Tunneling
Hand-dug access tunnels under the foundation so plumbing and foundation work can be done without breaking through interior floors.
Free estimates · Locally owned · Serving all of North Texas
- Free, no-pressure on-site evaluation
- Written scope and pricing before work starts
- Plain-language explanation of what we find
- Trained, uniformed local crews
About Tunneling
Tunneling creates access beneath a slab foundation by excavating from outside the home, rather than jackhammering through the concrete floor inside.
It's commonly used when a plumber needs to reach a sewer or water line under the slab, or when interior pier locations are easier to reach from below.
Tunnels are excavated and supported for safety during the work, then backfilled and compacted when the repair is complete.
Signs you may need this service
A plumbing leak has been located under the slab
Repeated sewer backups or slow drains throughout the house
Unexplained increases in water usage
Warm or damp spots on the floor
Repairs are needed under areas with finished flooring you'd rather not cut
Seeing one of these doesn't automatically mean repair is required. An on-site evaluation is the only way to know — and sometimes the honest answer is that no work is needed.
How the work generally goes
- 01
Plan the access
We determine where the tunnel needs to start and run, based on the repair location.
- 02
Excavate
The tunnel is hand-dug and supported as it advances beneath the foundation.
- 03
Perform the work
The plumber or foundation crew completes the repair through the tunnel.
- 04
Backfill and compact
The tunnel is backfilled and compacted in lifts, and the yard area is restored as closely as practical.
Benefits of addressing it early
Keeps interior flooring, cabinets, and finishes intact
Lets your household stay in place during many repairs
Gives crews room to work on the affected line or area
Avoids interior concrete demolition and the dust that comes with it
Not sure what your home needs? We'll tell you straight.
Call 469-782-8098Project photos
We're adding photos from recent tunneling projects. Ask us during your estimate and we'll gladly show examples of similar work.
Frequently asked questions
Is tunneling always better than going through the slab?
Not always. Tunneling protects interior finishes but takes more excavation; interior access can be faster in some cases. The best choice depends on where the repair is, what's above it, and the layout of the home.
What happens to my yard?
There will be excavation and spoil piles during the work. Tunnels are backfilled and compacted afterward, and the area is restored as closely as practical, though landscaping in the work path is affected.
How much will my repair cost?
Cost depends on the size of the home, the type of foundation, how much movement has occurred, and the method used. The only accurate way to know is an on-site evaluation. Our estimates are free and we put the scope in writing before any work begins.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. We'll come out, look at the property, take measurements where needed, and explain what we see in plain language — including when we believe no repair is necessary.
Do you work in my city?
We serve homeowners throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex and the surrounding North Texas communities. If you're not sure we cover your area, give us a call.
Where we work
- Dallas
- Fort Worth
- Arlington
- Garland
- Richardson
- Plano
- Frisco
- Denton
- McKinney
- Rockwall
- Mesquite
- Irving
- Grand Prairie
- + surrounding North Texas cities
Request your free tunneling estimate.
Fill this out and we'll be in touch within one business day — usually faster. Prefer to talk? Call 469-782-8098.