Hydro Excavating Blog

Daylighting Services May Help Utility Companies and Customers Save

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Daylighting Services May Help Utility Companies and Customers SaveWhen utility services go down, even for only an hour, many people panic. This tends to be true whether we’re talking about HVAC related power, cable or the internet and it’s easy to understand why. People rely on those services for their businesses, entertainment, comfort and communication. So time spent without them frequently comes with a steep a price for consumers.

How steep a price? Historically, it could cost corporations thousands. Check out some of the previously recorded losses in InformationWeek magazine. It’s staggering and make no mistakes about it. Utility downtimes may be costly for service providers too, especially if disgruntled consumers take to social media with their complaints. For an indication, just take a look at coverage of outages that took place in 2015.

Utilizing daylighting services is one way to significantly limit downtime. It some cases, it may uncover damaged lines in 10 minutes or less. As such, repair crews may finish quickly, thereby reducing a variety of potential losses not to mention unfavorable media attention. And as for the cost of hiring daylighting crews, it is negligible when compared to the financial implications of the other scenarios we described.

Would you like to know how negligible? If so, please contact 4 Warriors Hydro Excavating today. We can show you firsthand how daylighting excavation improves bottom lines. Also, our family of experts is willing to answer questions about other cost-saving services that may help.

Safety When Potholing For Speed and Accuracy

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Potholing For Speed and AccuracyBefore the recent holiday season, the City of El Paso closed off a major street for a little under a week for pre-construction activities. The city’s Streetcar Project called for the utility company to relocate utility services. First, the utility company had to make sure they knew where those utilities were located.

This tedious process is expedited through the use of hydro vacuum and excavation equipment. How does this work?

  • The surface layer is removed with help from a jackhammer.
  • Soil, gravel and fill are pushed free and made loose by focused water sprays.
  • The spray, gravel, soil and fill are immediately excavated with vacuum power, leaving little disruption to surrounding areas.
  • Exposed pipes are mapped with highly accurate GPS systems.
  • Since the gravel, soil and spray were vacuumed into a sealed container, it is available to readily backfill the pothole.
  • The hole is refilled and patched.

The entire process is an efficient, economical way to prep an area for construction. With little to no damage of surrounding areas, minimal ground disruption and accurate mapping there is no need to go back and repair the area. For high-traffic or congested areas, minimal disruption translates to happier clients, commuters and others who use the area.

For major projects, the quicker and more accurate the prep work the less likely the project will falter at later stages. It may be a tedious step but potholing correctly the first time around is a very important step in the process.

If you still find the idea of drilling into perfectly good surfaces simply to get a better idea of underground utility locations a frustrating step in the construction process then you should consider hydroexcavation potholing techniques.

For more information about efficient geo-location and smooth potholing for your upcoming construction project, please contact us.

Potholing: The Best First Step for Your Next Project

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Potholing: The Best First Step for Your Next ProjectWhat is potholing and why does every design build project need this service?

Potholing is the process of using a hydro-excavator to dig holes in order to locate utilities or any other structure underground. This is vitally important to complete before any construction project involving underground work begins. The beauty of potholing over other standard measures is the ability to dig deeper faster without leaving a gaping hole to fill.

The general public is more aware than in years past of the need for this service due to the catchy “call before you dig” commercials. It is necessary for both the average homeowner wanting to plant a tree to the biggest construction company building a high rise. No one wants a devastating accident or the expense of damaged utilities.

Why should you contact us for your potholing needs? Some of the benefits of calling 4 Warriors Hydro Excavating for this project are:

  • Professional attention that will be efficient and time conscience
  • We can dig deeper, faster without causing excessive damage to the yard or above ground surface.
  • Eliminates the dangers of damage done by metal scoop excavators.

The value of potholing is not limited to home improvement projects or large construction sites. Potholing is also very useful when placing a utility pole in the ground. Homeowners can use this service when adding security lighting to the perimeter of their property.

At 4 Warriors, we are committed to exceeding highest your expectations. Give us all call; we will be happy to come out and give you a free estimate.

Choose the Right Excavation Company

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Choose the Right Excavation CompanyAs our country’s numbers continue to climb, there is an increased need to shore up existing infrastructure. In some instances, that “shoring up” may ultimately turn into expansion projects and new builds, like what’s happening in Houston, TX. For example, there are a multitude of roadways set to be widened in Fort Bend and Galveston Counties. And others are due for renovations throughout Texas. Of course before any time of shoring up or expansion can take place, there must be time for excavation services.

Houston Hydro Excavation Services

When it comes to busy thoroughfares, like the North Houston Corridor and Woodlands Parkway, tackling excavation services
use to be difficult. The impact on commuters, residents, businesses and utility companies all had to be considered carefully. Oftentimes, these various needs conflicted and unexpected problems would arise due to delays and broken utility lines. But advancements in excavation services have largely ensured that such problems remain at bay.

