American Sewer Specialist
Sewer Line Repair |

May 27, 2025

How Can I Tell if My Sewer Line Needs Excavation for Repair?

How Can I Tell if My Sewer Line Needs Excavation for Repair?

Excavations are generally reserved for serious sewer issues due to the considerable work involved. When excavations are needed, however, it’s an excellent opportunity to address all your plumbing issues head-on and to ensure that any problems you have are effectively resolved. Sometimes, maintenance and repairs are all that’s needed, but in other instances, excavation is the answer – and a well-established Westmoreland County sewer repair company has the expertise to help you make the right decisions for you.

The Signs to Watch Out For

There are a range of signs that your sewer line may be in need of repair, and they shouldn’t be ignored.

Slow Drains

One of the first clues that your home’s plumbing lines have a problem is slow drainage. Often, this occurs gradually, which means you may not recognize the problem until it’s become too serious to ignore. If the drains in your home aren’t performing the way they used to, it’s time to consult with a trusted sewer repair specialist.

Foul Odors

If the plumbing system in your home is emitting foul smells, you’re likely experiencing the effects of one of the following:

The bad smell you notice comes from toxic gases that are being backed into your home or yard, and the correct response is bringing in plumbing professionals.

Backups

If your home’s plumbing is backing up, it’s a clear sign that you have a problem that could require excavation. Damaged pipes, pipes that are invaded by tree roots, and blockages are often the underlying culprits when it comes to backups.

Water in Your Yard

If you’re experiencing excess water in your yard that isn’t otherwise explained, it’s likely trying to tell you that you have sewer line problems. If your yard is more lush than usual, you should also take notice – waste is an excellent lawn fertilizer.

Excavations

Excavations involve digging a trench, channel, or hole that allows access to the plumbing line or pipe beneath. These parts play an essential role in your home’s plumbing system, which includes bringing clean water in and sending wastewater out.

The most common form of plumbing excavation is the trenching method or open-top excavation. Digging a trench, allows plumbing pros to access the area that requires repairs – or replacement – and is sometimes needed to assess what’s causing the problem in the first place. There are also trenchless excavation methods that can help with certain problems under specific conditions.

A Seasoned Westmoreland County Sewer Repair Company Is Standing By to Help

American Sewer Specialist in Westmoreland County can help you tackle your plumbing problems – no matter how serious – and if that means excavation, we’ve got the experience, machinery, and expertise to get the job done right. For more information about how we can help, please don’t delay contacting us online or call us at (724) 879-8130 today.

Happy Clients

Browse through some reviews from happy customers and clients.

  • "When American Sewer Specialist arrived to our home, we were so relieved. Not only because they showed up so quickly, but because they were able to figure out the problem with our leaky basement within a half hour. I have recommended American Sewer Specialist to our family and friends and will continue to do so.…"

    Dan D.

  • "Deal directly with the owner, Kurt! Excellent work, reliable, and great quote. I highly recommend! Comes right out while the others make you wait."

    Justin N.

  • "I was recommended American Sewer Specialist by my co-worker. We had quite the emergency with our sewer line, and they helped us right away! I’ll definitely call American Sewer Specialist if I am ever in need of their services again."

    Jessica L.

  • "Rick and his team did some extensive work on my property, relining and fixing the 75-year-old system. They did a great job at a fair price and cleaned up nicely after the project. You need a sewer system checked out or repaired? Do not hesitate to call Rick, he is honest, upfront and will take care of the job from start to finish. Just a great family owned company."

    Howard Effron

  • "We used American Sewer Specialist to divert a natural spring away from the house and into the storm drain. We had two other companies come out to try and fix our water drainage problem but they were unsuccessful. Rick was very professional and did a great job. He answered all of my questions and fixed our water problem! I highly recommend Rick and American Sewer Specialist!"

    Brianna

  • "We owned a property in Latrobe that was under contract. The dye test failed and Rick was there the next day. He worked on our fairly massive problem and we closed on the property without a delay. He was so patient with us as we were so panicked and living 70 miles away. Big problem-big job...BUT fair price!! Many thanks Michelle and Rick!!!!!!"

    Christine DiVecchio
  • A collection of plumbing tools and copper pipes, including a wrench, fittings, and valves, arranged on a textured dark surface.
  • A close-up view of a construction site showing an excavated hole with plumbing equipment and orange hoses, alongside a backhoe..
  • A spacious basement with a vintage air compressor on wheels, stairs leading up, and construction materials scattered across the concrete floor.
  • A snow-covered outdoor scene featuring a white pressure tank, colorful traffic cones, and a festive candy cane decoration on a brick wall.
  • A construction site showing a variety of pipes and hoses, a white bucket with a red handle, and tools on a wooden surface.
  • A worker in a camouflage hat operates a large machine on a grassy hillside, with hoses and buckets around, under a clear blue sky.
  • A worker connects colorful hoses to a machine beside an open excavation, with an orange pipe extending into the ground.
  • A large, hollow pipeline lies in a sandy trench, with another pipe visible in the background, indicating construction work in progress.
  • Two workers in safety attire operate a machine with colorful hoses in a construction area, surrounded by materials and tools.
  • A partially excavated trench filled with gravel, bordered by mounds of dirt, with construction equipment visible in the foreground.
  • Construction site with a excavator, a red spray machine, and construction materials against a clear blue sky.
  • A red and black portable machine sits on a gravel driveway in front of a brick house, surrounded by construction materials and tools.
  • A worker stands at a garage entrance surrounded by construction equipment, hoses, and tools on a sunny day. Safety cone nearby.
  • A concrete trench reveals a blue water pipe, surrounded by tools and a fan, in a construction corridor.
  • A deep hole filled with water in a basement, featuring red and black hoses linked to plumbing equipment against a concrete wall.
  • A trench with exposed pipes and tools outside a house, surrounded by orange cones and construction materials.

Do you have a cracked or clogged sewer or water line?

Call us now and we’ll fix any sewer or water line problem.

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