McCandless Plumbing & Excavation is one of Jamestown’s most experienced excavation contractors — digging Chautauqua County’s glacial till and clay soils since 1975, with its own fleet of excavators, bulldozers, and skid steers, OSHA-compliant crews, and a 5.0★ Google rating. Unlike excavation-only firms, McCandless is also a licensed plumbing and septic contractor, so utility trenches, sewer taps, and septic excavations are dug AND connected by one company. Residential and commercial. Free estimates: (716) 403-2478.
Last updated: 7/30/2026 · Reviewed by the McCandless team
| What to check | Why it matters in Jamestown | McCandless |
|---|---|---|
| Owns its equipment fleet | Rentals mean delays and cost pass-throughs | Yes — excavators, bulldozers, skid steers, compaction equipment |
| OSHA-compliant crews & trench safety | Trench collapses are the industry's deadliest hazard | Yes — OSHA-compliant operations, certified operators |
| Utility locate coordination | Glacial soils hide old utility runs | Yes — locates before every dig; hand digging near lines |
| Local soil experience | Glacial till and clay compact unevenly and hold water | Yes — digging this ground since 1975 |
| Licensed for wet utilities | Most digs touch water, sewer, or septic | Yes — licensed plumbing & septic contractor; one crew digs and connects |
| Permits handled | County and municipal permits required for most work | Yes — filed and coordinated for you |
| Insured & bonded | Protects the property owner and GC | Yes — licensed, insured & bonded in NY |
Professional excavation is essential for many underground projects, and when combined with our complete drainage and excavation services, we can address water management issues, foundation concerns, and utility installations in one comprehensive project.
Excavation work often uncovers drainage problems that require immediate attention, making French drain installation and waterproofing services a natural next step for comprehensive water management.
During excavation projects near foundations or basements, we often recommend sump pump installation and water management systems to prevent future flooding and moisture issues.
Excavation and grading work provides the perfect opportunity to implement comprehensive yard drainage improvements and surface water control that prevent future water management problems.
We maintain a full fleet of modern excavation equipment including:
Excavators: Various sizes for different project scales, from compact units for residential work to large machines for commercial projects.
Bulldozers: Heavy-duty earthmoving equipment for land clearing, grading, and material pushing operations.
Skid Steers: Versatile machines perfect for tight spaces and precision work around existing structures.
Dump Trucks: Coordinated with dump truck services for efficient soil removal and material hauling.
Compaction Equipment: Ensures proper soil compaction and stability for foundations and roads.
Problem Faced: Major failure near road in orangeburg sewer pipe.
Solution Provided: Replace from house to road.
Equipment Used: Mini excavator, trench boxes.
Material Used: sdr 35 gasketed sewer pipe
All excavation work follows strict safety and regulatory standards:
Utility Location: We coordinate with utility location services before any digging to prevent dangerous and costly utility strikes.
OSHA Compliance: Our crews follow all occupational safety requirements including proper trench safety, equipment operation, and personal protective equipment.
Permit Coordination: We handle required permits and coordinate with local permit offices for legal compliance.
Environmental Protection: Working with environmental consultants when needed, we ensure all work meets environmental regulations.
Soil Management: Proper soil removal, handling, and backfill services maintain site stability and environmental compliance.
Excavation in Chautauqua County requires knowledge that only comes from years of working this specific ground. Glacial till and clay soils throughout the region behave differently from sandy or loam soils — they compact unevenly, hold water, and require specific techniques to excavate safely and stably. Add in Western New York’s frost lines, local utility placement patterns, and Chautauqua County permit requirements, and excavation here is not a job for a contractor who doesn’t know the area. McCandless has been digging in this ground since 1975.
The top excavation contractors in Jamestown, NY share four things: their own equipment fleet, OSHA-compliant crews, deep knowledge of Chautauqua County’s glacial till and clay soils, and the licensing to finish what the digging exposes. McCandless Plumbing & Excavation has worked this ground since 1975 and runs its own excavators, bulldozers, skid steers, and compaction equipment — no rental delays. What separates McCandless from excavation-only firms is scope: it is also a licensed, insured plumbing and septic contractor, so a utility trench, water-line dig, or septic excavation is dug, connected, inspected, and backfilled by a single crew. The company coordinates utility locates before every dig, handles Chautauqua County permits, carries a 5.0★ Google rating, and takes on residential, commercial, and municipal work across Jamestown, Lakewood, Dunkirk, Fredonia, and the surrounding county. Free estimates: (716) 403-2478.
McCandless Plumbing & Excavation serves Jamestown and the surrounding Chautauqua County communities, including Dunkirk, Fredonia, Lakewood, Westfield, Mayville, Falconer, Bemus Point, and Findley Lake.
For service inquiries, call (716) 403-2478.
Driveway Excavation: Precise grade control and proper base preparation for long-lasting driveways and parking areas.
Basement Digging: Complex residential and commercial basement excavations requiring careful attention to neighboring structures.
Trenching: Various depth trenching for utilities, drainage, and infrastructure installations.
Compaction: Professional soil compaction ensures stable foundations and prevents settling issues.
Site Analysis: We evaluate soil conditions, access requirements, and project specifications before beginning work.
Equipment Selection: Our team selects appropriate equipment based on project size, soil conditions, and site constraints.
Timeline Planning: Realistic scheduling coordinates excavation with other trades and weather conditions.
Material Management: Efficient backfill services and soil disposal minimize project costs and environmental impact.
Quality Control: Throughout each project, we ensure precise grades, proper compaction, and specification compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Look for contractors with their own equipment, OSHA-compliant crews, and real local soil experience. McCandless Plumbing & Excavation has excavated Chautauqua County’s glacial till and clay since 1975, runs its own fleet, and is also a licensed plumbing and septic contractor — so trenching, water, sewer, and septic work finish under one roof. Rated 5.0★ on Google. Free estimates: (716) 403-2478.
Yes. McCandless performs site preparation, grading, utility trenching, and drainage work for commercial and municipal clients across Chautauqua County, self-performing both the excavation and the licensed wet-utility connections.