significant disruption to the surface, landscaping, and surrounding ecosystems.

Boring, also known as directional boring, is a less invasive alternative that uses a drill to create a tunnel for utility lines without disturbing the surface. This method is more precise and is ideal for installations that need to go underneath buildings, roads, or bodies of water. Although boring is less disruptive, it is generally more expensive than trenching.

Most states do not require excavation companies to hold specific licenses, but many require at least a contractor’s license. Additionally, heavy equipment operators require a special commercial equipment license to operate machinery required for excavation. You can use Angi’s contractor licensing tool to confirm that an excavation company you’re considering hiring is fully licensed. You should also make sure that the excavation team is fully insured before allowing them to work on your property.

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. 

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.

Most residential basements are 8 to 10 feet deep. You can dig deeper depending on building codes, but it does become more difficult. You’ll likely need to install stronger foundation walls and additional supports to handle the increased load. Depending on the water table, you may also need a water management system. Clay soil can support a deeper foundation than sandy soil. A structural engineer will be able to tell you the maximum, feasible depth.

The Gretna, VA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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

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