• <div><p>No, a ditch isn’t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that’s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that’s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don’t get filled back in with dirt after they’re dug.</p></div>

What type of soil is best to build on?

• <div><p>The best type of soil to build on is a mixture of sand and clay, known as loam soil. Loam soil has the best combination of these soil types to build a foundation on. The clay particles help with water retention, so it won’t erode like sandy soil might, and the sandy particles help with drainage, so you won’t see unsafe soil expansion or have an increased risk of leaks from water sitting against your foundation.</p></div>

How deep are water lines buried?

• <div><p>Water lines are buried at various depths, depending on the type of line. For example, most <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-deep-are-sprinkler-lines.htm">sprinkler lines are buried</a> between four and 12 inches underground. On the other hand, water mains usually sit between one and 3 feet below ground. However, they can go even deeper in cold climates to prevent freezing.</p></div>

Get matched with top excavation pros in Laurens, IA

Q: Is a ditch a trench?

• <div><p>No, a ditch isn&rsquo;t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that&rsquo;s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that&rsquo;s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don&rsquo;t get filled back in with dirt after they&rsquo;re dug.</p></div>

Q: What do you put under decomposed granite?

• <div><p>Because decomposed granite is a durable material, a crushed rock or gravel base is optional as long as the DG is properly installed and compacted. However, installing a base is a good idea because it will ensure proper drainage and stability and act as a weed suppressant (although you may still occasionally have to pull weeds). Installing an adequate base can also increase the durability of driveways and walkways. If you forego the paver base or gravel underneath, line the area with landscaping fabric to avoid weeds.</p></div>

Q: How far can I hand drill a well?

• <div><p>The physical constraints of hand-drilling a well limit the depth you can achieve. Manually digging with picks and shovels may only lead to shallow wells of up to 60 feet in depth. To reach greater depths, you need more specialized equipment. The diameter of your well and the tools you&rsquo;re using will determine how far down you can dig. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Laurens, IA

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Laurens, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Excavation companies in Laurens, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

Last update on January 12, 2026

Reviewed in March 2025
Great crew and windows are great
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in July 2022
Len was very professional, friendly, conscientious and easy to work with! He did a great job and our area rug looks amazing!
Advanced Interior Care, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2021
Their team did a great job communicating with me. They completed the job well and cleanup was great. I would recommend them and will use them again.
Uprooted Tree Service
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Reviewed in June 2019
Joe and his crew were a pleasure to work with. He was here when he said he would be. They worked quickly and efficiently. Rain is expected later today, so we will get to test the new gutters.
Gutters Unlimited Elite Services, Inc.
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Reviewed in April 2019
Told him what I wanted done and when it came to biding my project, I thought he was doing my entree way to my basement plus my 6x8 wall and when he finished the entree way without doing the 6x8 wall he said here is my bill and he stated that he never bid on the 6x8 wall and I stated that was the...
Hatch Masonry & Concrete
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Reviewed in November 2018
Very professional. Their work was thorough and even went the extra mile to ensure our home was electrically safe. Very good at keeping me informed on scheduling the appointment. Money well invested.
Toft Electric, Inc.
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Reviewed in June 2013
Tim came on a Monday gave us a estimate. Tuesday the crew arrived and dug the footings and poured the cement for them. Wednesday they arrived and formed it up for the cement. No one just stood around they were constantly working.
GONNERMAN CONSTRUCTION
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Reviewed in September 2011
They do a good job. I like that they use green cleaning supplies.
The Cleaning Authority - Fairfax
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FRASE & CO CONSTRUCTION

2.75(

)