Cumbersome backhoes and hand-held shovels have previously been used to spot check for underground utilities. Although they are still used today, most people favor potholing and vacuum excavation services. To learn more about choosing the right excavation company for specific road widening projects, please contact us today.

2016 First Quarter Projects on the Agenda? Schedule Excavation Services Now

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2016 First Quarter Projects on the Agenda? Schedule Excavation Services NowIt’s the start of a new fiscal year and that means it won’t be long before the heavy equipment starts rolling. Of course with all the earth moving activity come concerns about public safety. No one wants to be the company or municipality worker responsible for accidentally cutting into a utility line. This is particularly true due to the nature of the season.

After all, leaving people without heat and lights in the dead of winter is more than just an inconvenience. It has the potential to be downright deadly. That’s simply one reason excavation services are vital to the success of any first quarter project. In addition, it may keep overall costs low, eliminate on-the-job accidents and thereby reduce workmen’s compensation claims.

Which excavation services are needed for first quarter project completion? Obviously, they’ll vary by job so it’s best to hire a well-rounded company from the get go. At 4 Warriors Hydro Excavating, we know a little something about being well-rounded and as such, may be able to provide project managers with much-needed assistance.

To begin with, our suite of excavation services includes general trenching, potholing and daylighting. We are also equipped to handle industry specific needs. For example, let’s say the goal is to convert a section of long, unused land in to manmade wetlands, nature trails and play areas for a community’s residents. The land in question is currently overgrown and old, city blueprints indicate that at one time, underground utility lines may have run through the area.

We have experience working with environmental firms, municipalities, Federal and State agencies. Accordingly, we have no problem adhering to eco-friendly regulations, building codes, shoestring budgets and construction deadlines. And our excavation services are tailor-made for uncovering hidden lines. To learn more and request assistance for projects in early 2016, please contact us now.

Hydro Excavation For Safer, More Efficient Digging

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Hydro Excavation For Safer, More Efficient DiggingSubsurface utilities and underground facilities are frequently needed for building construction. Excavation is often needed in order to lay these utilities. This can be a  difficult  job that has many risks, both to the property and for the laborers involved. Hydro or water excavation has substantially lessened these risks.

The process combines air vacuum with high pressure water disbursement to cut through materials and break them up.  Once they are converted into smaller pieces, the vacuum removes the slurry from the excavation site and the debris is transferred to a dedicated tank.

In any excavation process, the safety of the people involved in the process should come first.  Hydro Excavation is currently one of the best methods of digging due to its efficiency and its ability to achieve accurate results.  The main benefit of using this excavation method, however,  is the increase in damage and safety control in comparison with the old fashioned mechanical methods of digging.  Because of its increase in accuracy, accidents and injuries for laborers and others are limited, and the overall digging job is vastly improved.

In addition to protecting the people who are involved in the excavation process, hydro excavation helps minimize damage to cables, lines and to underground pipes.  This can vastly lower expenses needed for restoration and repairs and can increase production substantially.  This can lead to long term benefits.  As safety issues and repairs decrease, insurance and liability costs also go down.

4 Warriors Hydro Excavating is a family-owned, Christian business.  For more information, please contact us today.

When and Why Do You Need Hydro Excavation?

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Hydro excavationWhen and Why Do You Need Hydro Excavation? may not be a term most people are familiar with until they need it. There are a number of situations that warrant the services of a hydro excavation company, including:

  • Locating underground features like utility lines
  • Installing underground cables, pipes, etc.
  • Removal of underground debris
  • Sump clean out

There are plenty more, but you get the idea. These types of projects have traditionally been done either by hand or by equipment like backhoes and other machinery, but they can cause damage to unseen underground features as well as the environment, not to mention the ever-present risk to workers. And with hydro excavation, freezing temperatures are no problem.

With hydro excavation, highly pressurized water is pumped into the ground while at the same time the “slurry” being created is vacuumed out and into a holding tank. During this procedure, no underground cables, pipes, utility lines or any other features are damaged, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming repairs, which ultimately result in project delays and missed deadlines.

Why choose 4 Warriors Hydro Excavating over other hydro excavation companies? The answer is simple: we care. We care about you, your project, your land, your family and the environment. We’re a family-owned company that understands the importance of staying within your budget; our goal is not only to meet your expectations, but to exceed them. Our operators, technicians and equipment are the best in the industry, so you will always get our best on your project.

When you need hydro excavation services for your project, contact us to discuss how we can help.

Ignoring Hydro Excavating Could Be Detrimental

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Ignoring Hydro Excavating Could Be DetrimentalYou may be tempted to ignore hydro excavating, but doing so may be dangerous. We’ve got three reasons burying your head in the sand would be a bad idea.

