Hydro Excavating Blog

Save Time With a Hydrovac Excavation Truck

What is a hydrovac truck?

A hydrovac truck is a truck mounted unit and tank designed to dig whatever needs to be excavated with high pressure water. After the water is blasted into the digging area, an attached a pump unit sucks up all of the slurry (dirt and water mix) and sends it to a large tank mounted on the truck to be disposed of. Hydrovac technology is extremely safe for utility lines and digging around sensitive areas, it does not create the kind of damage typical excavation machinery does. It is also clean and does not leave a pile of dirt and mud next to the excavation site.

Save Time With a Hydrovac Excavation Truck

A fast and clean process.

Hydro excavation is a great alternative to typical excavating methods, especially when the area to be dug has lots of sensitive pipes and lines underneath. The hydrovac truck is able to get in close to areas without damaging everything in the vicinity. This is particularly helpful when digging up utility lines and older plumbing networks. It is also good for trenching and excavation on a larger scale. The speed and efficiency of hydro-excavation make it an excellent choice for contractors in a hurry. Because it is such a fast process, thousands of dollars can be saved on excavation costs.

Some uses of hydro-excavation.

  1. Removing debris. Because of the precision nature of hydro-excavation, it is great for removing debris and cleaning up around structures without damaging anything. The water and pump lines can be extended to any area on a property guaranteeing that a heavy truck doesn’t have to be driven right to the area.
  2. Slot trenching. Digging trenches for installing cables and pipes is called slot trenching Typical excavation machinery causes an enormous amount of damage and mess when performing this task. They also dig the trenches far larger than they should be. Hydro excavation is extremely clean, non-damaging and fast, cutting trenching time down by a minimum of thirty percent. When attached to a vacuum unit, it leaves no mess or waste behind.
  3. Daylighting. Daylighting is when utilities are dug up and exposed to the daylight. Essential to the repair process, standard excavation equipment does more damage to utilities than hydro excavation. Many times the repair the standard excavator did is far worse than the original problem was. Hydro excavation is safe and clean, and will not damage the underground utilities. Ideal for utility repair on any property

Choose the right hydro excavation company.

4 Warriors Hydro Excavation prides themselves on taking care of their customers as well as we take care of ourselves. We adhere to a strict ethical code of leaving all customers satisfied with the work we have done. Constant training and certification programs for our employees is a part of that process. We have multiple hydrovac trucks and can handle any job size. In business for over six years, we encourage you to contact us for your next excavation job.

Utility Excavation With A Hydrovac System

Hydro excavation, known as hydrovac, is a non-destructive way to dig and excavate an area. It utilizes a combination of water and vacuuming to clear away dirt and sludge. Hydrovac is a highly precise system that allows a strong force of water to be directed at a location via a handheld wand. The pressure from the water quickly turns the soil into a slurry that is rapidly vacuumed up and stored within a debris tank.A hydrovac system can excavate through all soil types, even heavy clay. Onboard heaters even allow the frozen soil to be quickly melted with warm water and vacuumed away.

Utility Excavation With A Hydrovac System

Conventional and old-style methods of excavation do not have the level of safety that hydrovac boasts. Below ground utilities, such as water and sewer mains, are especially vulnerable to breaking during typical excavation practices. Utility and gas lines also pose a significant danger. However, with the hydrovac system of excavation the chances of damaging lines, mains, and other areas of concern are significantly reduced. Existing infrastructure is also not compromised utilizing the hydrovac method.

Hydrovac excavation is a relatively fast way to excavate a site which provides contractors with the ability to quickly lay or repair more feet of pipe per day. Poles can also be quickly placed into the holes made by the hydrovac system. Overall, using the hydrovac excavation system allows contractors to work at unprecedented speeds compared to older excavation methods. Hydrovac is also extremely efficient. Productivity is naturally amped upwards and everyone involved benefits when the hydrovac method is implemented.

At 4 Warriors Hydro Excavating, we know the benefits of hydrovac excavation. Please give us a call today to learn about our excavation services.

Hydro Excavating: Put it in the Ground the Safe Way

If you are potholing to locate utilities or beginning excavation for new construction the most environmentally friendly, safe way to do this is hydro excavating. Any large movement of soil in today’s highly industrialized environment can produce problems. The ability of hydro excavation methods to establish access for a necessary facility and waste management connections without major disruption of surrounding construction or cross contamination offers the safest, most economical, and efficient method for this phase of any construction.

Hydro Excavating: Put it in the Ground the Safe Way

Hydro excavating unlike other methods of soil removal, does not require the removal of large amounts of topsoil to either locate existing utilities or establish new access. According to Wikipedia,”Suction excavators eliminate the need for costly and time-consuming manual labor. Buried pipe systems do not suffer damage. The output is up to sixteen times of what’s typically achieved by conventional excavation.” The use of high pressure heated water in conjunction with an industrial vacuum allows for a more precise dig of either trenches or holes.

