In clay a trencher does the work; in caliche or limestone it takes a rock saw. Either way, the trench goes to the plumber's or electrician's depth and is backfilled without rock against the pipe.
Trenching across San Antonio can be quick or slow depending on the neighborhood. East of downtown and toward the south side, a trencher moves fast through clay. In Stone Oak, Helotes or Boerne, the same trench may need a rock saw or a breaker the whole way, and caliche layers can be almost as hard as the limestone under them. We look at the ground before we price any trench.
We dig for water service lines, sewer laterals, gas lines, electric conduit to pools, shops and gates, and irrigation mains. The licensed plumber or electrician sets the depth and bedding. We follow their depth, keep rock out of the bedding layer around the pipe, and backfill in compacted layers so the trench line does not settle after a heavy rain.
No trench is dug until Texas811 has had two full working days to get the lines marked. Utilities mark their own lines, but private lines on your side of the meter are not marked: a feed to a detached garage, a line to a well, or an old sprinkler main. We ask what you know is buried and dig by hand near anything uncertain.
Trenching & utilities in San Antonio: common questions
Why does trenching cost more on the north side?
Rock. A trench through limestone or hard caliche needs a rock saw or breaker and moves far slower than one through clay.
Can you bore under my driveway?
Often, yes, in soil. Boring through solid rock is harder, so we look at the ground first.
Do you install the pipe?
No. Texas requires licensed plumbers and electricians for that work. We open the trench and backfill it to their specification.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the site with you.
- Written quote: Scope, equipment and price in writing.
- Utility locate & plan: We have utilities marked and plan access, haul-off and erosion control.
- Dig, grade & clean up: We complete the work, grade the site and haul away spoil.