What Are Hydrovac Trucks Used For?
Hydrovac trucks are specialized vehicles designed for excavation work, using a high-pressure water and air mixture to safely and efficiently remove soil and other materials. This technology has revolutionized the excavation industry, offering a variety of benefits and applications that make it one of the most preferred methods for digging, trenching, and other excavation work.
In this article, we will explore what hydrovac trucks are, the benefits of using them, and the typical applications of these trucks.
Hydrovac Excavation Process
Hydrovac excavation is a non-mechanical, non-destructive method that uses high-pressure water and air to safely and efficiently remove soil, rocks, and other materials from a digging site. This process is quick, efficient, and leaves minimal impact on the surrounding area, making it ideal for various excavation work.
Benefits of using Hydrovac Trucks
Increased Efficiency and Accuracy
Hydrovac excavation is fast and efficient, reducing the time and cost associated with traditional digging methods. The high-pressure water stream can loosen soil and other materials, reducing the need for manual labor. This increased efficiency results in faster excavation, saving time and money. Additionally, the precise control of the water stream allows for more accurate excavation, reducing the risk of damage to underground utilities or structures.
Safest and least destructive excavation method
Hydrovac excavation is the safest and least destructive excavation method. The water and air mixture is gentle on the surrounding area and reduces the risk of damage to underground utilities or structures. The lack of heavy machinery and manual labor also reduces the risk of injury on the job site. The non-destructive nature of hydrovac excavation makes it a preferred method for digging in sensitive areas, such as near historical sites or densely populated urban areas.
Common Applications of Hydrovac Trucks
Locating utilities for road and highway resurfacing
Hydrovac trucks are commonly used to locate utilities in support of road and highway resurfacing operations. The precise control of the water stream allows for the removal of soil and other materials in a controlled manner, reducing the risk of damage to underground utilities. This excavation method is quick and efficient, making it ideal for large projects where time is critical.
Trench digging for utility lines
Hydrovac trucks are also commonly used for trench digging for utility lines. The precise control of the water stream allows for the excavation of deep, narrow trenches, reducing the risk of damage to underground utilities. This method is also ideal for digging in densely populated areas, as the non-destructive nature of the process reduces the risk of damage to surrounding structures.
Slot trenching (e.g. Digging trenches for laying pipes or cables)
Hydrovac trucks are also commonly used for slot trenching, such as laying pipes or cables. The precise control of the water stream allows for the excavation of narrow, deep trenches, reducing the risk of damage to underground utilities or other structures. The non-destructive nature of the process also makes it ideal for trenching in sensitive areas, such as near historical sites, densely populated urban neighborhoods, and environmentally protected sites.
Debris removal and hauling
Hydrovac trucks can also be used for debris removal, such as contaminated soil or construction waste. The vacuum created by the truck can safely remove and haul away the debris, reducing the risk of contamination and making it an efficient method for cleaning up contaminated sites.
Daylighting (e.g. Locating subsurface and underground utilities)
Hydrovac trucks are also used for daylighting subsurface utilities, such as water or gas lines, for inspection or repair. The precise control of the water stream safely exposes the utilities by excavating small, precise holes. Compared to mechanical excavation methods, using a hydrovac minimizes the risk of damage to the subsurface utilities or the surrounding area.
Line and sign installation
Hydrovac trucks can also install lines and signs, such as electrical or traffic signals. The precise control of the water stream allows for the excavation of narrow trenches which produces less backfill and reduces the risk of damage to the surrounding area.
Potholing
Hydrovac trucks are also used for potholing, which is the excavation of small holes to determine the location of subsurface utilities or for testing soil conditions. The precise control of the water stream allows for the excavation of small, precise holes, reducing the risk of damage to the surrounding area.
Sewer inspections, repairs, and rehabilitation
Hydrovac trucks are also commonly used for sewer inspections, repairs, and rehabilitation. The precise control of the water stream allows for the excavation of small holes, reducing the risk of damage to the surrounding area and making it an efficient method for sewer inspections and repairs.
Hydrovacs: Powerful and Precise Excavation Equipment
Hydrovac trucks are specialized vehicles that use high-pressure water and air to safely and efficiently remove soil and other materials during excavation. The benefits of using hydrovac trucks include increased efficiency and accuracy, the safest and least destructive excavation method, and a wide range of typical applications. Common uses of hydrovac trucks include support for road and highway resurfacing, trench digging for utility lines, soil trenching, debris removal, daylighting, locating subsurface and underground utilities, line and sign installation, potholing, and sewer inspections, repairs, and rehabilitation.
Hydrovac excavation is a non-destructive method of digging that offers a safe and efficient solution for excavation in various environments. The increased safety, efficiency, and environmentally-friendly benefits of hydrovac excavation make it a go-to solution for many industries. Visit our hydrovac services page to learn more about how hydrovac excavation can benefit your project. At Fuzion, we work on high pressure, time sensitive, and mission critical jobs every day. When you have a hard deadline that must be met, you can count on us.
If you require hydrovac excavation services, send us a service request to tell us more about your job and we'll provide you with a quote.