- HEP Plumbing
- Emergency Excavation

Emergency Excavation
Emergency Excavation | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Washburn
When water begins bubbling up in the yard or sewage backs up into the basement, you don’t have time to wonder who to call. HEP’s emergency excavation team in Washburn springs into action with the heavy-duty equipment, camera inspections, and certified plumbers needed to locate and expose breaks fast—often within hours of your first call. From collapsed clay pipes to tree-root intrusions, we dig only where it’s necessary, saving your landscaping and your budget.
Homeowners and businesses throughout Washburn trust us because we specialize in main line issues 24/7/365. We handle permits, traffic control, and utility marking, then restore your property to pre-dig condition—so the only reminder of the crisis is how quickly it was solved. One call to HEP, and the water keeps flowing the way it should: safely underground.
FAQs
What warning signs indicate I might need emergency excavation for my main sewer line in Washburn?
Common red flags include multiple drains backing up at once, sewage odors coming from floor drains, gurgling sounds in toilets when other fixtures run, water or sewage pooling in the yard, and sudden drops in water pressure. If you notice any of these or have an active back-up, call us immediately—serious main line failures can cause property damage and health hazards within hours.
How fast can your crew be on-site for an emergency main line excavation in the Washburn area?
We provide 24/7 emergency dispatch. Once we confirm your address and basic details, a licensed plumber is typically at any Washburn location within 60–90 minutes. Our excavation equipment and extra crew can be mobilized the same day, even on weekends or holidays, so repairs begin as soon as utilities are located and permits are cleared.
Will my entire yard need to be dug up, or are there less invasive options?
Not always. We start with video camera inspection to pinpoint the break or blockage. If the damaged section is localized, we can perform a spot excavation, trenchless pipe bursting, or pipe-lining. Full-scale open trench excavation is only used when the line has collapsed extensively, has severe offset joints, or when local soil conditions rule out trenchless methods.
Who handles permits and utility locates for excavation work in Washburn?
Our team takes care of everything. We submit the emergency excavation permit to the City of Washburn Engineering Department and arrange one-call utility locates to mark gas, electric, water, and telecom lines. This paperwork and marking process can often be expedited in true emergencies, allowing us to start digging safely and legally the same day.
What factors affect the cost of an emergency main line excavation and repair?
Pricing depends on the depth and length of pipe that must be replaced, soil type (rocky clay costs more to excavate), surface restoration (concrete driveways or landscaping), permit fees, and whether we can use trenchless methods. After the camera inspection we give you a written, itemized estimate so you know the expected range before we break ground.
Is there anything I should do while waiting for the emergency crew to arrive?
Yes. 1) Stop running water—avoid toilets, washing machines, and dishwashers. 2) If sewage is backing up, shut off the home’s main water valve to reduce flow. 3) Keep children and pets away from affected areas. 4) Remove valuable items from basements or crawlspaces that could flood. These steps limit property damage and help us get straight to work when we arrive.