Hydro-Excavation is a streamlined digging process where high-pressure water is used to dig out dirt, moist soil, rocks, clay, gravel, and other earth debris through sucking up of the gathered debris into a large tank for disposal.
The materials and equipment used to conduct a safe excavation process include;
- Some pipe bedding tools
- High pressured water to soften soil
- An air compressor to break hard rocks into minute particles
- A sand blaster
- Long handle pneumatic tools to excavate
The History of Hydro Excavation
This technology dates back to 1960 when the use of catch basin cleaners was modified for hydro-excavation purposes. But the equipment at the time was simple as hydrovac companies continuously sort for new ideas to safely hydro excavate.
In the 70s and the 80s, customized large vacuum trucks and sewer pipes got adapted as suction excavator equipment. The 90s witnessed slow technological advancement of hydro-excavation machines while there was already a growing commercial demand for better, efficient hydro excavating equipment.
The new millennium came with a huge demand for change in the drilling industry. By this time, hydro-excavation was commonly used, and there was a rising demand by top service hydrovac companies in Canada and the U.S.
The growing demand for safer hydrovac and obligatory upgrading in workers safety are the key factors for change and enhancement of growth of the hydro excavation industry.
Financial Comparison of Hydro-Excavation to Conventional Digging
The modern outlook on current excavation methods compared to the old conventional ways is that the traditional method is expensive at the cost of soil removal only.
However, actual debris removing is small when compared to the entire cost of the complete excavation job. Little financial costs favor the Hydro excavation process due to its reduced risk of damage to the environment, the safety of workers and liability concerns.
The Process of Hydro Excavation
The most obvious part of this process is the safe removal of the earthen matter by use of vacuum pressured water. The super fast removal of debris minimizes pollution to the surrounding areas. The creation of a direct path to the excavation area ensures workers remain on high ground while hydro excavation is done using modern machinery. The method is non-destructive to the original landscape and it takes less time to restore the top earth layer.
