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.

Get a Free On-Site Quote

Tell us about the job and we will come out and price it. Free, no obligation, and most quotes go out within 24 hours. Prefer to talk it through first? Call 416-317-3090.

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