6 Benefits of Hydro Excavation for Industrial Applications

Excavation is common in many construction, road, and utility projects. Despite its reputation as dangerous, it can be done safely with the right equipment.

Workers use a high-pressure water wand to cut through the soil with hydro excavation. It is then vacuumed up through a vacuum pipe and debris tank.

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Safety

Traditionally, mechanical excavation equipment like backhoes and excavators have been used in construction and utility projects to dig up underground lines, cables, and other obstructions. While they can be effective in certain circumstances, these tools are often very hazardous to workers and the environment.

Thankfully, the advent of hydro excavation has changed this. Using pressurized water to loosen soil allows crews to create a slurry that can be easily vacuumed into an on-site debris tank.

This method is safe for laborers and the environment, reducing the risk of workplace accidents and costly workman’s compensation cases. It also prevents damage to underground utility lines and pipes.

Environmentally Friendly

Hydro excavation is one of the safest, least destructive, and environment-friendly digging methods. It uses water and air to loosen and remove soils via a vacuum system into a spoils tank.

Another important factor that makes this method environmentally friendly is that it eliminates the need for fuel or coal to thaw soil in cold climates. This reduces carbon emissions and the chance of an uncontrolled fire.

It also saves time and money by reducing the amount of dirt that needs to be transported to the job site for disposal. In addition, it limits the disruption to surrounding areas caused by large piles of dirt piled up on the road or other nearby surfaces.

Time-Saving

Hydro excavation is faster and more accurate than traditional digging methods. It also requires less labor. It usually only needs two crew members to complete a job.

In addition, it doesn’t damage underground pipes or utilities. This saves time and money on repair and backfilling costs after the job is done.

When a hole is dug using conventional techniques, there’s a high chance of hitting buried pipes or sewer lines. This can cause serious issues and result in expensive repairs.

To ensure the safety of workers, project managers should identify all utility lines before beginning work. This includes fiber optic, electric, and gas lines.

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Efficiency

Digging is a common need for many construction and utility projects. But it can also pose significant risks to workers and the surrounding community.

Hydro excavation is a safer way to dig, as it doesn’t involve heavy machinery or chemicals that can harm the environment. Moreover, it’s more precise and requires less restoration after the work.

In addition, hydro excavation is a much faster and cheaper option than traditional digging methods. It’s often used in plumbing work to place new pipes or make repairs since it doesn’t damage existing underground utilities.

It’s also the most accurate and reliable method for slot trenching, slopping, potholing, and pipe location. It can even locate buried fiber optic lines, telephones, and power mains without damaging them.

Affordable

Hydro excavation is a more cost-effective method of digging soil than traditional methods like backhoes and shovels. It is much more accurate and does the job faster with less backfilling.

It also reduces the safety risks of laborers as it does not involve heavy machinery. It also avoids damage to underground utilities and sewage lines, which can be very costly for construction companies.

It is a cost-effective solution for all construction projects that require excavation. This is especially true for winter projects since the hot water in the tanks can easily warm up the frozen soil.

Accuracy

Whether it’s installing utility lines or roads, hydro excavation offers a safe and precise way to dig. Its accuracy is especially useful when digging around pipes or other potential obstructions.

This makes it much safer than hand digging with picks or shovels, which can damage existing infrastructure or cause a lot of additional work. It’s also a better choice when installing sprinkler systems or slot trenching, which opens up a narrow slot that helps lay down electrical cables or piping.

The water used to loosen the soil is pressurized to cut through accurately. This process is then followed by an air conveyance or vacuum to transfer the soil and water slurry to a debris tank on standby.