Emergency excavation in San Bernardino
Verdemont Excavation passes emergency requests to a licensed contractor right away. Here is what to do first and what to expect.
Do these things first
If you smell gas or a gas line was hit, leave the area, call 911 and then SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200. Do not try to stop it, start a vehicle or flip switches nearby. If a power line was hit, stay away from the equipment and the ground around it and call 911 and Southern California Edison.
For water, shut the main valve at the meter or where the line enters the house. For a sewer backup, stop running water in the house. Then call us. We pass it to the contractor on the call, and they tell you honestly how soon a machine can be there. Same day is common during the week; nights and weekends depend on who is free.
What an emergency dig costs
| Job | Typical range | What moves the price |
|---|---|---|
| Machine and operator, hourly | $185 to $325/hr | Machine size, attachments, how hard the ground digs |
| Sewer lateral replacement, open trench | $4,500 to $12,000 | Run length, depth, clay or Orangeburg pipe, street cut |
| Emergency dig for a broken water or sewer line | $1,500 to $5,000 | After hours, depth, how fast the leak is located |
Every row comes from the full cost guide.
How an emergency dig runs
Even in an emergency, California requires a DigAlert ticket. Emergency tickets can be filed for immediate digging when there is danger to life or property, and the contractor handles that. The crew locates the break, digs to it carefully, exposes the line for the plumber or does the repair if they hold the license, and backfills when it passes.
An emergency dig typically runs $1,500 to $5,000, driven by after hours rates, depth and how long it takes to find the break. If it turns out the whole lateral is failing, the contractor will price a full replacement separately. The DigAlert site explains the emergency ticket rules.
- 1
Make it safe
Shut off water, stop using drains, call 911 for gas or power.
- 2
Call the number on this page
Tell us the address and what happened.
- 3
Contractor calls back
They give a realistic arrival time and a price basis.
- 4
Locate and dig
Emergency DigAlert, then a careful dig to the break.
- 5
Repair and backfill
Line fixed, inspected if required, trench closed.
Emergency questions
How fast can an excavator come for a broken water line?
Often the same day on weekdays. Nights and weekends depend on which crew is free. The contractor tells you a realistic time on the first call.
What does an emergency dig cost?
Usually $1,500 to $5,000, depending on after hours rates, depth and how long it takes to find the break.
Who do I call if a gas line is hit?
Leave the area and call 911, then SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200. Do not try to fix it.
Does homeowners insurance cover a broken sewer line?
Sometimes, and often only the water damage inside, not the pipe itself. Check your policy for a service line endorsement before assuming either way.
Towns where this comes up most: Highland, Redlands, Rialto, Colton.
Send an emergency request
The address, the job and a photo or two. One licensed contractor calls within one business day.