Site Prep
Utility Trenching for Water, Sewer, Gas, and Electrical
Trenches dug to depth, width, and slope spec for any underground utility. Backfill and compaction included. Inspection-ready every time.
We trench for water, sewer, gas, and electrical across Northern California. Depth, slope, bedding, and shading per local code and your engineer's plan. Up to 200 feet per day on standard residential runs. Backfill and compaction handled before we leave the site.
To Spec, Every Time
Depth, slope, and width verified before backfill. No call-backs from the inspector.
Inspection Ready
Open trench staged and protected for the inspector. We wait if you need us to.
Backfill and Compact
We do not leave the trench for someone else to close. Bedding, shading, lift-by-lift compaction done.
What We Trench
Four Utility Types. Every Standard Run.
Whatever the line is, we trench it to local code and your plan.
Water Lines
Service laterals, main runs, irrigation feeds. Trenched 18 to 24 inches typical, deeper for frost protection.
Sewer Laterals
House to main connections, septic to leach field. 24 to 60 inches with proper slope for flow.
Gas Lines
Utility company tie-ins and meter connections. 12 to 18 inches with 6 inch sand bedding per code.
Electrical Conduit
Service feeds, sub-panel runs, low-voltage conduit. 18 to 24 inches with red warning tape.
What's Included
Every trenching quote covers the full job from open to close. No gotchas after the trench is dug.
- Pre-trench locate and utility mark verification (USA call confirmed).
- Trench dug to plan: depth, width, slope, and length per spec.
- Sand bedding and shading per local code.
- Inspection coordination with the building department or utility company.
- Native or import backfill and lift-by-lift compaction to spec.
- Surface restored to grade, ready for landscape, concrete, or paving.
Pricing & Timeline
What It Costs and How Long It Takes
Real numbers per linear foot. Every quote is written and itemized.
Cost
How much does trenching cost?
Utility trenching in the Sacramento area runs roughly $8 to $25 per linear foot for standard residential depth. Cost depends on soil, depth, length, and bedding spec.
- Water service: $10 to $18 per linear foot
- Sewer lateral: $12 to $25 per linear foot
- Gas line: $8 to $15 per linear foot
- Electrical conduit: $10 to $20 per linear foot
Timeline
How fast can you run a trench?
Up to 200 feet per day on standard residential runs. Production drops in rocky soil or high water table.
- Short residential runs (under 100 ft): 1 day
- Standard service runs (100 to 300 ft): 1 to 2 days
- Long runs or commercial: 3+ days, scoped per job
- Inspection wait built into the schedule
Built for These Trades
Who Hires Us for Trenching
Trenching work for the audiences that need it most.
Related Services
Run These Together for One Quote
Bundle trenching with these adjacent services. Same crew, one number.
Common Questions
Trenching Questions Builders Ask
How much does utility trenching cost per linear foot?
Utility trenching in the Sacramento area runs roughly $8 to $25 per linear foot for standard residential depth. Cost depends on soil, depth, width, length, access, and bedding requirements. Every quote is written and itemized.
How deep does a utility trench need to be?
Depth depends on the utility and local code. Water lines typically 18 to 24 inches below frost line. Sewer laterals 24 to 60 inches with slope. Gas lines 12 to 18 inches plus 6 inches of sand bedding. Electrical conduit 18 to 24 inches. We trench to your engineer's plan and local code.
Do you handle backfill and compaction?
Yes. Backfill and compaction are included in every trenching quote. We don't leave the trench open for someone else to close. Sand bedding, shading, native or import backfill, and lift-by-lift compaction per spec.
Can you stage the trench for inspection?
Yes. We coordinate inspection timing with your GC, the building department, or the utility company. Trench stays open and protected until the inspector signs off. We backfill once we have the green tag.
Ready to Run Lines?
Send the Plan, the Address, and a Start Date
We send a written trenching quote within 24 hours on most jobs.