Drain Excavation Melbourne

When relining won’t cut it, we dig

Most drain companies in Melbourne only do trenchless work. That’s fine when the pipe is cracked but still holding its shape. It’s not fine when the pipe has collapsed, the fall is wrong, or the damage is too far gone for a liner. We carry excavation equipment on every van because some jobs need a dig, and we’d rather do the job properly than walk away from a problem we can’t reline.

Call 1300 303 247

When excavation is the right call

We prefer pipe relining when it works. Less mess, less cost, and a 50-year warranty on the liner. But relining has limits. These are the situations where excavation is the better option:

• Collapsed pipe - The pipe has caved in on itself. There’s no shape left for a liner to bond to. The section needs to come out and be replaced with new PVC.
• Incorrect fall - The pipe isn’t sloping toward the sewer main. Waste pools in the belly instead of flowing out. Excavation lets us reset the gradient properly.
• Severe root damage - Tree roots have broken the pipe into pieces. The root mass is bigger than the pipe itself. You can’t reline rubble.
• Multiple joint failures - Old terracotta pipes with displaced joints every metre or two. Sometimes replacing the whole run is more cost-effective.
• Failed previous repairs - Someone patched it years ago with the wrong fittings or materials. Easier to replace the whole section clean.

How we do it

Every excavation job starts with a camera, not a shovel. We don’t dig blind.

1. CCTV inspection - Camera goes in first. We locate the damage, measure depth, identify pipe material, and work out exactly how much pipe needs replacing. You see the footage with us.
2. Fixed-price quote - Based on the camera findings, we quote the full job. Excavation, pipe replacement, backfill, and surface reinstatement. One number, no surprises.
3. Excavation - We dig down to the damaged section. Depth varies - some drains are 300mm under a garden bed, others are 2 metres under a concrete slab.
4. Pipe replacement - Damaged section comes out. New PVC goes in at the correct gradient. Connections are sealed and tested.
5. Backfill and reinstatement - Trench gets backfilled in layers and compacted. Surface gets reinstated - garden, lawn, or concrete.
6. Post-repair CCTV - Camera goes back in to confirm the new section is clean, properly graded, and sealed.

Relining vs excavation

We get asked this on most drain repair jobs, and the answer is always the same: it depends on what the camera shows.

Pipe relining works when the pipe still has its shape. Cracks, root intrusion at joints, minor displacement. The liner bonds to the inside of the old pipe and seals everything. No digging, less disruption, 50-year warranty.

Excavation and replacement is for when the pipe has lost structural integrity. Collapse, major displacement, incorrect fall, or damage so bad there’s nothing for a liner to bond to. More disruptive, yes. But it’s a permanent fix with brand new pipe at the correct gradient.

Some companies only offer one or the other. We do both, so you get the right solution the first time.

What it costs

Drain excavation costs depend on three things: how deep the pipe is, how long the section that needs replacing is, and what’s on top of it. A shallow drain under a garden bed is a straightforward dig. A deep sewer line under a concrete driveway is a bigger job. We quote a fixed price after the CCTV inspection so you know exactly what you’re paying before any work starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does drain excavation cost in Melbourne?

It depends on the depth of the pipe, the length of the section being replaced, and the surface above it. A shallow garden excavation costs less than a deep dig under a concrete slab. We quote a fixed price after the CCTV inspection so there are no surprises.

Can you always reline instead of digging?

No. Relining works when the pipe still has its shape. If the pipe has collapsed, the fall is incorrect, or the damage is too severe, relining won’t solve the problem. We’ll tell you which option is right after the camera inspection.

How long does drain excavation take?

Most residential drain excavations take 2 to 5 days depending on the depth and surface above the pipe. Garden digs are faster than concrete. We give you a timeline when we quote the job.

Will you fix the surface after digging?

Yes. The quote includes backfill and surface reinstatement. If we dig through a lawn, we put the lawn back. If we cut through concrete, we repour the section. You’re not left with an open trench.

Why don’t some drain companies offer excavation?

Excavation requires equipment that most trenchless-only companies don’t carry. We carry both relining and excavation equipment so we can fix the drain regardless of the damage.

Get a Free Quote

Call 1300 303 247 - fixed pricing, no surprises.