What is Hydro Excavation & How does it work?
Hydro excavation is a non-mechanical soil removal technique that utilizes high-pressure water to liquefy soil while simultaneously extracting the slurry through an industrial-strength vacuum system. The process is performed using a specialized hydrovac truck equipped with a pressurized water system, an industrial strength vacuum, and a large debris tank for material containment.
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During operation, a controlled jet of pressurized water is directed into the ground to fracture, loosen, and emulsify the soil structure. As the soil breaks down, the vacuum system generates high airflow to lift the slurry through a large-diameter hose, transporting it into the sealed debris tank for safe containment and disposal. This allows for precise, targeted excavation around subsurface utilities—including gas, water, fiber-optic, and electrical infrastructure—without the mechanical force that can cause utility strikes or infrastructure damage.
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Because the excavation depth, water pressure, and nozzle configuration can be finely controlled, hydro excavation provides exceptional accuracy, reduced risk, and improved productivity in congested or sensitive work zones. It is widely used for utility daylighting, test hole excavation, slot trenching, pole and sign installation, line verification, and more.
Truck Operation:
The boom arm on a hydro excavation truck is a hydraulically controlled extension that allows the operator to position the vacuum hose with precision over the excavation area.
Using joystick-style controls, the operator can raise, lower, rotate, and extend the boom to reach utilities or dig sites from a safe distance.
While the boom removes soil through powerful suction, the operator simultaneously uses a high-pressure water wand—often called the pressure washer or dig wand—to cut through the ground. This water stream breaks up the soil without damaging nearby underground utilities. The loosened material is then immediately captured by the vacuum hose at the end of the boom and transferred into the debris tank.