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Drain Excavation in Portsmouth

We dig up and replace pipes that are too badly damaged to reline. Since relining isn't always possible, digging up the pipe is sometimes the only fix.

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Drain Excavation across Portsmouth

Drain excavation is the last-resort fix for pipes too damaged to reline or patch. When pipes have fully collapsed or lost their shape, we remove the failed part and fit new pipe. Since we plan the dig with camera data first, we only disturb the ground where we must. Once the new pipe is laid and tested, we fill the trench and restore the surface to match.

Signs you need drain excavation help

✓ A CCTV survey has confirmed a complete pipe collapse or loss of pipe shape that cannot be relined
✓ There is visible subsidence or a sinkhole forming above a drainage route in your garden or driveway
✓ Sewage is leaking into the surrounding ground, causing contamination or persistent damp
✓ Previous relining or patch repairs have failed because the underlying pipe structure is too degraded
✓ You need to replace a section of pipe to accommodate a new connection for an extension or development

Our process

1.
Survey and Plan
We look over the camera footage to plan the dig with care, marking the area and checking pipe depth. Since safety matters, this also flags any nearby pipes or cables before we start.
2.
Excavation
We dig down to the damaged pipe with the right gear for the job. Since safety comes first, we fit shoring where needed in tight or deep spaces.
3.
Pipe Replacement
We remove the damaged part and fit new pipe laid to the right slope. While that's in place, we join it to the existing pipes with sealed joints and the right fittings.
4.
Backfill and Reinstatement
We fill the trench in firm layers to stop it sinking later. Since a neat finish matters too, we restore the surface to match its surroundings, whether that's turf, paving, concrete, or tarmac.

Pricing guide

The cost of drain excavation depends on the dig's depth, length, and ground type. Since every site differs, we quote a fixed price only after we check with CCTV. Request a fast, fixed-price quote online, so you know the cost upfront, with the surface repair included.

Drain Excavation — frequently asked questions

How long does drain excavation take?

How long it takes depends on the section length, depth, and ground conditions. Ask the engineer for a fair timeframe before work starts.

Will excavation damage my garden or driveway?

Excavation does mean digging a trench to reach the pipe. However, we keep the trench as small as possible using precise CCTV data, then reinstate all surfaces to match. Most gardens and driveways look fully restored within a few weeks.

Is excavation the only option for a collapsed drain?

If a pipe has fully collapsed and lost its shape, digging it up is usually the only sure fix. However, we may sometimes reline a partly collapsed pipe instead, depending on the damage. A camera check tells us which method suits your case.

Related services

Drain repair services Pipe relining CCTV drain surveys

Nearby locations

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You might also find our guides Drain Jetting vs Drain Rods: Which Method is Best? and Why Every Portsmouth Home Buyer Needs a Drain Survey , useful.