What’s Included In Hydro Excavation Services

Hydro excavation services are needed for many different contractor jobs. They help to safely locate pipes, electrical lines and other things that are buried in the ground. The methods were first discovered in Canada when hot water was used to help remove frozen soil. The methods and services became perfected and increasingly popular in the United States.

What's Included In Hydro Excavation Services

The processes involved are popular because they’re very affordable, quick and safe. They involve the use of pressurized water which softens and breaks up the ground surface. At the same time, a powerful vacuum is used to draw in the dirt and water combination into a tank, so it can be safely deposited elsewhere. As the ground dirt is removed, other things are revealed such as electrical lines, pipes, and cables.

There are specific processes and terms that are associated with hydro excavation. Exposing underground cables so the sunlight can shine on them is called “daylighting“. Ensuring that underground items can be easily seen helps to improve safety. It also enables others to work more quickly.

Potholing and trenching describe different ways that ground dirt is removed for specific purposes. For example, potholing is used to locate underground objects that are already known to exist so the contractor can have a better idea of the depth and sizes that are involved. Trenching exposes larger underground areas to discover what’s there, or to make it easier for certain jobs to be done.

Hydro excavation services are needed in a variety of industries such as home and business builders, pipeline companies, utility contractors and by engineering specialists.

Do you have any questions about hydro excavating? Please contact us so we can help.