What is Hydro-Excavation?

Also known as ‘potholing’, ‘vacuum excavation’ or ‘non-destructive digging (NDD)’, the process is using pressurised water or air to safely excavate a concentrated area in order to reveal the location and depths of existing underground services.

Why Use Hydro-Excavation?

Hydro-excavation is the SAFEST process to identified buried underground services. This process is endorsed by the major infrastructure owners and is the preferred method of identifying existing underground services.

It reduces the need for workers to be in the excavation hence eliminating accidental line damage and trench cave-ins.

Gone are the days of mechanical and manual excavation for identifying services. Damage caused to existing services via this means can cause serious injury and sometimes death, not to mention the damage cost which can total millions of dollars if due cause is not taken.

Hydro-excavation avoids risk and damage to line casings and pipe coatings. The process allows for the exposure of ‘live operational’ buried lines and is very efficient when comparing with traditional methods of exposing buried services.

The hydro-excavation process is a very clean, precise and efficient method of digging. Less material removal means less disruption to the surrounding environment and less concern for erosion control measures. Spoil and debris is safely stored onboard the self contained tank for removal off-site to an approved location.

Inconvenience to the public is minimised as disruptions from service outages, unsightly dirt piles and without the need to leave deep holes open, public safety is no longer an issue.

All in all, hydro-excavation is the SAFE, ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY and EFFICIENT means of visually identifying existing buried underground services.