AK Water Works & HVAC vs Southside Excavating for foundation crack repair
Both companies are real options for foundation crack repair in Trumbull County, and this page compares how reviewers describe their communication, scheduling, excavation work and cleanup, using our methodology. It does not compare clinical or technical skill.
The differences that matter
- Exterior dig experience. Southside's reviews mention full basement waterproofing with footer excavation, French drains and trench drains, which is close to what an outside crack repair involves, while AK's reviews center on sump pumps, ejector pumps and a main water line excavation.
- Review depth. AK has 1262 reviews at 4.9, while Southside has 38 reviews at 4.6, so AK's picture is based on far more feedback.
- Speed of response. AK reviewers often mention same-day or next-day visits, useful if a crack is leaking now, while Southside reviewers describe showing up when promised.
- Pricing clarity. One long Southside review praises a quote that stayed fixed through the job, and others mention fair pricing, whereas AK's reviews focus more on plain-language explanations of the problem and repair plan.
- Longer jobs. On longer excavation work at AK, updates on utility marking may need a nudge, so plan to ask for a timeline if your repair involves digging.
Side by side
- Google rating
- AK Water Works & HVAC: 4.9 (1262 reviews)
- Southside Excavating: 4.6 (38 reviews)
- Services
- AK Water Works & HVAC: exterior waterproofing drainage, crawl space waterproofing, basement waterproofing, foundation crack repair
- Southside Excavating: exterior waterproofing drainage, basement waterproofing
- Foundation-related work in reviews
- AK Water Works & HVAC: Sump pump replacements, sewage ejector swap, water line excavation
- Southside Excavating: Basement waterproofing with footer excavation, French drains, trench drain, sump tie-ins
- Communication style
- AK Water Works & HVAC: Plain-terms explanation of the problem and the fix
- Southside Excavating: Explains each step and keeps customers informed
- Best for temperament
- AK Water Works & HVAC: Homeowners who want a fast visit and a clear diagnosis
- Southside Excavating: Homeowners who want a step-by-step crew and a firm quote
- Verification
- AK Water Works & HVAC: Google-verified
- Southside Excavating: Google-verified
- Composite score
- AK Water Works & HVAC: 91
- Southside Excavating: 81
What reviewers say
AK Water Works & HVAC
Reviewers in recent weeks describe a team that explains problems in plain terms and comes out quickly, often the same day. Many say the technicians are professional, tidy, and easy to work with, and several say they would call again or recommend them to others.
Recent reviews also cover sump pump replacements, a sewage ejector pump swap with restoration help, and a main water line replacement by excavation. One longer job drew a note that updates on utility marking slipped, though the reviewer said the work itself was finished well. Sewer, drain, and water heater work appear in the company's own service list.
Southside Excavating
Reviewers describe a crew that explains each step, keeps them informed, and shows up when promised. Several say the team is honest and easy to deal with, even during stressful sewer or flooding problems.
Recent reviews cover French drains, sump pump tie-ins, trench drain replacement, sewer line digs, and full basement waterproofing with footer excavation. One long review praises a quote that stayed fixed through the job. The only recent low rating is a one-word, one-star note with no detail.
Which should you pick?
Pick AK Water Works & HVAC if
- You have an active leak and want a same-day or next-day visit, as reviewers report.
- You want the reassurance of a large review base (1262 reviews, 4.9).
- You value a clear explanation of the problem and the repair plan, plus tidy cleanup.
Pick Southside Excavating if
- Your crack may need exterior digging, and you want a company whose reviews mention footer excavation and full basement waterproofing.
- A fixed quote and fair pricing are your priority.
- You prefer a crew that walks you through each step and keeps you informed.
Verdict
For most foundation crack jobs where speed and clear explanation matter, AK Water Works & HVAC has the edge: a much larger body of reviews, a 4.9 rating, and frequent mentions of same-day visits and plain-language diagnosis. Southside Excavating is a strong pick if your crack points to an exterior dig or full waterproofing, since its reviews mention footer excavation, a fixed quote and a step-by-step crew. Get written scope and timeline from either one before work starts.
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Questions people ask
- Which is better for a leaking foundation crack that needs quick attention?
- AK's reviewers often mention same-day and next-day visits, so it suits urgent calls. Southside reviewers describe on-time arrivals.
- Which has reviews mentioning exterior excavation for waterproofing?
- Southside's reviews mention full basement waterproofing with footer excavation. AK's reviews mention a main water line replacement by excavation.
- How different are the ratings?
- AK has 4.9 from 1262 reviews and Southside has 4.6 from 38 reviews, so AK's rating rests on far more feedback.