Does this plumbing estimate seem reasonable?
Got an estimate from a plumber to dig a 5′ x 5′ x 9′ deep hole to expose the sewer line near the road, then cut and cap it. Cost is $1889. Sound right? [I’m demolishing a house and need to cap the sewer line until the new house is built.]
Thanks in advance for your response …
Replies
Hi there, I would guess $1200.00 or more of that goes to the machine operator, and the plumber wants a few bucks to watch him dig and cap the pipe. That is very fair... Or you could dig that giant hole yourself over the course of a few days and call the plumber when you've found the pipe and he could cap it for $300.00 (1/2 day minimum)... Good luck
Thanks for your input. I'll go ahead and give the go-ahead now.
Theoretically a hole over 5' deep requires shoring if someone is going to work in it.
For $1200 you can rent a track hoe for a few days, dig the hole, demolish the house and dig the new foundation !!
$20 and a few miutes for the cap.
As already said, if 9 ft deep, unless in very stable soil or hardpan, you want to put 10 or more 2x12s down the sides with bracing.