Water, sewer, gas, power and irrigation lines all go in a trench. Short or long, every one starts with a call to Arizona 811.
811 rules
The Arizona Corporation Commission says the requirement covers homeowners and contractors, the service is free, and digging before lines are marked can bring fines up to $5,000 per violation. Utilities respond within two working days at most under A.R.S. 40-360.22, and marks last 15 working days. Arizona 811 details.
Depths
HomeAdvisor lists about 24 inches for water lines, about 36 inches for drainage pipe, and 12 to 24 inches deep by about 8 inches wide for general projects.
Prices
| Trench | HomeAdvisor, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Average | $950 |
| Typical | $400 to $1,200 |
| Standard, per foot | $5 to $12 |
| Difficult, per foot | $13 to $40 |
| 50 feet | $250 to $600 |
Licensing
The ROC's A-12 and R-37R cover excavating and backfilling for sewer, storm drain, water, gas and irrigation pipe, and R-21 and C-21 cover irrigation trenching.
Sources
- Arizona Corporation Commission, Office of Pipeline Safety: Underground Facilities Law
- Arizona Revised Statutes 40-360.22: Excavations; determining location of underground facilities
- HomeAdvisor: How much does trenching cost? (updated June 19, 2026)
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors: License Classifications
Reviewed October 20, 2026. Rules, prices and contacts change, so check the source before relying on it.
Questions and answers
How much does trenching cost per foot near Goodyear?
HomeAdvisor's 2026 guide lists $5 to $12 per foot for standard digs and $13 to $40 for difficult ones.
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