  • 1. Hydro Excavation is the only non-destructive method of digging, utilizing pressurized water and a vacuum system to quickly and safely expose underground infrastructure.Hidden beneath the surface lie a complex maze of facilities that carry petroleum products, electricity, water, wastewater, natural gas, and telecommunications. Not a single day passes without incidents that occur across the country that leave utilities damaged, property destroyed, and often, workers injured or worse.
  • 2. OSHA has, of course, chimed in with their thoughts: Question: Section 1926.651 contains several requirements that relate to the safety of employees engaged in excavation work. Specifically, paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) relate in part to the safety of the means used to locate underground utility installations that, if damaged during an uncovering operation, could pose serious hazards to employees. Under these provisions, what constitutes an acceptable method of uncovering underground utility lines, and further, would the use of hydro-vacuum excavation be acceptable under the standard?           Answer; When utility companies or owners cannot respond to a request to locate underground utility installations within 24 hours,  or cannot establish the exact location of these installations, the employer may proceed, provided the employer does so with caution, and provided detection equipment or other acceptable means to locate utility installations are used.Paragraph (b)(3) provides: When excavation operations approach the estimated location of underground installations, the exact location of the installations shall be determined by safe and acceptable means. Therefore, “acceptable means” must be used where the location of the underground utilities have not been identified by the utility companies and detection equipment is not used. It is our understanding that some hydro-vacuum excavation equipment can be adjusted to use a minimum amount of water and suction pressure. When appropriately adjusted so that the equipment will not damage underground utilities (especially utilities that are particularly vulnerable to damage, such as electrical lines), use of such equipment would be considered an “acceptable means” of locating underground utilities. See the entire Q&A here.
  • 3. 4 Warriors Hydro Excavating is a Christian, family owned company, formed not only to make an impact on the industry but also to make an impact on people’s lives. The operators at 4 Warriors have advanced safety training that is required when asked to work refineries, substations, and even nuclear facilities.

To talk more about this, or anything else, please  contact us today.

Discover The Benefits Of Potholing Utilities With Hydro Excavation

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Discover The Benefits Of Potholing Utilities With Hydro ExcavationUsing a backhoe to dig for subsurface utilities is dangerous, time-consuming and unreliable. The optimal choice for digging underground to locate a buried utility is by using a high-powered vacuum excavating machine. Read the information below to learn about the benefits of using hydro excavation for potholing utilities.

Minimizes Dangerous Working Conditions

When using a backhoe for digging, workers can become injured if the machinery damages underground utilities. When using heavy machinery around populated areas, bystanders can also sustain injuries if they get too close to the work area. Hydro excavation is safe for employees who run the machines and for others who are nearby.

Prevents Damage To Utilities

If digging equipment cuts or damages underground utilities, they will require replacement or repair. This is labor-intensive, costly and it slows down job progression. When using a vacuum excavation method, utilities remain undamaged and the job can continue as scheduled. A hydro excavation machine penetrates all types of ground and soil conditions including red clay, frozen ground and rocky soil.

Used In Diverse Applications

Hydro excavation is often used to locate various utilities including gas pipes, water lines and fiber optic cables. Hydro excavation is repeatedly used by various companies and industries including oil refineries, engineering services, barge operations and pipeline companies.

When you need an experienced company for hydro excavation services including potholing and trenching, 4 Warriors Excavating can get the job done right and in a timely manner. Contact us with any questions or to request an estimate for our services.

Trenching with Hydro Excavation Technology

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Trenching with Hydro Excavation TechnologyTechnology is a good thing, better yet it is a great thing when it saves time, money and even lives.

Hydro excavating is an example of new technology that is inching its way into commonplace in the world of construction.  Contractors are choosing hydro excavating over traditional backhoe as they become educated to the savings in time, insurance and clean up.

What is hydro excavating?

Highly pressurized water is used to cut through dirt while a vacuum system simultaneously removes excess soil.

Why is it better than traditional backhoe digging?

Hydro excavating is much more precise as it removes the soil. There is far less clean up work and the risk of damaging pipes and utility line is low.

Contractors prefer hydro technology over traditional big machinery because it is precise, cleaner and saves money in insurance due to its higher safety rating and lower man power needs.

Why use hydro excavating for trenching?

Trenching is actually one of the most common uses of hydro technology. There are several forms of trenching. Each has its own application depending on the type of work to be done. A few forms of trenching include slot, box, cross and exploratory.

All trenching work begins with a pothole. The water pressure/vacuum system efficiently cuts straight down into the soil, digging as deep as needed for the necessary application. Once the proper depth has been reached, trenching in either a straight line or a circle will begin.

Hydro excavating can complete slot trenching by cutting a narrow and very accurate line. This will allow for burial of pipeline, fiber optics and cable lines.

Contact us to learn what 4 Warriors Hydro Excavating can accomplish for your next construction project or pipeline repair work. We have a reputation for integrity and excellence in service. Give us a call, you’ll be glad you did.