Our Services

Deep Sewer Estimates

1️⃣ Why Do Sewer Runs Get Deep?

  • Sewer mains operate on gravity flow, so they must be laid at a grade.
  • As the run gets longer, it gets deeper to maintain the correct slope.
  • Sometimes, the sewer run itself is not deep, but it must connect to an existing deep manhole (e.g., 10m deep).
  • Deep sewer work is complex, slow, and expensive, so accurate costing is critical.

2️⃣ Excavation Challenges in Deep Sewer Work

📌 Trench Support is Mandatory Over 1.5m Depth

✅ Option 1: Benching (If Space Allows)

  • The trench walls are cut back at a safe angle instead of using shoring.
  • Requires lots of space, which is not always available in built-up areas.
  • Time-consuming & increases excavation volume (more spoil disposal).

✅ Option 2: Shoring Boxes (If Space is Limited)

  • Steel trench shields used to prevent collapse.
  • Expensive to hire and require large excavators to lift & remove.
  • A standard shoring box is ~2.4m deep, so for 10m depth, multiple boxes are required.

📌 Crew Safety & Extra Manpower

  • A dedicated person must be stationed above the trench to coordinate between the ground team and the workers inside the trench.
  • Ensures efficient material handling and crew safety in deep trenches.

3️⃣ Key Cost Factors in Deep Sewer Estimation

✔ Shoring Hire Costs – Number of shoring boxes needed depends on trench depth.
✔ Excavation & Spoil Removal – More depth = more material to remove & dispose of.
✔ Machinery Requirements – Larger excavators needed to dig and handle shoring boxes.
✔ Extra Crew Members – A dedicated top-side coordinator is essential.
✔ Compaction Testing – Mandatory at every 150mm layer when backfilling.
✔ Level 1 Geotech Supervision – Required for depths over 3m (additional cost).

4️⃣ Why Experience Matters in Deep Sewer Estimation

💡 Missing just one key factor can cause major cost overruns.
💡 WSE Sydney has the experience to price deep sewer projects correctly.
💡 We factor in:

  • Shoring & excavation method (benching vs. boxes).
  • Equipment, crew, and safety coordination costs.
  • Compaction testing & geotech requirements.

📞 Need expert estimation for deep sewer work?
📧 tenders@watersewerestimatingsydney.com.au
📞 +61 451 404 645