Utility Line & Trenching Services
Risha Enterprises provides professional trenching and utility line installation services for residential and agricultural properties throughout Sunbury, OH and surrounding areas. With over 35 years of experience, we deliver safe, code-compliant trenching for water lines, electrical conduit, septic piping, and drainage systems.
Whether you’re building a new home, connecting utilities to a pole barn, or replacing an aging service line, we make sure your trench is dug to the correct depth, slope, and spacing. Our team works efficiently and safely—minimizing disturbance to your land while preparing it for long-term functionality.
We’re the trusted choice for property owners and contractors who want the job done right, from planning through backfill.
Our Trenching & Utility Services
Proper trenching supports nearly every underground system on a property. We handle the excavation of narrow, linear trenches for utility lines, making sure each path meets the technical and environmental needs of your project.
Our trenching services include:
- Electrical line trenching
- Water supply line trenching
- Septic line trenching and leach field layout
- Conduit installation for outbuildings or pole barns
- Downspout drainage trenching
- Drain tile and French drain trenches
- Trenching for propane or gas lines (non-installation)
- Backfilling and surface restoration
We work with both individual property owners and builders who need a trenching partner for one-time or recurring projects.
Electrical Line Trenching
If you're adding a detached garage, workshop, or pole barn that requires power, we provide trenching for underground electrical conduit. We work from your main panel or meter to the new structure, following NEC (National Electrical Code) clearance depths and spacing rules.
We do not run electrical wiring but will coordinate with your electrician to ensure the trench is properly placed, prepared, and inspected before conduit installation.
Key considerations include:
- Minimum trench depths (typically 18–24 inches, per code)
- Distance from other underground lines
- Conduit support and bedding
- Sweep elbows for access
- Coordination with electrical rough-in inspections
Water Line Trenching
Connecting a new structure to your water supply requires careful trenching that prevents freezing, supports pipe stability, and protects from contamination. We trench to the appropriate frost depth for Ohio (typically 36 inches or more) and ensure clean paths for pressure or gravity-fed lines.
We can trench for:
- Water supply to barns, workshops, or homes
- Irrigation system main lines
- Outdoor spigots or frost-free hydrants
- Replacement of failing water lines
We’ll work with your plumber or water service provider as needed to align the trench route and backfill process.
Septic Line Trenching
Trenching is a critical part of septic system installation. We create precise trenches for tank inlet and outlet lines, pump lines, distribution boxes, and drain field laterals. Our team understands health department setbacks, leach line spacing, and soil requirements, ensuring a functional and compliant system.
Trenching options include:
- Gravity-fed or pressurized line trenches
- Leach field layout and spacing
- Distribution box placement
- Pump chamber lines and electrical conduit (separate trench when needed)
All septic trenching is completed in compliance with local health department regulations.
Drainage and Downspout Trenches
Managing water runoff is essential to protect foundations, prevent erosion, and reduce saturation around buildings. We trench for underground downspout extensions, French drains, and daylighted discharge lines.
These trenches are typically shallow and sloped to direct water away from structures into swales, ditches, or gravel pits.
Drainage trenching services include:
- Downspout discharge lines
- Curtain drains
- French drains with gravel backfill and filter fabric
- Catch basin connections
- Yard drainage solutions
We assess your property’s grade and recommend appropriate discharge points to ensure water flows away effectively.
Trenching Depths and Code Compliance
Proper depth is not only a safety issue—it’s a legal requirement. We follow all applicable trenching depth standards for:
- Electrical conduit
- Water lines
- Drainage systems
- Septic pipes
Before digging, we contact 811 (Ohio Utilities Protection Service) to mark underground utilities and avoid service disruptions or violations. If special permitting is needed, we’ll assist in ensuring the project is in compliance from the start.
Safe, Clean, and Precise Work
Trenching may seem straightforward, but doing it wrong leads to expensive consequences—pinched conduit, crushed pipes, or collapsed trenches. Risha Enterprises uses properly maintained excavation equipment operated by experienced professionals. We protect your property during excavation and leave the area clean and restored after backfill.
For deeper or narrow trenches, we use safe-cut methods to reduce the risk of collapse. Our crew follows OSHA safety standards and maintains full insurance on all work performed.
Backfill and Site Restoration
Once the utility installation is complete, we return to backfill your trench with the appropriate material—whether that’s native soil, sand, or gravel bedding. If desired, we can compact the backfill and grade the surface to restore yard contours or prepare for hardscaping.
Optional services include:
- Rough or final grading after trench work
- Gravel or stone backfill for drainage areas
- Lawn repair or reseeding over trench lines (available seasonally)
- Gravel trench paths for access
We take care to minimize impact, especially on finished lawns or landscaped areas.
Who We Serve
We work with:
- Homeowners adding water or power to outbuildings
- Builders in need of trenching support for new construction
- Property owners installing septic or drainage systems
- Farmers adding hydrants or electric to barns
- Contractors coordinating multi-trade utility installations
No matter the project, we adapt our trenching plan to your site, timeline, and inspection requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you install the utility lines too?
No. We handle trenching and backfill. Electrical, plumbing, gas, and septic installations are completed by licensed specialists. We work with your trades to ensure the trench is placed and timed correctly.
Can you trench through rocky or compacted soil?
Yes. We are equipped to handle difficult soil conditions, including rocky ground. We’ll evaluate the site first and adjust equipment as needed.
Do I need permits for trenching?
Trenching alone often does not require permits, but utility installation may. For septic or water lines, we assist with health department coordination. For electrical or gas, your trade contractor typically handles permits.
How wide are typical trenches?
Widths vary by purpose. Electrical and water lines often require 4–8 inches; septic and drainage lines may need 12–24 inches. We’ll confirm the specs based on your project.
How do you avoid damaging existing utilities?
We call 811 before every dig and verify utility locations before trenching. If private lines exist (such as invisible dog fences or irrigation), please let us know in advance.
Schedule Your Trenching Project
Whether you need a single line trenched or a full utility layout, Risha Enterprises delivers safe, efficient service with no shortcuts. We’re known for clear communication, fair pricing, and a commitment to getting the job done right.
