When a sewer line fails, the most reliable way to fix it is often through sewer line excavation services. Whether the goal is to repair, replace, or install new lines, excavation gives direct access to the pipe so the problem can be solved properly.

At MK Contracting & Demolition, we provide professional sewer line excavation services for homeowners, plumbers, municipalities, and contractors across Sarnia-Lambton and Southwestern Ontario. We handle everything from small localized digs to full street-to-home replacements, always with safety, precision, and efficiency in mind.

What is Sewer Line Excavation?

Sewer line excavation is the process of digging down to access an underground sewer pipe so it can be repaired, replaced, or installed. Unlike trenchless methods that work inside the existing pipe, excavation allows for complete removal of damaged sections and installation of brand-new lines.

In many situations — especially with collapsed clay pipes, severe root intrusion, or major misalignment — excavation is the only viable solution. It’s also the preferred choice when connecting new builds to municipal systems or replacing outdated infrastructure.

Common Reasons for Sewer Line Excavation

One of the main reasons for excavation is repairing a damaged section of pipe. Cracks, breaks, and root intrusion can block or slow the flow of wastewater, leading to backups inside the home.

Full line replacement is often necessary for aging clay or cast iron pipes. These materials deteriorate over decades, becoming brittle, corroded, or misaligned. PVC, the modern standard, is durable, smooth, and resistant to corrosion, making it the material of choice for replacements.

We also perform excavation for new sewer line installations. This includes connecting new homes, additions, and subdivisions to municipal sewer systems.

Emergency excavation is another major part of our work. When a pipe collapses, a blockage causes a basement backup, or a municipal main is compromised, excavation is often the fastest and most reliable solution.

Signs You May Need Sewer Line Excavation

If multiple drains in your home are backing up, there may be a blockage or break in your main sewer line. Sewage odours around your property, especially near basement floor drains, are another warning sign.

Pooling water or soggy patches in your yard, particularly above the path of the sewer line, can indicate a leak. In more severe cases, sinkholes or foundation cracks may develop as soil erodes around the break.

These issues often lead plumbers, property managers, or municipal inspectors to recommend excavation as the next step.

The Sewer Line Excavation Process

The process begins with an inspection. We often work alongside licensed plumbers who perform a camera inspection to locate and diagnose the problem.

Next, utility locates are performed through Ontario One Call to mark all underground lines. If the work involves municipal infrastructure, permits and coordination with the local public works department are arranged.

Excavation can be done with heavy machinery when space allows, or by hand in tight-access areas or near sensitive utilities. We have experience with both approaches, including digging alongside gas and hydro crews to ensure safety.

Once the pipe is exposed, damaged sections are removed and replaced with new PVC. The pipe is installed at the correct slope with proper bedding to prevent settling or sagging.

After installation, the trench is backfilled and compacted in layers. Site restoration follows, which can include grading, sod replacement, paving, or concrete reinstatement. We often coordinate with landscapers, concrete and paving companies to complete the restoration.

Who We Work With for Sewer Line Excavation Projects

Our excavation work is highly collaborative. Plumbers bring us in when they’ve diagnosed a problem that can’t be solved without digging. Septic installers call us for system upgrades or drain field connections.

Water main contractors coordinate with us when both water and sewer lines need work in the same trench. Municipal public works departments hire us for infrastructure repairs, replacements, and emergency responses.

We work alongside gas and hydro utility crews to safely excavate near their lines. Concrete and paving companies refer us when underground issues are discovered during site preparation. Landscapers contact us when property restoration requires repairs to the sewer system first.

Property managers rely on us for maintenance and emergency repairs at rental properties. Insurance restoration contractors call us after sewer backups or flooding. Real estate agents and home inspectors refer clients to us when sewer issues are found during a sale.

Costs of Sewer Line Excavation in Sarnia-Lambton & Southwestern Ontario

In this region, sewer line excavation for repairs typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000. Full replacements often range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the length and depth of the line.

Costs are influenced by soil type, site access, utility conflicts, and the complexity of surface restoration. Driveways, sidewalks, and landscaped areas may need to be removed and reinstated, adding to the total cost.

Coordinating with other trades — such as concrete crews, paving contractors, and landscapers — can help streamline timelines and control costs by scheduling restoration work immediately after excavation.

Why Choose MK Contracting & Demolition for Sewer Line Excavation

We know Sarnia-Lambton and Southwestern Ontario’s soil conditions, infrastructure challenges, and weather patterns. Our operators are skilled in both open-area excavation and tight-access digs. We have the equipment and the experience to handle projects that involve working near utilities, existing structures, or municipal rights-of-way.

Our emergency response capabilities mean we can be on-site quickly when a sewer line failure threatens to cause major damage.

We also bring the advantage of a strong local trade network. By working closely with plumbers, municipal crews, landscapers, concrete and paving companies, and other partners, we deliver coordinated, end-to-end solutions.

Service Area

We provide sewer line excavation services throughout Sarnia-Lambton, including Sarnia, Bright’s Grove, Point Edward, Corunna, Wyoming, Petrolia, Oil Springs, Watford, Forest, Grand Bend, Thedford, and Camlachie.

Our coverage extends to communities within 100 kilometres, including Chatham-Kent, Strathroy, London, Wallaceburg, and nearby Southwestern Ontario towns.

Get a Free Quote for Sewer Line Excavation

Whether you’re a homeowner dealing with a backup, a plumber who needs an excavation partner, a municipality responding to a main break, or a contractor managing a larger project, MK Contracting & Demolition is ready to help.

Contact us today to schedule an assessment and get your sewer line excavation done safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.

Sponsored by MK Contracting & Demolition