Century-old clay laterals and aging water services keep most of our trench crews busy. In soft clay we shore the trench, and we restore the street or alley the way the city wants.
Most trenching in Chicago is sewer and water work. Many sewer laterals here are clay tile pipes laid a century ago, now cracked and full of roots, running from the basement to a main under the street or alley. The licensed plumber replaces the pipe and makes the connection, and we dig the trench, support the walls in soft clay, keep the street or alley cut safe and backfill in compacted layers.
Soft clay and a high water table make trench safety a real concern. Trenches deeper than a few feet need shoring or a trench box, and wet trenches need pumping. Work in the street, alley or parkway needs a city permit and has to be restored to city standards. Many lead water services are also being replaced across Chicago, and the plumber and the city decide how that work is done.
Every dig in Chicago starts with a DIGGER request, and in the suburbs with JULIE. Utilities mark their own lines, but private lines on your property, such as power to a garage, a gas line to a grill or low-voltage lighting, are not theirs to mark. Tell us where you think those lines run, and we hand dig around the likely spots.
Trenching & utilities in Chicago: common questions
How deep is the sewer connection in Chicago?
It varies by street. Some connections are deep, which is why sewer work here often needs shoring and a trench box.
Can the trench run out to the alley?
Yes, with the city's permit. In Chicago, a house's water and sewer lines often head out to the alley rather than the street.
Do you replace the pipe?
A licensed plumber replaces the pipe and makes the connection. We do the digging, shoring and backfill.
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.