While buried electric, water, and gas lines are present on almost every construction job site, they can pose significant dangers to crew members working manually or with traditional excavation tools. One in six utility lines gets hit by contractors daily, leading to power outages, fires, and even death. Because of these risks, a less-invasive method like vacuum excavation is better suited to sensitive projects. The pressurized water stream produced by the equipment used for vacuum excavation liquifies the soil and debris it encounters, which makes for safer digging. This process also prevents the loss of dirt that would otherwise require backfilling. Additionally, the vacuum excavation system is more efficient than hand tools and can dig deeper into the ground, meaning it takes less time to complete the project.
Safety
Many construction job sites have buried utility lines like water, sewer, gas, power, and fiber optic communications. If these are adequately marked before digging, they can be protected by traditional machine digging. This damage can be highly costly and delay the project. Using a hydro excavation vacuum to expose and safely remove the lines eliminates the risks associated with manual digging. The process begins with the operator directing a pressurized water jet to the area of the ground where excavation will occur. The water quickly cuts into the soil and mixes with it, loosening it for removal. The resulting slurry is then suctioned into a tank in the back of a hydrovac truck. The truck can then transport it to a designated dumping site where the material will be hauled. The process is safer for crews and significantly less time-consuming than traditional machine digging. The hydro vacuum also allows workers to dig in cold weather conditions that would be too challenging for a backhoe or trencher.
Efficiency
In general, hydro vacuum excavation is much more efficient than traditional machine digging. This is because water cuts more easily than dirt and can break through rock and frozen soil with ease. Additionally, hydro vac trucks can dig narrow and thin trenches that only require minimal backfilling. This makes it much faster to complete a project and allows for fewer disruptions to existing utilities. This method is beneficial when working near buried infrastructure, such as pipes and cables. This is because it is non-destructive and reduces the risk of hitting a line and creating an outage. In addition, it is more cost effective than traditional excavation because it requires less workforce. This is especially important as the construction industry faces a labor shortage and needs to get work done quickly. With the help of a hydrant or water truck, a hydro-vac can also remain on site longer because it doesn’t need to stop every time its tank runs low.
Time
In addition to cost-savings on labor, the hydro excavation also reduces the time required for projects. The equipment can work faster and more efficiently than traditional excavation methods. Hydro excavators use pressurized water to cut through the ground, loosening dirt and debris that is then vacuumed away by an attached truck. The process is less physical and harsh on operators than digging with hand tools. It can also be used in cold-weather environments where frozen ground can pose challenges for traditional equipment. In addition, since it is non-invasive, the water and vacuum technique can avoid damaging existing underground pipes and utilities. This is a significant advantage over conventional excavation equipment, which can rip up pipes and lines that are vital for residents. As a result, contractors must call 811 before beginning any digs and have utility lines marked. This prevents costly surprise discoveries that could result in service disruptions for many people.
Cost
Hydro excavation equipment eliminates the need to dig by hand or use heavy machinery. This saves construction workers time and reduces their physical strain, decreasing work-related injuries. Since the process is non-invasive, there is also less risk of damaging pre-existing underground utilities during excavation. This dramatically decreases repair costs, lowering the construction company’s insurance and liability rates. Generally, the units require larger trucks and trailers that can hold clean water and mud slurry. Another consideration is that water conducts electricity, which could pose a safety issue near buried electric infrastructure. This can be easily avoided by educating workers about bonding and grounding techniques. Nonetheless, most contractors prefer hydro-excavating over traditional digging methods because of the significant cost savings it provides.
