Most of our trenches run through narrow rowhouse yards to the alley. We dig to the plumber's depth, keep the alley open and backfill so it stays level.
Trenching in Baltimore means dealing with old cities and two kinds of ground. In the rowhouse neighborhoods, sewer laterals run under narrow back yards to alleys or the street, often beside shared walls and under steps. On Piedmont lots, boulders and ledges appear without warning; on Coastal Plain lots, sand caves and water rises in the trench. We size the machine and the shoring to the lot.
Water lines and other buried pipes must sit below the frost depth that the plumbing code and the water utility set, and the licensed plumber on the job sets the depth and bedding. Maryland licenses plumbers and electricians, so the pipe and wire work goes to them. We dig to their spec and backfill in layers so the alley or yard does not sink.
Miss Utility needs at least two full business days of notice before we dig, and a Maryland ticket is valid for 12 full business days from the start date. Utilities do not mark privately owned lines, such as a sprinkler system, a septic line or a feed to a garage, so we ask about them and hand dig where we are unsure.
Trenching & utilities in Baltimore: common questions
Can you replace a rowhouse sewer lateral?
Yes. We dig the trench through the yard or alley for the plumber, who replaces the pipe and has it inspected.
How long is a Miss Utility ticket good for?
In Maryland, 12 full business days from the start date on the ticket. Longer jobs need a new ticket.
Who marks my private lines?
Miss Utility members do not mark privately owned lines. A private locating company can, or we hand dig near where you think they run.
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.