Vacuum Excavation

Vacuum excavation is a non-mechanical and less invasive method of excavation. A blast of air or water is first directed into the dig site to loosen soil and break up any large materials. An air vacuum hose is then used to remove the debris from the hole and transfer it to a specially designed tank. Stored spoil can be transported elsewhere or, if dry, re-used as fill. This reduces the need for manual hand digging or abrasive excavation methods. This process allows for workers to stay safe on the surface and helps to prevent trench cave-ins. Excavators don’t need to worry about puncturing a pipe when using vacuum excavation (versus mechanical methods), which could result in the need for costly repairs. Hydro excavation is advantageous when working in frozen ground, since hot water can be used to thaw and break up the soil. Vacuum excavation, when performed in accordance with accepted industry practices, is recognized as being safer than hand digging within the tolerance zone around underground facilities.