I recently had to replace my sewer line, and during the process, the plumbers damaged my lawn. They did their best to repair it, but I was advised to call them if I noticed any sinking, and they'd come back to fix it. When they returned, I was surprised to see that they just filled in some low spots with sand, which left me feeling disappointed. Initially, I thought their repairs looked terrible because of the sand they used, especially since I now understand that sand combined with clay soil creates a concrete-like mix. Was I wrong to expect a better job on the landscaping?
4 Answers
As a plumber, I can say that while we do our best to put things back, it can be tough getting the lawn looking great afterwards. We usually mention in our estimates that it won't be perfect. It’s the nature of the job I guess!
Filling low spots with sand can be okay, but it really depends on your soil type. Sand helps with drainage, but if you have clay, it can create a hard layer that doesn’t work well for grass. Using compost first can improve the mix, and then topping off with sand is better for leveling. It’s a tricky process!
Honestly, you shouldn't expect much from plumbers when it comes to landscaping. Their job is to fix plumbing, not your lawn. If your yard looks rough, it might be a good idea to hire a landscaper for proper repairs instead of relying on the plumbers. They do mention this in their estimates, so it’s worth keeping in mind!
I completely get that! I never imagined they could leave the yard in worse shape than it was. Lesson learned for sure!
I can relate! It took me ages to get my plumbers back after they installed a new water line; they left early, claiming a family emergency. They finally came to fix things, but what a hassle!

Exactly! There’s a lot of confusing info out there about clay. You can get a lot of compost for a reasonable price and it really helps with the soil.