Q&A for How to Excavate a Trench

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What is the maximum depth of the trench needed before battering is required?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

Each region varies, but for the most part anything well over three feet should be done. Remember, even if only knee deep, collapsing soil could knock a person down and cover them quickly. They possibly may not be able to dig themselves out before suffocating.

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Question

How deep does a ditch have to be before I have to barricade the ditch off?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

Any ditch, trench or hole that could cause a person to even trip and fall should be plainly marked, especially if it is left open more than a normal work period or overnight. People are curious and kinda dumb when it comes to wanting to go look and see 'what' is down there.

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Question

What is the minimum distance traffic should be from the edge of a trench?

Andrew Tintin Roy

Community Answer

A good rule of thumb is to keep any traffic at least the distance away from the edge that the trench is deep, so if you have a one-meter trench, then keep traffic at least one meter away.

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What materials are needed to excavate on a mountain slope?

Community Answer

Wooden slats and others supports to keep things from falling down the slope will be helpful.

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Question

How deep can trenches and pits be?

Community Answer

This depends completely on what your plans say. For example can have a pit as shallow as 5 feet or as deep as 40 feet. The same is true of trenches. The excavation must simply be deep enough to accommodate your project.

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What is required if the yard is small and the depth is shallow?

Community Answer

It depends on depth of water, but 2-3 feet for surface water will be needed. Put a PVC drain pipe and 1 inch gravel to fill it.

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Question

How far do I need to be from the highway to trench for electricity?

John822

Community Answer

It depends on the local building codes. Check with your town, county, and state to see what is required.

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