The Different Types of Trenching Services Explained

Trenching is what makes it possible for your plumbing, water lines, and other underground utilities to connect to your home or another property. The trench has to be deep enough to limit the potential for freezing on the coldest winter days. It also has to be big enough for your utility lines to fit and reliably provide service to your property.

Trenching generally refers to removing soil, rocks, and other items from the ground so that you can put things into the trench. There are many types of trenching methods to consider. Some are faster than others, and they all get the job done in different ways.

Linear Trenching Often Uses Heavy Machinery

The old-fashioned way of trenching is to dig a trench by hand or with a backhoe from the building all the way out to the property’s edge if needed. Once the piping, plumbing, or another utility line is laid, the workers cover it back up. That is called linear trenching and can leave a large scar on your property that needs to be grassed over or covered with sod to hide it.

Dangers of Linear Trenching

Slot trenching is another name for linear trenching, which is the most dangerous type of trenching work. The danger arises from the potential to accidentally dig up a gas line, electrical cable, or another potentially dangerous utility line. That makes it very important to ensure all local utility services are contacted to clearly mark the respective gas, water, electrical, and other utility lines that might be located under the property.

Hydro Excavation Slot Trenching

There is a safer and faster way to complete your trenching job. Hydro excavation uses water to remove the earth, rocks, and debris. Hydro excavating is safer than traditional linear excavating because it does not use hard materials.

A jet of water is applied as needed to remove a minimal amount of material. It removes thin layers of earth and, more precisely removes exactly the correct amount of material so that you can lay your new utility lines.

Advantages of Hydro Excavation

Hydro excavation is faster and more affordable than the various types of linear trenching. It uses less labor and negates the dangers of using excavating equipment that could damage your existing utility lines. Property owners can perform their own linear trenching to save on labor costs, but that takes longer and could lead to an injury. Always consult a reputable trenching contractor for the best outcomes on your property.

Categorised in: Trenching Contractors

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