How deep for a water line?

In southern Missouri we trench water lines to a minimum 36" depth — below the local frost line.

Can you do French drains around a foundation?

Yes. Perimeter drain at footing level, gravel and fabric, daylight outlet or sump tie-in.

Do you do directional boring?

Yes — for crossings under driveways or established landscaping where open trenching would tear things up.

A typical 200-ft service trench is 1 day, including bed, lay, and backfill.

Do you locate existing utilities?

We coordinate the 811 locate. For private lines (between buildings, well to house) we use a tracer or hire a private locator if needed.

Utility Trenching & Drainage

Utility trenching & drainage across the Ozarks.

Buried clean. Marked. Backfilled in lifts. Yard restored.

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What's included

Scope, in plain language.

Locate-and-mark coordination (call 811)
Water, electric, gas, fiber, septic trenching
French drains and curtain drains
Sump and downspout drainage
Trench backfill in 6" lifts
Surface restoration

How we do it

No mystery. No surprises.

01
Call before we dig
We coordinate the 811 locate before we touch the ground. Always.
02
Trench to spec
Depth and width to match the utility — water lines below frost, electric per code, septic to the leach field design.
03
Bed and backfill
Sand or screened bedding for sensitive lines. Backfill compacted in lifts so you don't get a sunken trench scar a year later.
04
Restore
We re-grade, re-seed, or replace sod so the yard doesn't look like a battlefield.

What it costs

$4 – $12 per linear foot for typical utility trench (24–36" depth) in workable soil.

Every job is different. Below is what nudges your number up or down.

Drives the price up

+Solid rock
+Trenches over 4 ft deep
+Crossing existing utilities
+Concrete or asphalt cut and patch

Drives it down

−Open yard with no obstacles
−Shallow trench for low-voltage
−Existing trench to clean and re-use

FAQ

Frequently asked

We dig and lay. Final connections to a meter, panel, or septic tank are done by your licensed electrician or plumber. We coordinate the schedule with them.