Free onsite estimate

Frase Construction Inc is a locally owned and operated business in the Ottumwa area since 1999. Business owner, Jeremy Frase invites you to come visit his showroom, complete with a large variety of retail products. Frase Construction specializes in new construction and remodeling. Serves include: - Roofing - Additions - Windows - Siding - Kitchens & Baths - Cabinets - Concrete - Electrical - Plumbing - Decks - Garages - General contractors - Designed build - Egress Windows - Casement Windows - Energy Efficient Windows - Skylights - Sliding Windows - Storm Windows - Installation - New Construction - Remdeling - Repair - Wood Shake roofs and Shingles - Maintenance - Green Building - Residential - Commercial - Metal - Wood - Fiberglass - Vinyl - Driveways - Concrete removal - Concrete Coloring - Walls - Foundations - Decorative Concrete - Concrete Cutting - Stairs - Patios - Sidewalks - Stamped Concrete - Industrial - Garages - Cabinets - Laminate - Cabinet hardware - Snow Removal - Ice Removal - Snow Blowing - Snow Plowing - Additions ? - Bathrooms - Decks - Electrical - Kitchens - Plumbing - Roofing - Siding - and more Our project types include: Commerical (Office Buildijngs, Shopping Centers, Car Dealerships and more), Resteraunts, Warehouses, Rental Spaces, Residential (Multi-Family and Tenant Finish) For the best service in the area, give us a call so we can prove to you that you made the right choice.

Bills Concrete & Handyman Services

5.00(

)

Bills Concrete & Handyman Services

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We have done all our own work we do not sub work out to anyone We want you to be happy with us. We accept Checks and credit cards their is no job to small we can't handle

Gilbert's Septic Service

No reviews yet

Gilbert's Septic Service

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Gilbert's Septic Service has been family owned and operated for over 50 years! Gilbert's will take care of your septic tank cleaning & repair. Certified for time of transfer inspection. Our services include residential: * Cleaning * Repair * Installation * Pumping * Maintenance * Inspection * Consulting Call Gilbert's Septic Service Today.

Home Tuitions in Hyderabad: http://www.myhometutions.com has become the one stop shop for Home Tuitions in Hyderabad where it serves from KG to PG and also hobbies, Sports and Physical Trainers and so on...

K&M Exteriors LLC

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K&M Exteriors LLC

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3 years of experience

The company provides various exterior contracting solutions to meet the needs of every customer. We specialize in decks, porches, fences, outside fireplaces, brick lain walkways, septic tanks, residential utility service repair, environmental remediation, hazmat clean up and much more!

Showing 1-10 of 20

Excavating questions, answered by experts

No, a ditch isn’t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that’s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that’s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don’t get filled back in with dirt after they’re dug.

Because decomposed granite is a durable material, a crushed rock or gravel base is optional as long as the DG is properly installed and compacted. However, installing a base is a good idea because it will ensure proper drainage and stability and act as a weed suppressant (although you may still occasionally have to pull weeds). Installing an adequate base can also increase the durability of driveways and walkways. If you forego the paver base or gravel underneath, line the area with landscaping fabric to avoid weeds.

The best type of soil to build on is a mixture of sand and clay, known as loam soil. Loam soil has the best combination of these soil types to build a foundation on. The clay particles help with water retention, so it won’t erode like sandy soil might, and the sandy particles help with drainage, so you won’t see unsafe soil expansion or have an increased risk of leaks from water sitting against your foundation.

The physical constraints of hand-drilling a well limit the depth you can achieve. Manually digging with picks and shovels may only lead to shallow wells of up to 60 feet in depth. To reach greater depths, you need more specialized equipment. The diameter of your well and the tools you’re using will determine how far down you can dig.

Water lines are buried at various depths, depending on the type of line. For example, most sprinkler lines are buried between four and 12 inches underground. On the other hand, water mains usually sit between one and 3 feet below ground. However, they can go even deeper in cold climates to prevent freezing.

