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Traditional methods for digging and excavating don't always work. When there are pipes or conduits buried in the area being dug up, a more modern approach has to be taken. Hydro excavation, a non-destructive digging process, that consists of injecting pressurized water and a vacuum system to dig out soil are becoming more popular. The hydro excavation process can solve many problems and provides a safer, faster, and cost-effective way to dig and complete excavations. It offers a system that minimizes disruptions and damages to existing infrastructure. 

Hydro excavation equipment combines high-pressure water and an air vacuum. Highly pressurized water is used along with an air vacuum to complete the hydro excavation system. The system works by injecting water into the ground through a hose, liquefying the soil. When the soil becomes a slurry mix, it is then vacuumed using a powerful pumping system and storing the wet soil mix into a truck. The process can be used to dig up to 70 feet deep in some cases and at a really long distance from the holding tank or where the pumping truck is located. The excavation process can be used almost in any soil type, even in frozen ground. 

Hydro excavation equipment needs a vacuum source. There are two choices for this, a fan system or a positive displacement blower. A fan system is able to move air in huge amounts. This allows for faster excavations. It is easier to control and operate. This is often lighter and less expensive than the positive displacement blowers. 

A displacement blower is able to move air in longer distances than the fan system. Excavation can be done at greater depths but at a slower rate. Most hydro excavation applications can be done more effectively using the fan system. 

Hydro excavation is very useful for several industries. Excavation, plumbing pipes, and sewer, installation of posts, poles, cables, etc. are just a few examples of hydro excavation applications. The benefits it offers make it more and more popular in the industrial world.

Benefits of Hydro Excavation

Hydro Excavation is able to reduce a lot of the risks and costs that are brought about by traditional digging methods. Conventional excavation methods like manual shovel digging and the usage of backhoes are not as accurate for digging soil. This results in backfilling needing to be done when the job is complete. Also, manual digging is very intensive for the laborers and is very time-consuming. Heavy machinery poses safety risks to laborers and also causes damage to the surroundings.

Hydro excavation eliminates these issues. Hydro excavation provides a way of digging and moving soil in a safer manner. It is a non-mechanic and non-destructive method. The laborers will be safe from machinery accidents and the citizens nearby will be safe from construction mishaps. It gets the job done faster and more accurately with less effort from laborers. This means that costs are cut down and the method is better and more efficient. 

Hydro excavation involves only water and an air vacuum, minimizing the need for additional equipment. The equipment for this process can be positioned at a distance from the actual excavation area. This lessens traffic and congestions at the excavation site.

Using hydro excavation avoids damage to underground pipes, lines, and cables. In potholing, installation of pipes and cables, or in any excavation jobs, hydro excavation is able to move the soil accurately. The pipes and underground utilities are avoided by the water so there will be no leaks or cracks made during the process. This in turn eliminates the high expenses needed for repairs and restoration. Needing to do fewer repairs means less time to get the job done too. Interrupted utilities bring inconveniences and high costs. This process of excavation is able to minimize damages and backfilling.

Hydro Excavation Applications 

Underground facilities and subsurface utilities are almost always needed for construction. Excavation to lay these utilities is not an easy job and has a lot of risks. The existence of hydro excavation has considerably lessened these risks and it can now be used for several excavation applications. 

Slot Trenching – Narrow trenches can easily be completed using the process of disturbing less soil than traditional methods. This method is ideal to locate utilities or when small diameter pipes are to be installed. 

Debris Removal – It can be used to remove debris and clean areas without affecting existing infrastructure. It can be used to clean drainage structures and manholes. 

Pipe and Sewer Rehabilitation - This method reduces risks for any damages to or punctures in the pipes. This eliminates the additional time and cost that repairs require. 

Landscaping - By using hydro excavation for landscaping, accurate excavation is done so the surrounding soil is not disturbed. The soil stays compact and strong while the necessary removal and is completed. 

Potholing or Daylighting – Hydro excavation is an excellent time saving, cost-saving, and environmentally friendly technique to expose underground utilities without damaging them in a congested area. 

Excavate in Tight Spaces – Working in tight spaces, narrow streets, planting strips, or in backyards with limited spaces, the hydro-vac process is one of the best alternatives to consider. 

Cold Weather Excavation – During freezing conditions, the controlled excavation method is the safest way to dig without exposing workers to really low temperatures. 

Pole Setting – Hydrovac can facilitate work related to pole drilling or excavation.