Hydro excavation is a non-destructive excavation method. It uses pressurized water to loosen soil and a vacuum truck to remove it. Contractors also call it hydrovac or vacuum excavation. Hydro X USA provides hydro excavation across New York and Northern Pennsylvania. Call 1-800-530-4174 to schedule a crew.
How hydro excavation works
The process has two parts.
First, the operator uses a high-pressure water wand with a rotating tip. The water breaks up the soil. Next, a powerful vacuum hose removes the soil and water.
As a result, the material ends up in a debris tank on the truck. The hole stays clean, and nothing piles up beside it.
When to use hydro excavation
Contractors use hydro excavation where mechanical digging is too risky. For example:
- Digging near known or unknown gas, electric and water lines
- Exposing utilities for visual inspection
- Utility potholing and daylighting
- Sub-slab trenches, elevator pits and grinder pump pits
- Remote locations where excavators cannot fit
- Frozen ground
Unsure whether your job is a fit? Contact Hydro X USA and describe the site.
What a hydrovac truck can do
The numbers matter when you plan a job. Therefore, here are the capabilities of our equipment.
- Holes and trenches as small as 4 inches in diameter
- Excavation up to 40 feet deep
- Material moved up to 500 feet from the truck by hose
- Removal of rocks up to 6 inches in diameter
- Removal of soil, sludge, pea gravel, ash and water
Hydro excavation compared with mechanical excavation
A backhoe is fast in open ground. However, it cannot feel a buried line before it strikes one. Water jets remove soil without damaging pipes, wires or foundations.
In addition, hydro excavation disturbs less ground. That means less backfill, less restoration and a smaller work zone.
Meanwhile, hand digging is safe but slow. Hydro excavation gives you the same care at a much faster pace.
Examples of our work
Frequently asked questions
Is hydrovac the same as hydro excavation?
Yes. Hydrovac, hydro vac and vacuum excavation all describe the same method.
Does hydro excavation work in winter?
Yes. Our trucks carry heated water, which cuts through frozen ground.
Who uses hydro excavation?
Utility, gas, electric, pipeline, telecommunications and civil contractors use it. Additionally, municipalities use it for water and sewer work.
Where does the soil go?
It goes into the truck. Then we haul it to an approved disposal facility close to the job.
Schedule hydro excavation
Hydro X USA serves Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Binghamton and Northern Pennsylvania. We have excavated for many types of contractors across New York State. Talk with our team at 1-800-530-4174.