potholing

Potholing: The Best First Step for Your Next Project

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

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.

Ignoring Hydro Excavating Could Be Detrimental

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

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.