New gas to an outdoor kitchen, power to a casita, a sewer line, drip irrigation through a desert landscape: all of it starts with a trench. Here's what to know before one is dug in Scottsdale.
Arizona 811 comes first
The Arizona Corporation Commission says the call-before-you-dig law applies to homeowners and contractors alike, that the service is free, and that excavating before lines are marked can bring fines of up to $5,000 per violation. Under A.R.S. 40-360.22, utilities answer within two working days at most, and digging waits for the marks. Details on the Arizona 811 page.
Depth and width
HomeAdvisor lists typical depths of about 24 inches for water supply lines and about 36 inches for drainage pipes, and says general projects run 12 to 24 inches deep and about 8 inches wide.
Prices
| Trench | HomeAdvisor |
|---|---|
| Average job | $950 |
| Typical range | $400 to $1,200 |
| Standard digging | $5 to $12 per foot |
| Large or difficult digging | $13 to $40 per foot |
Angi's national guide lists plumbing trenching at $1,500 to $10,000. HomeAdvisor recommends keeping 15 to 20 percent in reserve for problems like rock.
Licensing
Arizona's Registrar of Contractors covers excavating and backfilling for sewer, storm drain, water, gas and irrigation pipe under A-12 and R-37R, and irrigation trenching under R-21 and C-21. General excavating is R-2, A-5 or CR-2.
Sources
- Arizona Corporation Commission, Office of Pipeline Safety: Underground Facilities Law
- Arizona Revised Statutes 40-360.22: Excavations; determining location of underground facilities
- HomeAdvisor: How much does trenching cost? (updated June 19, 2026)
- Angi: How much does excavation cost? (Mariel Loveland, updated September 14, 2026)
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors: License Classifications
Reviewed October 20, 2026. Rules, prices and contacts change, so check the source before relying on it.
Questions and answers
How much does trenching cost in Scottsdale?
We don't have Scottsdale-only figures. HomeAdvisor's 2026 guide lists $5 to $12 per foot for standard trenching and $13 to $40 per foot for difficult digs.
Do homeowners need to call Arizona 811?
Yes. The Arizona Corporation Commission says the requirement applies to homeowners and contractors alike. It's free.
Get your trench quoted
Call or use the form. A local excavation contractor gets back to you, and asking for a quote costs nothing.
Reached voicemail? Leave your name, number, the address and a line about the job.