Excavation for Septic Installations & Building Foundations
Before a septic system or foundation can be installed, the ground needs to be excavated correctly. Herbert Excavating provides excavation services for septic systems, basements, crawl spaces, and building foundations in Pennsylvania and Florida. We dig to the specifications your project requires and ensure stable, properly prepared ground for what’s being installed.
Whether you’re building a new home, replacing a failed septic system, or adding an outbuilding, we handle the excavation work that makes installation possible.
Septic System Excavation
Septic Tank Installation
We excavate the hole for the septic tank, ensuring proper depth, level placement, and adequate clearance for installation.
Drain Field Excavation
We dig trenches for septic drain fields (leach fields), maintaining proper slope and depth for effective wastewater dispersal.
Pump Station & Distribution Box Excavation
For systems that require pumps or distribution boxes, we excavate the necessary pits and trenches.
System Replacement
If an existing septic system has failed, we excavate the old components and prepare the site for a new system.
Foundation Excavation
Full Basements
We excavate to the required depth for full basement foundations, ensuring level digging and proper dimensions.
Crawl Spaces
We dig shallow excavations for crawl space foundations, maintaining the depth and grade specified by your builder or engineer.
Slab-on-Grade Foundations
We prepare the ground for concrete slab foundations, including excavation, grading, and compaction.
Pier & Post Foundations
For structures requiring pier or post footings, we dig individual holes to the required depth and diameter.
Foundation Footings
We excavate trenches for foundation footings, ensuring proper depth below the frost line and stable soil conditions.
Why Proper Excavation Matters
A foundation or septic system is only as good as the ground it sits on. Excavate too shallow, and you risk frost heave or system failure. Dig into unstable soil, and you’ll deal with settling or structural issues. Leave the excavation uneven, and the installation becomes difficult or impossible.
We’ve been digging for septic systems and foundations long enough to know what works. We follow engineering specs when they’re provided, maintain proper depth and dimensions, and ensure the excavation is stable and ready for the next phase.
Working With Septic Contractors & Builders
We typically work alongside septic installers, foundation contractors, and builders who are responsible for installing tanks, pipes, or forming and pouring concrete. We dig the holes and trenches, they install the systems, and we backfill once everything is in place and inspected.
This coordination is routine for us. We’re used to working on construction timelines and making sure the excavation is ready when the next contractor arrives.
Service Areas
We provide septic and foundation excavation services in northeastern Pennsylvania, including Kingsley, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and surrounding communities. We’re also offering these services in central Florida as part of our expansion into the Orlando, Clermont, Spring Hill, and Jacksonville regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep do you dig for a septic system?
It depends on the type of system and local code requirements. Septic tanks are typically buried 1-3 feet below grade, while drain field trenches are usually 18-36 inches deep. The exact depth depends on soil conditions, site topography, and system design.
Can you install the septic system, or just excavate for it?
We excavate for the system. A licensed septic installer handles the tank, pipes, and drain field installation. Once the system is in place and passes inspection, we backfill and grade the area.
What if you hit rock while digging?
Rock happens, especially in Pennsylvania. If we encounter rock, we’ll assess whether we can break through it with our equipment or if additional measures (like blasting or relocating the excavation) are needed. We’ll let you know the options and costs before proceeding.
How do you know where to dig for a foundation?
Your builder, architect, or engineer will provide a site plan with foundation dimensions and layout. We use those specs to mark and dig the excavation. If no plan is provided, we’ll work with you to establish the dimensions.
Do you compact the soil after excavating?
If the foundation or septic system requires compacted soil beneath it, yes. For example, footings and slabs often require compacted gravel bases. We’ll follow the specifications provided by your engineer or contractor.
Can you excavate in wet or muddy conditions?
It depends on how wet. Light moisture isn’t a problem, but heavy rain or saturated soil can make excavation unsafe or impossible. We’ll assess conditions and let you know if we need to wait for the ground to dry out.
How long does foundation excavation take?
A typical residential basement excavation can take 1-2 days. Larger foundations, difficult soil, or challenging site access can take longer. We’ll give you a timeline based on your specific project.
Ready to Start Digging?
If you need excavation for a septic system, foundation, or building project, reach out. We’ll assess the site, review the plans, and provide a clear estimate for the excavation work.
📞 (570) 702-7679
📧 [email protected]
Free estimates. Professional excavation.