Drain repair and installation crew

Homeowners with collapsed or root-damaged lines, landlords, property managers, small builders and renovators.

Quoted prices per job based on length, depth and access, plus extras for restoration or permits. Larger jobs bring bigger invoices but need good costing.

• Excavation and pipe-laying know-how
• Accurate job costing
• Managing a small crew
• Working with inspectors and permits

• Licensing, certification and permit rules differ by province and municipality, so confirm them before quoting
• Call before you dig: check utility locate requirements in your province
• WCB/WSIB coverage and safety training for trenching once you hire
• Higher insurance needs and the cost of mistakes on large jobs
• Frozen ground in winter can pause excavation work, so plan cash flow

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on excavation equipment, vehicles and tools. Higher insurance needs and the cost of mistakes on large jobs are also worth budgeting for.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $40,000, depending on job size and your mix of repairs and installations. Frozen ground in winter can pause excavation work, so plan your cash flow.

Licensing, certification and permit rules differ by province and municipality, so confirm them before quoting. Check utility locate requirements before you dig, and WCB/WSIB coverage and trenching safety training once you hire.