Dirt Removal with Hydro Excavation
Hydro excavation is a soil removing process, but instead of mechanical tools, the process uses pressurized water to create a dirt slurry.
That slurry is then removed with hydrovac equipment, (a high air vacuum system) to reveal deeper layers of the ground below.
Operators use a handheld pressurized wand to direct the stream of water that cuts through and softens the soil. Professionals can easily maneuver around tight quarters with minimal disruption to their environment, even if there are nearby obstacles like streetlights, signs, and utility systems.
Larger hydro excavation units can hold around 1300 gallons of water, whereas smaller units can have as small as 350-gallon tanks. So, with the larger tank, you would likely get between three to five hours of hydro excavation or dig time before you would run out of water.
Safety First!
We at Emerson Contracting NW generally use hydro excavation when we work on a high voltage site or near streams to minimize risk of damage and contamination. And though hydro excavation is a great tool it comes with a bit of a higher price tag.
To get an idea of how hydro excavation works, take a look at our video included here. It is one of our recent jobs showing how the high-pressure water creates the slurry that is removed by the vacuum.
Is Hydro Excavation Right for Your Project?
- Emerson Contracting NW can help you determine if hydro excavation is needed for your unique situation.
- If standard excavation is what you need, Emerson Contracting has the experience that you need.
- Take a look at some of our projects on our gallery page!
Contact us by calling 503-837-1372 or use our convenient contact form and we’ll get back to you. We’ll answer your questions and offer a free assessment.