Plumbing Excavation in Southern Indiana
We Handle the Dig Work Other Plumbers Send Out.
When a pipe is too deep, too damaged, or too far gone for trenchless repair, excavation is the answer. We dig, replace, and backfill sewer lines, water lines, and underground plumbing in-house. No subcontractors, no extra companies on your property. Serving homeowners and businesses across Southern Indiana and the Louisville metro for sewer replacements, water line repairs, and repiping projects that require ground work.
When the Job Calls for a Shovel and a Plan
Most plumbers call a separate excavation contractor when pipes need to be dug up. That means a second company, a second schedule, and more cost. We handle excavation ourselves, keeping the project under one team from start to finish.
Whether it’s a collapsed sewer line under your yard, a broken water main beneath your driveway, or underslab plumbing in a concrete foundation, we have the equipment and experience to do it safely. We serve residential and commercial properties throughout Clark County, Floyd County, Harrison County, and the greater Louisville metro.
Every excavation project starts with locating utilities, assessing pipe depth and access, and building a clear plan before we break ground. We walk you through the scope, timeline, and cost upfront so there are no surprises.
Signs You May Need Excavation Work
Collapsed or Crushed Sewer Pipe
When a sewer camera reveals a fully collapsed section, trenchless methods can’t pull a new pipe through a closed passage. The damaged section needs to be dug up and replaced. Older clay and Orangeburg pipes are most prone to collapse.
Urgency: Call now. A collapsed line causes a full sewer backup.
Sewer Line Buried Too Deep for Trenchless
Some sewer connections sit 8 feet or deeper, especially in older neighborhoods. At that depth, trenchless equipment may not be practical. Traditional excavation gives us full access to the pipe for a proper replacement.
What to do: Schedule after camera inspection confirms depth and damage.
Water Main Break Under a Driveway or Foundation
A broken water line under concrete requires careful excavation to access the pipe without unnecessary damage to the structure above. We plan the dig path to minimize disruption and restore the surface after the repair.
Urgency: Call today. A broken water main wastes water and can undermine your foundation.
Plumbing Failing Under a Concrete Slab
Homes built on slab foundations have drain and water lines running beneath the concrete. When these pipes crack, leak, or corrode, the only fix is to cut the slab, excavate the pipe, replace it, and repour. We handle the full scope.
Urgency: Call if you notice hot spots on the floor, unexplained water, or sewer smells inside.
New Sewer or Water Line Connection
New construction, additions, and detached structures like garages or ADUs often need a new underground pipe run to connect to the main. We trench, install, connect, inspect, and backfill.
Urgency: Plan during the early construction phase for best results.
Same Section Keeps Failing
If you’ve repaired the same pipe section two or three times, the surrounding soil, root activity, or ground conditions may be causing repeated damage. Full excavation and replacement with modern materials is the permanent fix.
Urgency: Call for an evaluation after the next failure.
Solutions for Every Plumbing Need
Brian Scroggins Plumbing and Drain Cleaning handles residential and commercial plumbing across Southern Indiana and the Louisville metro. We lead with drain cleaning and water heaters, our two most requested services, and also cover sewers, gas lines, repiping, fixtures, sump pumps, remodels, and around-the-clock emergencies.
Why Choose Us
A Real Local Team
Third generation and family owned, based right here in Jeffersonville, with fully stocked trucks ready to roll.
30 Years of Experience
30 years of experience and an Indiana Master Plumber license, we offer licensed and insured services.
Upfront Pricing
We discuss the issue and provide a quote before starting, ensuring you approve the price first.
We Respect Your Home
Shoe covers, tarps, and full cleanup when we finish — because how we treat your home is part of the job.
Types of Excavation We Handle
- Sewer Line Excavation
Full dig-and-replace for collapsed, cracked, or root-damaged sewer lines. We excavate the damaged section, install new PVC or HDPE pipe, connect to the existing system, and backfill. For partial damage, we may be able to limit the dig to a spot repair.
- Water Line Excavation
Water main and service line replacement when the pipe is too deep or too damaged for pull-through methods. We locate the line, dig safely around existing utilities, replace the pipe, and restore the area. See our water line repair page for more on water line services.
- Underslab Plumbing Excavation
Cutting through a concrete slab to access and replace drain or water lines beneath the foundation. We saw-cut the slab, excavate the pipe path, install the new line, backfill with proper material, and repour the concrete.
- Trenching for New Construction and Additions
New pipe runs for residential and commercial new construction, additions, and outbuildings. We handle the full underground scope: trench layout, pipe installation, connection to mains, inspection coordination, and backfill.
Why It Matters to Use a Plumber Who Digs
- One Team From Start to Finish
When your plumber and your excavation contractor are the same crew, there’s no waiting for the other company’s schedule. We coordinate the dig, the pipe work, and the backfill as one project. Faster turnaround, fewer headaches.
- Lower Cost Without the Middleman
Hiring a separate excavation company adds markup, scheduling delays, and coordination costs. When we handle everything, you pay for one project, not two.
- The Pipe Gets Installed Right
An excavation contractor digs the hole, but they’re not plumbers. When we do both, the pipe is installed by a licensed master plumber who understands slope, connections, code requirements, and long-term performance.