This also eliminates the need for removal of large amounts of soil and debris. This effectively cuts down on the amount of cross-contamination and the disturbance of groundwater making this method more environmentally responsible. It also creates a safer work environment for construction crews who must cross the area.

For more information and to find out how 4 Warriors Hydro Excavating can help you please contact us and we will create solutions for your problems.

What is Hydro Excavation and Why do You Need it?

Hydro excavation is considered a non-destructive way to unearthing soil or digging. Hydro excavation is not mechanical as it uses a high-standard vacuum and pressurized water. The water fragments the surrounding soil. The leftover water and soil are sucked up and brought to a tank designated specifically for debris. The continuous process both removes and unearths dirt at the same time. So what is Hydro Excavation and why do you need it?

What is Hydro Excavation and Why do You Need it?

Hydro excavation is a great and safe process for a few reasons:

  • Using hydro excavation instead of alternative methods keeps underground utilities safer. This is because hydro excavation effectively keeps the utilities beneath the excavation area untouched. Alternative excavation methods can cause damage to the underground utilities making for a more dangerous excavation. This safe excavation can allow for work to be done on utilities that are exposed.
  • Hydro excavation can be done in the immediate area needed for repair without harming the surrounding areas. Other alternative methods could potentially harm the areas surrounding the excavation.
  • Hydro excavation is safer for the environment compared to other alternative excavation methods.
  • Hydro excavation allows for remote digging to minimize damage to the actual excavation site. Other methods may not allow for this to be done.

If you would like to learn more about hydro excavation or want to talk about an estimate or consultation, make sure to contact us. We are a family company whose expertise span multiple industries including, but not limited to Pipeline, Oil and Gas, Construction, Federal and State, and Environmental.

The Power and Precision of Hydro Excavation

By harnessing the naturally erosive properties of water, hydro excavation will amplify your digging capabilities. Hydro excavation is a process that utilizes the most efficient and harmless methods of soil removal possible. Hydro excavating has proven itself as a top-tier method of excavation in utility and pipeline capacities. Let’s explore the benefits of using hydro excavation.

The Power and Precision of Hydro Excavation

Water is responsible for some of the most awe-inspiring views in the natural world. Hydro excavation has harnessed the power of water erosion into the role of an excavator, so it is capable of delivering the shearing forces of water with precision. This allows for very precise work in shortened timeframes.

The process of hydro excavation is also environmentally friendly. The area of excavation also receives far less collateral damage than former excavation practices. Water is an effective medium against a frozen or unmanageable ground. The dislodged soil is simply removed by means of suction, this leaves a predictable and effective method for safe and accurate excavation.

The unseen is the largest variable in most excavation jobs. Hydro excavating has a unique quality to lessen the blow of these unseen dilemmas. Utilities are easily avoided or routed around. The advanced safety training undergone by our excavation crews means that coming in contact with underground utilities is also far less ominous.

Consider our team’s expertise when preparing to tackle your future projects. For additional information regarding hydro dig excavation, timelines, safety procedures or other services, please contact us today!

The Right Hydro Excavation Contractors for the Job

When you are in need of safe excavation it’s important to work with serious hydro excavation contractors. At 4 Warriors Hydro Excavation we put our client’s needs first, and in order to do that, we have made sure our house is in order.  Our crew has extensive site-specific training, advanced safety training and experience working for the needs of various industries. As a family owned company founded in firm Christian morals, it is integral to us that each and every one of our contractors is the best possible person for every job. Our contractors consistently operate the most cutting edge trenching and potholing equipment available for hydro excavation today.

The Right Hydro Excavation Contractors for the Job

Whether you are a Federal or State agency, a local municipality, an oil company, or real-estate developer in need of commercial hydro excavation, our contractors can deliver exactly what you need when you need it. We have built a reputation on exceeding expectations by working on some of the largest projects in Texas.

When you need to hire a hydro excavation contractor, contact us first to schedule an estimate. When you don’t hire the right contractor the first time, the consequences can be costly. Our safety training, TWIC and OQ certifications, JSA procedures and drug testing make sure that your contractor is qualified for any scenario that can arise during the course of the project. As a company with faith-based values, we believe it is our duty to impact every client’s life in a positive manner, supplying the best quality work is the way we deliver on that promise.

Trenching Safety

Trenching safetyTrenching Safety should be a priority for any construction company or contractor. According to OSHA, trenching is among the most dangerous of all construction endeavors. OSHA can and does fine companies and contractors for ignoring the safety protocols for trenching. Worse, these protocols are readily available and very straightforward. The main theme in trenching safety is avoiding serious injury and the loss of life through common sense safety. Cave-ins occur suddenly and without warning, and are devastating. The sheer weight of the soil, dependent on a number of factors, is enough to cause numerous fatalities. Cutting corners will not only result in serious injury or death but also hefty fines from OSHA as well as civil lawsuits. For contractors, OSHA fines can be severe enough to close your doors. Thus, it pays to follow the rules and ensure that excavation practices are safe.

