Excavating and Trenching Services

About the service

Open trench excavations can be done with an excavator or trencher depending on the job site conditions and is typically used when directional drilling is not practical.

What's part of the service?

The service will include the excavation, installation of conduit, backfill, and compaction.

The following items can be included, if needed please confirm in the quote request.

• Setting of hand holes or vaults
• "Buried Cable Below" tape

What is Trenching?

Trenching is a construction technique that involves digging narrow, long ditches in the ground, usually to install or repair utilities, pipes, cables, or drainage systems. It is a common practice in various industries, including construction, agriculture, and landscaping, as well as in utility installations and maintenance.

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How Does Trenching work?

Trenching is typically done with specialized machinery, such as trenchers, excavators, or even by hand in some smaller applications. Trenchers can vary in size from small, walk-behind machines to large, heavy-duty models designed to dig deep, wide trenches. The depth and width of the trench depend on the specific requirements of the project and the type of utility or structure being installed.

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What is Trenching Used For?

1. Utilities Installation: Trenching is widely used to lay underground utilities, including water pipes, electrical cables, and gas lines. The trench provides a path for safely installing these utilities below the surface, protecting them from environmental damage and interference. Ground penetrating radar is used to make sure that these utilities are able to be installed without interfering with existing utilities.
2. Drainage Systems: Trenches are essential for creating drainage systems that prevent water accumulation. For example, French drains are shallow trenches filled with gravel to redirect water away from certain areas.
3. Fiber Optics and Telecommunications: Trenching is often used to install fiber optic cables for telecommunications networks. Trenching allows for large-scale installation while minimizing visual impact compared to above-ground cables.
4. Agriculture and Landscaping: In agriculture, trenching can help install irrigation lines or root barriers, while in landscaping, trenches might be dug for retaining walls or plant bed borders.

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Are There Different Types of Trenching?

• Open-Cut Trenching: The most common method, where an open trench is excavated and utilities are installed. The trench is then refilled and compacted.
• Directional Drilling/Trenchless Technology: A modern approach that avoids open trenches by drilling horizontally, often used to cross roads, rivers, or developed areas without disturbing the surface.

Trenching, when done safely, is crucial for many construction and infrastructure projects, providing efficient and reliable ways to install and maintain essential utilities.

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How Much Does Trenching Cost?

The cost of trenching varies widely based on several factors, such as the trench depth and length, soil type, equipment used, and regional labor rates. Our trenching services depend on the size of the project.

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Factors Affecting Trenching Costs

1. Trench Depth and Width: The deeper and wider the trench, the higher the cost due to additional labor and equipment needs. For instance, a shallow trench for irrigation might cost much less than a deeper trench for utility lines.
2. Soil Conditions: Rocky, clay-heavy, or frozen soil can significantly increase trenching costs, as they require heavier equipment and more time to excavate.
3. Location and Accessibility: Trenching in hard-to-access areas or urban environments can add to costs, especially if the site requires permits, extra transportation, or road closures.
4. Type of Installation: Costs can vary based on what is being installed (e.g., water lines, electrical cables, or fiber optics), as some installations require additional work, materials, or safety precautions.
5. Labor and Equipment: Using larger machinery (such as backhoes or excavators) for deeper or longer trenches will increase costs. Additionally, labor rates can vary widely by region.