HomeGuide's national 2026 figures put trenching at $5 to $12 per foot, or $500 to $1,200 for 100 feet. In Baltimore, rowhouse laterals, boulders and groundwater are the usual complications.
The costs shown here are national ranges that HomeGuide publishes, not our own prices. In Baltimore, boulders, groundwater, alley access and haul distance are what really set a job's cost. Figures checked October 2026.
What is the trenching cost for 100 feet in Baltimore?
Trenching cost is $5 to $12 per foot, so 100 feet is $500 to $1,200, per HomeGuide. A 50-foot trench runs $250 to $600 and 200 feet $1,000 to $2,400.
Who installs a water line, and what does it cost?
A water line is installed by a Maryland-licensed plumber; an excavator can dig the trench for them. HomeGuide puts main water line replacement at $2,000 to $5,000, or $50 to $200 per foot trenched and $70 to $250 per foot trenchless.
How deep must a water line be buried below the frost in Baltimore?
A water line must sit below the frost depth that the plumbing code and the water utility set, and the plumber confirms it. Baltimore winters freeze the ground, so shallow lines can burst.
What does sewer line replacement cost in Baltimore?
By HomeGuide's national count, sewer line replacement costs $50 to $250 per foot, or $2,000 to $10,000 for 40 feet. By HomeGuide's national count, pipe bursting costs $60 to $200 per foot and lining $90 to $250. By HomeGuide's national count, a camera inspection costs $125 to $500.
What does it cost to trench electric to a garage or shed?
Trenching electric to a garage or shed costs the usual $5 to $12 per foot, per HomeGuide. A Maryland-licensed electrician runs the wire and sets the depth; we dig and backfill.
What does a gas line or propane line cost to run in Baltimore?
By HomeGuide's national count, a gas line costs $12 to $25 per foot, or $350 to $1,000 or more. The gas utility or a licensed plumber installs and tests it. Propane follows the supplier's rules.
Can you bore under a driveway instead of cutting it in Baltimore?
Yes. Directional boring under a driveway costs $10 to $30 per foot, or $1,000 to $3,000 for 100 feet, by HomeGuide. It saves breaking the drive or sidewalk.
Can my water and sewer lines run in the same trench?
Water and sewer can share the same trench only where the plumbing code's separation rules are met. The plumber lays them out and the inspector checks them.
Can you trench near tree roots or close to the house in Baltimore?
Yes. Around big trees, the trench bends around the roots or a bore goes under them. Close to the house, especially along shared rowhouse walls, we stay off the footing and backfill the same day.
Want to know what your job will cost? Call or text (410) 873-7935. We visit the site and then write up the scope and price.