- We Care About Your Property After the Dig
We backfill properly, grade the surface, and leave the site clean. We put down tarps, protect landscaping where possible, and take the extra step to make sure your yard isn’t left looking like a construction zone.
- We Know the Ground in This Area
Three decades of plumbing in Southern Indiana means we know the soil conditions, typical pipe depths, and common issues in neighborhoods across Clark, Floyd, and Harrison counties. That local knowledge makes the dig safer, faster, and more predictable.
What an Excavation Project Includes
Every excavation starts with a plan. We review the camera inspection findings (from a sewer scope or site evaluation), locate all underground utilities, and map the dig path. We discuss scope, timeline, and cost with you before breaking ground.
During the project, we excavate to the pipe, remove the damaged section, install new pipe with proper fittings and slope, test the connections, backfill with approved material, and compact the soil to prevent settling. For sewer work, we coordinate the city inspection before covering the pipe.
After the dig, we grade the surface, clean the work area, and haul away debris. We stand behind the work with warranties on qualifying projects. If you have questions about what the dig will involve or what your yard will look like afterward, we’ll walk through it all before we start.
Related Services
Camera inspection is the first step before any excavation. We diagnose the damage and recommend the right repair method.
Broken water mains and service lines that need dig access. We handle the full repair from excavation to connection.
Whole-house or partial repiping that involves underground sections. We dig, replace, and connect without needing a second crew.
Underground pipe runs for new homes, additions, and commercial builds. Trenching, installation, and connection to mains.
Hear It From Your Neighbors
Homeowners across Clark and Floyd counties keep coming back — and keep recommending us to their neighbors. Named technicians Mike and Chris appear frequently in reviews for their fast response, careful home protection, and transparent estimates.
- christina lara
I reached out bright & early for a toilet issue that I really didn’t understand whatsoever. They were able to fit me in same day to take care of the issue! And the communication was top tier. They’re officially going into the neighborhood group chat as my recommendation.
- Cheryl Johnson
Brian replaced my water heater, quickly and efficiently. He came at his appointment time, left with no mess, and even tagged and showed me the cutoff valves. Highly recommend.
- jarod couch
Brian is always professional and easy to get in contact with. He is very knowledgeable and does great work in a timely manner. I would recommend him to anybody.
- Stephanie Schramm Skinner
- Lee ann riffle
I can always count on Brian to help me out. I have used his services for a few years now. I would highly recommend him.
- Kathy Heckman
This team is my hero! If I could give more than 5 stars I would! Visit from water company said I was leaking more water in 1 day than I used all last month, yikes! Brian to the rescue, same day service and they will be my forever go to, thanks for awesome same day service!
- christina lara
I reached out bright & early for a toilet issue that I really didn’t understand whatsoever. They were able to fit me in same day to take care of the issue! And the communication was top tier. They’re officially going into the neighborhood group chat as my recommendation.
- Cheryl Johnson
Brian replaced my water heater, quickly and efficiently. He came at his appointment time, left with no mess, and even tagged and showed me the cutoff valves. Highly recommend.
- jarod couch
Brian is always professional and easy to get in contact with. He is very knowledgeable and does great work in a timely manner. I would recommend him to anybody.
- Stephanie Schramm Skinner
- Lee ann riffle
I can always count on Brian to help me out. I have used his services for a few years now. I would highly recommend him.
- Kathy Heckman
This team is my hero! If I could give more than 5 stars I would! Visit from water company said I was leaking more water in 1 day than I used all last month, yikes! Brian to the rescue, same day service and they will be my forever go to, thanks for awesome same day service!
Serving Southern Indiana & the Louisville Metro
Based in Jeffersonville, we serve communities on both sides of the Ohio River, including all of Clark and Floyd counties, and extending to Harrison, Washington, and Scott counties, as well as the greater Louisville metro. Whether you’re nearby or down a county road, we’ll make the drive.
Excavation Questions
Straight answers, no filler.
Still have a question?
Call us directly — we’ll give you a straight answer, never a sales pitch.
How much does plumbing excavation cost?
It depends on pipe depth, length of the run, soil conditions, access, and surface type (yard vs. driveway vs. slab). We provide upfront pricing after evaluating the site, so you know exactly what to expect.
How long does an excavation project take?
A typical sewer line replacement takes 1 to 3 days, depending on depth and length. Underslab work may add time for concrete cutting and repouring. We’ll give you a timeline before we start.
Will you tear up my whole yard?
We limit the dig to what’s necessary. For a sewer line, that’s usually a trench along the pipe path. We protect landscaping where possible and grade the surface when we’re done. Your yard won’t look like a construction zone.
Do I need excavation or can it be done trenchless?
It depends on the pipe condition, depth, and material. If the pipe is intact enough for a liner or burst-through, trenchless is often the better option. If the pipe is collapsed, severely offset, or too deep, excavation is necessary. A camera inspection tells us which approach fits.
Do you handle the permit and inspection?
Yes. We pull the necessary permits and schedule inspections as part of the project. As a licensed Indiana Master Plumber, we handle the compliance side so you don’t have to.
Still have a question?
Call us directly — we’ll give you a straight answer, never a sales pitch.
