Trenching & Post Drilling GTA

OCM specializes in narrow-trench utility installation and frost-depth post drilling across the Greater Toronto Area. We trench for water lines, gas, electrical, drainage, irrigation, and low-voltage runs — and we drill thousands of post holes every year for fences, decks, pergolas, signs, and railings, every one to the 4 ft+ frost depth required by Ontario code.

Trenching & Post Drilling Services We Provide

• Utility trenching — water, gas, electrical, telecom to municipal-code depth.
• Drainage trenching — French drains, weeping tile, downspout-to-soakwell runs.
• Irrigation trenching — sprinkler line runs (typically 8–12 in depth).
• Post hole drilling for fences — 6"–10" diameter, drilled to frost depth (48 in minimum in GTA).
• Post hole drilling for decks — Sonotube footings, 8"–18" diameter to engineer spec.
• Helical pile installation for decks where ground conditions require it — no excavation, no curing time.
• Directional drilling under driveways and walkways — no need to break and repour hardscape.
• Geothermal loop trenching for ground-source heat pump installs.

Our Trenching Process

1. Free on-site quote within 24 hours. We walk the run, identify access, and quote per linear foot.
2. Ontario One Call utility locates. We submit, wait the required 5 business days, and don’t dig until everything is marked.
3. Trench excavation. Narrow-bucket mini excavator for most jobs; trench saw for very narrow runs.
4. Bedding and pipe install. Sand bedding for water and electrical; gravel for drainage; pull-tape and conduit per electrical code.
5. Inspection. Open-trench inspection by municipal inspector for water and gas runs.
6. Backfill and compaction. Sand and native soil layered, compacted in 6 in lifts.
7. Surface restoration. Sod replacement, gravel, or asphalt patching as quoted.

Typical Trenching Costs in the GTA

Standard utility trenching runs $8–$25 per linear foot in the GTA depending on depth, soil, and access. Narrow irrigation trenches in soft soil are cheaper; deep electrical runs in clay or rocky ground are more. Post drilling runs $30–$60 per hole for standard 6 in fence posts; deck Sonotube footings $80–$150 per post. Directional drilling under driveways $80–$150 per linear foot. Call 416-317-3090 for a job-specific quote.

Why GTA Property Owners Choose OCM for Trenching

• Frost-depth guarantee — every post hole drilled to 48 in minimum (Ontario code).
• Utility-locate liability covered — if we cut an unlocated utility, the repair is on us.
• Modern equipment — Yanmar mini excavators, trench saws, hydraulic post augers, directional drills.
• Licensed, fully insured, fully insured.
• Free on-site quotes within 24 hours.
• 24/7 emergency response for broken water lines, frozen pipes, septic emergencies.
• 2-year workmanship warranty.

Project Gallery

Related Services

• Excavation Services — Full residential and commercial excavation.
• Fence Installation — Cedar, vinyl, chain-link, and ornamental fences across GTA.
• Deck Building — Custom deck builds — same crew handles footings.
• Foundation Waterproofing — Exterior waterproofing including drainage tile trenching.
• Get a Free Quote — Schedule your on-site visit.

Get Your Free Trenching & Post Drilling Quote Today

Call 416-317-3090 or request a free quote online. We’ll visit your property, discuss your project, and have a written quote in your inbox within 24 hours.

Want detailed pricing? Read our 2026 trenching cost guide for Toronto and the GTA — per-foot pricing for utility trenches, drainage, sewer laterals, and post drilling.