Trenching for water, electric and drain lines

What the work is

Trenching is digging a narrow, straight cut in the ground to a set depth and width. Most of our trenching in Knox, Blount and the counties around them is for a water line, an electric line to a shop or shed, a gas line your contractor will run, or a drain line that carries water away from the house.

We dig the trench. The person running the line lays it and makes the connections. Whether we backfill the trench after the line is in is something we work out with you at the site visit.

How we do it

Call or send the form and tell us where the line starts, where it ends and how deep it needs to be. We come out and walk the route with you, look at the ground and any obstacles, and give you a straight number in writing.

For most residential runs we use the Vermeer mini skid steer with the trencher. It is narrow enough to get through a gate and leaves a clean cut with less mess on the lawn. Where the ground is rocky or the trench needs to be wider or deeper, we bring the Caterpillar 305 mini excavator.

Call 811 before anyone digs

Tennessee law requires a call to Tennessee 811 (tn811.com) at least three working days before digging. They mark public utility lines.

811 does not mark private lines, like a line you or a past owner ran to a shed, a sprinkler line, or a line to a well pump. If you know of any, tell us and mark them before we show up. Some jobs also need a permit from the county or city, so check with yours before the work starts.

What affects the price

• How long the trench is and how deep and wide it needs to be.
• What the ground is like. Rock and limestone sit close to the surface in parts of East Tennessee and slow a trencher down.
• Access for the machine: gates, fences, slopes and tight spots between houses.
• Things in the way, like roots, old concrete, or crossing a driveway or walk.
• Whether backfill is part of the job.

What to have ready

Know where the line starts and ends, and the depth your plumber, electrician or inspector wants. Have the 811 ticket called in, flag any private lines you know about, and move vehicles, trailers or anything stored along the route.