Hydrovac Excavation
Services

Hydrovac excavation (also called vacuum excavation or hydro excavation) uses high-pressure water to break up soil and a powerful vacuum to remove the slurry. This non-mechanical method is safer than traditional digging because it can't damage underground utilities, tree roots, or other buried infrastructure. It's the industry standard for utility potholing and sensitive excavation work.

Hydrovac costs vary based on project size, location, soil conditions, and access requirements. Simple utility potholing may cost $500-1,500, while larger excavation projects are priced by the hour or by project scope. While hydrovac may have higher upfront costs than traditional digging, it often saves money by preventing utility damage, reducing restoration costs, and completing work faster. We provide free detailed quotes.

Yes! Hydrovac excavation is one of the most effective methods for digging in frozen ground. The hot, high-pressure water can cut through frozen soil that would be impossible or very difficult for mechanical equipment. This makes hydrovac ideal for winter utility repairs and cold-weather excavation projects. Our Vactron system is equipped for year-round operation.

The water and soil mixture (slurry) is vacuumed into our Vactron's holding tank. After the project, we transport and dispose of the material at approved facilities according to local regulations. The contained nature of hydrovac excavation means less mess on your site compared to traditional digging. If needed, we can also separate and return clean soil for backfilling.

Our Vactron system can effectively excavate to depths of 10-15 feet for most applications, with some projects reaching deeper depending on soil conditions and access. Depth capability depends on vacuum power, hose length, and soil type. We assess each project individually to ensure our equipment meets your depth requirements. For most utility potholing and trenching work, depths of 3-8 feet are most common.

Yes, hydrovac is the safest excavation method around utilities. The water pressure is strong enough to cut soil but won't damage cables, pipes, or other underground infrastructure. This is why hydrovac is the preferred method for utility potholing and excavation near sensitive lines. It virtually eliminates the risk of costly utility strikes that can occur with backhoes or other mechanical equipment.