Any excavation made by a plumber in the easement or public right-of-way shall not be kept open longer than is necessary to make connections. Barriers, guards and lights shall be placed adjacent to the open ditch or excavation to protect the public, excavations shall be backfilled with suitable compacted material and left in a condition satisfactory to the department. Where such excavation or backfilling is made in an unsatisfactory manner, the department shall cause it to be corrected and the cost thereof shall be charged to the plumber. (Prior code § 17-114)