Utility Trenching
Utility trenching opens a narrow cut to place conduit or pipe at a set depth, then backfills it. It is often the simplest method across open ground with no pavement, or when many service connections branch off one run.
When to use Trenching
Trench across undeveloped lots, pasture or open turf where restoration is cheap, for gravity lines that need a constant slope, and for runs with frequent taps or pull boxes where a bore would need many pits anyway.
When not to use it
Don't trench across roads, finished driveways, mature landscaping or wetlands when a bore avoids the restoration cost and permit conditions. Deeper trenches also bring OSHA protective-system requirements (shoring, sloping or a trench box) that can change the economics.
Common applications
Electrical Conduit Boring
Electrical conduit for generators, EV chargers, pool equipment and outbuildings is commonly bored under driveways and walks by missile or HDD.
Irrigation Sleeve Boring
Irrigation sleeves are short PVC crossings under hardscape so lateral lines can pass without cutting concrete.
Water Service Line Boring
A new or replacement water service can be bored from the meter to the house, avoiding a trench through the lawn and driveway.
How the job runs
Each Trenching job follows these steps in order.
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811 ticket
Marks are in place before the cut.
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Private sweep
GPR and EM sweeps check for unmarked private lines along the route.
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Cut
The trench is cut to depth with a trencher or excavator.
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Place product
Conduit or pipe is laid with any required bedding and warning tape.
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Backfill and compact
Spoil is returned in lifts and compacted.
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Restore
Sod, seed or surface is restored.
What we need to quote
Send these and we can price the job without a site visit in most cases.
- Address
- Trench length and depth
- Product size
- Surface type along the route
- Restoration expectations
Where we work
Questions about Trenching
When does a trench need shoring?
OSHA's excavation standard (29 CFR 1926.652) requires a protective system to prevent cave-ins unless the excavation is entirely in stable rock, or is under 5 feet deep and a competent person sees no sign of a potential cave-in.
Sources: When does a trench need shoring?
Get a bore quoted
Send the footage, product size and crossing, and we will reply with a quote or the questions we need answered.