A support system supports a pipe or conduit. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus, systems and methods include support beams extending across an excavated opening. For example, a pair of beams may be positioned to span the excavated opening with the opposing ends of the beams supported on the ground above the excavated opening. Support rods may be positioned to extend through and/or from the beams and into the excavated opening. In one exemplary embodiment, the support rods include a J-hook configured for receipt within an opening in pipe or conduit support members positioned beneath and supporting the pipe or conduit. In another exemplary embodiment, a pipe contacting support member is positioned beneath and contacting a pipe for supporting the pipe and fully excavating the pipe.