What Can Go Wrong During Excavation?

Don't let challenges on the jobsite slow your project down. Understanding these common excavation problems and how experienced contractors solve them sets the stage for a smooth, stress-free building experience.

Common excavation problems:

• Improperly marked or hidden utility lines
• Forgotten building remains and construction debris
• Unexpected groundwater

How experienced contractors solve site challenges:

• Verifying 811 markings with ground-penetrating radar to prevent utility mishaps
• Performing underground image scans and using test pits to identify buried artifacts
• Combining historic and real-time groundwater data to develop a custom water management plan

Common Excavation Problems and How Experienced Contractors Solve Them

Excavation is the first and most important step in your residential or commercial construction project, setting the stage for a stable foundation. But no two sites are alike, so challenges should be expected. Among the most common are:

Improperly marked or hidden utility lines

Striking unmarked utility lines during excavation happens fairly often because of outdated or incomplete maps and documents, as well as utility-marking errors.

Buried debris

It's not uncommon for our groundwork contractors to unearth long-forgotten building remains, abandoned septic tanks and cisterns, utility pipes, construction materials, yard waste and other debris during land clearing and excavation.

Unexpected groundwater

Water can disrupt excavation like nothing else, undermining site integrity and increasing the likelihood of trench collapse, equipment and foundation damage, and work delays.

Reduce Site Challenges with an Experienced Excavation Contractor

Our excavation contractors know how to manage common excavation issues without blowing your timeline or budget. We serve Yakima Valley residents and businesses starting new construction, remodeling, renovation and outbuilding projects. Our licensed, insured local groundwork team is known for attention to detail, high safety standards and the ability to think and plan ahead.

How Our Excavation Team Prevents Groundwork Mishaps

Our groundwork team understands the importance of proper planning and preparation before digging. Here is how we handle each problem.

Identifying marked or hidden utility lines

Following up a call to 811, the national call-before-you-dig program, with a ground-penetrating radar scan helps our contractors avoid hazards and delays caused by water, gas and electrical lines.

Surveying for buried artifacts

Underground imaging and test pits (small, strategic digs) let us identify anomalies before they lead to damaged equipment and unexpected waste-disposal work that inflates project timelines and costs.

Researching and planning for water management

Hydrological surveys, real-time groundwater assessments and test pits help us safeguard your site and put the best combination of water management, soil stabilization and erosion control measures in place against current and future water damage.

Safe, Lasting Construction Results

Call Fisher Construction at (509) 424-6072 to discuss your upcoming residential or commercial construction project in the Yakima Valley.