Digging in mud

[Old saggy house]

I am trying to replace the water service on my house.

The water table is very high, 6 inches below grade, and every time I dig, I hit water. The ground is fine beach sand/silt. as soon as you take one shovel pull out it fills right back in. I tried using a Shop-Vac to help but it just doesn't do it. The water and sand are just too fast.


I've seen some plumbers in my area drive a well point and use a diaphragm pump. The diaphragm pump removes the water and allows them to dig the sand from the area. The diaphragm pumps that I have seen are all run by large diesel powered compressors. I'm wondering if anyone on here has any tricks for dealing with this that do not require a diesel powered compressor and a $500 diaphragm pump.

 

[Reach4]

I have no relevant experience. If you search for sand trash pump, you will find things that look interesting. Too much puffery? I don't know.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[James Henry]

I have lots of experience with your situation. your avatar say's, Wildwood by the sea", if you actually live by the sea check your "tide tables" online to see when low tide is and try digging then. I've had to fix many pipes while they were under water, you have to do a lot of improvising. there is no easy way to do it short of a mud hog or WellPoint

. https://www.tmsequip.com/products/w...MIpLLUjJ7-7QIVSfHACh2JcQN-EAQYASABEgINq_D_BwE