How Hydro Excavation Works
Put simply, hydro excavation is digging with water. Unlike traditional excavation methods that use heavy machinery and invasive, damaging digging methods, hydro excavation usually requires only one piece of equipment, minimal manpower, and it’s easier and safer on the environment.
Hydro excavation uses pressurized water to blast and loosen dirt and debris. Then, the slurry is vacuumed away into a holding tank. This method is becoming increasingly popular throughout different construction projects because of its many applications and benefits.
Hydro Excavation Applications
Because of its minimal equipment, less destructive technique, and many applications, hydro excavation can be used on virtually any job site.
Trenching and Daylighting
Hydro excavation can be used in trenching to help lay gas lines, water pipes, and other utility lines. It can also be used to help locate underground utility lines, known as daylighting, without risk of damaging them.
Debris Removal
Hydro excavation is also useful to remove different types of debris, not just soil. Hydrovac is also uniquely useful during the winter months when the ground is frozen.
Cost-efficient
As we’ve mentioned, hydro excavation usually only requires one piece of equipment and less manpower already cutting the cost of the project. The process of hydrovac is also quicker than traditional excavation, saving you time and therefore money.
Hydro excavation also greatly decreases the risk of costly utility line strikes. Normal excavation methods lack the pinpoint control that hydrovac has, and accidental damage to a water, gas, or sewer line can postpone your project and cost extra.
Reduced Safety Hazards
With less heavy machinery, and less staff, there is a decrease in the possibility of on-site injuries. The hydrovac process is very safe for both construction workers and the environment and eliminates the risk of injured staff and costly workman’s compensation cases.
Potholing
Traditional excavation methods can be tricky in tight, congested areas such as roads and highways, which is why hydro excavation is a great alternative because the equipment takes up less space. The entire process is also much quicker meaning traffic does not have to be impeded for long amounts of time.
Benefits of Hydro Excavation
The various applications hydrovac has are useful, however there are other benefits that make it a great alternative to traditional excavation.
Flushing
- Hydro-flushing Truck – $220/hour + GST
Sucker Truck
- Vacuum Loading Truck – $220/hour + GST
- Disposal Charge $450/ton +GST (Waste Water)
Hydro Excavation
- Medium Hydro-Excavation Truck(4500L)-$322/hour + GST
- Medium Hydro jetting and Vacuum Truck(4500L)- $322/hour + GST
- Hydro-Excavation Disposal (Clean Fill Only) -$210/ton + GST