Trenches of certain depths must have safety systems. The complexity of these systems depends entirely on a few different environmental factors. They include soil and rock stability, soil moisture levels, and forecasted weather changes of the area. These judgments need to be made by what OSHA terms a competent person, such as an engineer. A competent person will take the above factors into considerations when advising on safety systems. The inherent risk of trenching, including collapsing loads and falls (to add onto the environmental risks) means that inspections need to continue throughout the process. All workers should also be outfitted with fall protection gear. If a worker feels trench conditions are unsafe or that protocols have not been met, he or she should not enter the trench. When trenching, focus on safety and accident prevention. Be sure to prioritize OSHA regulations and utilize the knowledge of competent persons to set up a safe, secure work environment. To learn more about safe trenching, contact us today.

Vacuum Excavating vs Manual Digging

For hundreds of years, manual digging with picks and shovels was the standard way to dig into the ground. Today, work crews still employ manual digging in areas next to buried piping, cabling, and other sensitive underground utilities.

Vacuum Excavating vs Manual Digging

While manual digging is safer than digging with a backhoe, it is not a fool-proof method. When the soil is dense and hard, shoveling with a light touch to avoid damaging underground utilities isn’t possible. Sometimes force is required when using the digging tools. Full body weight applied to the shovel is often necessary. Sometimes sharp picks or even 20-pound digging bars with sharp edges are slammed into the ground to break apart the soil before it is shoveled out.

Using these manual tools with such force risks damaging underground cabling and piping, especially when you aren’t 100% sure of their precise location. Surface erosion and past landscaping work can change their depth. Tree roots can displace their position as well. This uncertainty is often the case when using very old drawings or blueprints. Striking a tool against a big cast iron sewer pipe may not cause harm, but what about a small diameter fiber optic cable buried without a conduit? What if the piping has a protective coating?

Vacuum excavating will safely and efficiently do the work without exposing sensitive underground utilities to expensive damage. This technology uses pressurized water to break apart the soil while a vacuum pipe simultaneously draws out the water. What takes hours to do with shovels and picks is safely done in minutes with vacuum excavating technology.

4 Warriors Hydro Excavating has the best operators and techs in the industry and uses the best equipment. We work efficiently and safely, and will get the job done on time and within your price budget. To learn more about our services and for answers to your questions, please contact us.

Daylighting and Line Locating Before Construction On Gas And Oil Facilities

Daylighting is the act of exposing a buried utility or obstruction before proceeding with the rest of an excavation project. It is a safety precaution mandated by most major gas and oil companies when work is performed on their facilities. All utilities in the excavation path must be daylighted and exposed further before proceeding. Now, there are a few ways this can be done.

Daylighting and Line Locating Before Construction On Gas And Oil Facilities

For a time, contractors used backhoes to daylight–but with mixed results. Due to the obvious risk of contact, those same energy companies are now asking that all day lighting be done by hydro excavation or “Suck Trucks” as they are affectionately called throughout the construction industry.

Before daylighting can happen, all utilities must be located by use of above-ground methods–such as radio detection, magnetometers, and ground penetrating radar. Energy companies call these utility locating sessions Four-Way Sweeps. To perform these sweeps, Utility Locators must be Operator Qualified.

Although it is profitable, such rigorous demands make working on pipelines and energy facilities time-consuming.  If you are rewarded a contract on an energy facility, consider 4 Warriors Hydro Excavating. All of our operators are certified and highly qualified. We also offer utility locating services. By combining locating services with excavation, we can save you valuable time and money on your project.

Not only do we understand your schedule, but we understand the energy industry and appreciate their desire for safety; In fact, we share that same desire. Our employees exceed all safety measures given to them, and they are equally devoted to the desires of the customer. Contact us today for a conversation about how we can help with your excavation and utility locating needs.

Cost-effective Excavation Options

There are many organizations and companies involved in building a community — a whole myriad of contractors. Among those are Excavators. Before the new wing of a library can be constructed, electrical lines and utilities need to be exposed so that they can be rerouted. Before those new classrooms can be built, old lines and gnarled tree roots need to be found and removed, and trenches cleared to put new lines in.

Cost-effective Excavation Options

There are a few ways to go about trenching and excavating an area. Some of the basic methods are manual digging or using a backhoe, which can seem like easy ways to get the job done if you aren’t calculating the risks and labor involved. Using a backhoe is powerful, but that machine is bulky and clumsy, and can end up causing more damage and therefore incur more costs. That giant claw does not have the precision required to clear dirt around pipes and wiring, and can even destroy them. Manually digging around everything might solve this problem, but this method is very labor-intensive and time-consuming. Everyone involved in business knows: time is money.

This is where hydro excavation comes in to save the day. Trenching via hydro excavation is an efficient, cost-effective service offered by 4 Warriors Hydro Excavation. Not only can they get your project moving quickly and efficiently, they are a company that truly values the customers and community that they serve. They can guarantee safety and reliability at competitive, thoughtful pricing. Contact us today for an estimate and see how hydro excavating can make help with your next project.