The Laurens, IA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Haley Nothstein
•
Dec 29, 2025Dec 29, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Dig Out a Basement? [2025 Data]
If you’re building a new home, you might need to consider the cost of digging out a basement. Use this pricing guide to get an estimate for the project.
Alison Kasch
•
Nov 19, 2025Nov 19, 2025
How Much Does Mobile Home Leveling Cost? [2026 Data]
The cost to re-level your mobile home depends on your home’s location, size, and whether it needs extra support. Read more about the cost of leveling your mobile home.
Taylor Freitas
•
Oct 27, 2025Oct 27, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Trencher? [2025 Data]
If you need to dig a trench, you might be tempted to do it yourself instead of hiring a pro. So, how much does it cost to rent a trencher? Let’s break it down.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
Nov 5, 2024Nov 5, 2024
Directional Boring vs. Trenching: Differences, Costs, and When to Use Each
Trenching is simpler and boring is best for complex properties. Learn all about boring versus trenching and when to use each.
Paige Bennett
•
Oct 30, 2024Oct 30, 2024
How to Calculate Demolition Waste for Your Big Project
You’ll need to estimate demolition waste to rent dumpsters or trucks for hauling it away. Learn how to calculate demolition debris with this guide.
Mary Beth Eastman
•
Oct 28, 2024Oct 28, 2024
Who Do I Call if I Need to Hire Someone to Dig a Trench?
If you want to hire someone to dig a trench, choose a local excavation company. Learn why you should hire a pro for your trench and what it will cost.

What do you need done? We’ll find top pros.

🌱 "Mow a small front yard"
🛠 "Fix a leaking pipe under the sink"
🏠 "Repair shingles on an asphalt roof"

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Tree Removal Service

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Leroy Morford Construction Co. The Concrete King

Leroy Morford Construction Co. The Concrete King

Savannah Construction

Savannah Construction

Dirt Werks by Kurt LLC

Dirt Werks by Kurt LLC

FRASE & CO CONSTRUCTION

FRASE & CO CONSTRUCTION

Bills Concrete & Handyman Services

Bills Concrete & Handyman Services

Gilbert's Septic Service

Gilbert's Septic Service

VANS Excavating, LLC.

VANS Excavating, LLC.

Glens Sackett Trucking & Excavating

Glens Sackett Trucking & Excavating

myhometutions

myhometutions

K&M Exteriors LLC

K&M Exteriors LLC

The Laurens, IA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

How Much Does It Cost to Dig Out a Basement? [2025 Data]

How Much Does Mobile Home Leveling Cost? [2026 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Trencher? [2025 Data]

Directional Boring vs. Trenching: Differences, Costs, and When to Use Each

How to Calculate Demolition Waste for Your Big Project

Who Do I Call if I Need to Hire Someone to Dig a Trench?

Get our Angi-powered app

Get matched with top excavation pros in Laurens, IA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your excavation project in Laurens, IA?

Tree Removal Service

Building Site Preparation and Clearing

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Laurens, IA

Find Excavation pros in Laurens

Leroy Morford Construction Co. The Concrete King

Leroy Morford Construction Co. The Concrete King

Savannah Construction

Savannah Construction

Dirt Werks by Kurt LLC

Dirt Werks by Kurt LLC

FRASE & CO CONSTRUCTION

FRASE & CO CONSTRUCTION

Bills Concrete & Handyman Services

Bills Concrete & Handyman Services

Gilbert's Septic Service

Gilbert's Septic Service

VANS Excavating, LLC.

VANS Excavating, LLC.

Glens Sackett Trucking & Excavating

Glens Sackett Trucking & Excavating

myhometutions

myhometutions

K&M Exteriors LLC

K&M Exteriors LLC

The Laurens, IA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

How Much Does It Cost to Dig Out a Basement? [2025 Data]

How Much Does Mobile Home Leveling Cost? [2026 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Trencher? [2025 Data]

Directional Boring vs. Trenching: Differences, Costs, and When to Use Each

How to Calculate Demolition Waste for Your Big Project

Who Do I Call if I Need to Hire Someone to Dig a Trench?

Find Excavation Pros in other cities near youNot finding what you are looking for in Laurens? Check surrounding areas for Excavation pros.

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