Digging 10' hole. Biggest problem yet.
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Digging 10' hole. Biggest problem yet.
Long story short, it turns out that drain line connected to public sewage is cracked with roots sticking inward, blocking the line. Contractor came with camera and showed it to us. He also told us that the crack is 9.5 feet below the surface, our front yard. I do not think anything other than digging can help. He says $7000-9000. I said no. Is it possible for 2 guys to dig 9.5' hole in the front yard with a shovel without killing ourselves?
#2
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Welcome to the forums.
OSHA would have a lot to say about this if it was a work environment. I would bet a large portion of the cost would be just to make the dig safe and compliant.
Is it possible to do this without killing yourself? Of course. That said, you asked the question because you know it's possible for this to kill you.
OSHA would have a lot to say about this if it was a work environment. I would bet a large portion of the cost would be just to make the dig safe and compliant.
Is it possible to do this without killing yourself? Of course. That said, you asked the question because you know it's possible for this to kill you.
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Thank you.
I was thinking of making supports around the hole so dirt does not collapse around us. Being 9.5' hole, it better be sturdy one...
I was reading some replies on previous threads. Would root killer work on this case? the crack is about 60 feet away from the house. If I pour, it will get there. I guess we can try.
Right now, any suggestion is appreciated.
I was thinking of making supports around the hole so dirt does not collapse around us. Being 9.5' hole, it better be sturdy one...
I was reading some replies on previous threads. Would root killer work on this case? the crack is about 60 feet away from the house. If I pour, it will get there. I guess we can try.
Right now, any suggestion is appreciated.
#5
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There are trenchless technologies. A liner or new line can be pulled through your existing line. It's not cheap but in Fairfax (big city for me) I'm sure there are contractors that can do the work and it might be less than $7-9k.
Around here (BFE NC) trenchless technologies are cost prohibitive for residential so everything is dug. at 9' down you're crazy to consider doing it by hand. There is a very real risk of the excavation collapsing and killing someone not to mention a majorly back breaking endeavor. Hiring someone with a excavator would be my choice and it will take one of moderate size to dig efficiently 9' down.
Around here (BFE NC) trenchless technologies are cost prohibitive for residential so everything is dug. at 9' down you're crazy to consider doing it by hand. There is a very real risk of the excavation collapsing and killing someone not to mention a majorly back breaking endeavor. Hiring someone with a excavator would be my choice and it will take one of moderate size to dig efficiently 9' down.
#6
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That's a minor job for a medium size excavator. Your lawn will be toast, but it is just dirt and grass. As long as an excavator can unload and get to the working location without damaging curbing and sidewalks, it will dig 9' down and 15' wide in 30 minutes. The width eliminates any cave in risk.
Once down there you will need to do some hand shoveling around the damaged area, complete the repair to code and have it inspected. Then the same machine can fill and repair the lawn as best possible. Your manual labor can then be used to restore the lawn.
I don't see the $7,000 to $9,000 for maybe 2 days, given the inspection delay. Heck, installing a whole new line should be half of that, IMO.
Not my primary trade, but I have contracted similar. I'm also in a rural area.
Bud
Once down there you will need to do some hand shoveling around the damaged area, complete the repair to code and have it inspected. Then the same machine can fill and repair the lawn as best possible. Your manual labor can then be used to restore the lawn.
I don't see the $7,000 to $9,000 for maybe 2 days, given the inspection delay. Heck, installing a whole new line should be half of that, IMO.
Not my primary trade, but I have contracted similar. I'm also in a rural area.
Bud
#7
I would get a second price from another contractor as that does indeed sound overly expensive.
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Thanks for all the reply.
Yeah, digging 10 feet with shovel would have broke someone's back.
I have decided to try root killer and see if that can temporarily fix the issue. Fortunately, the crack is on the bottom of the pipe so gravity will be on my side. I am worried about all the water flowing through the crack (2 inch) and eroding the soil, but being 10 feet below, maybe it won't matter.
Yeah, digging 10 feet with shovel would have broke someone's back.
I have decided to try root killer and see if that can temporarily fix the issue. Fortunately, the crack is on the bottom of the pipe so gravity will be on my side. I am worried about all the water flowing through the crack (2 inch) and eroding the soil, but being 10 feet below, maybe it won't matter.
#9
For the price being quoted you can buy a small backhoe.
DR Power Backhoe: 9HP Towable (self-contained excavator)
DR Power Backhoe: 9HP Towable (self-contained excavator)