What is Hydro Excavation?

Hydro excavation is a non-destructive digging method that utilizes high-pressure water plus a powerful vacuum system that can be used to remove asphalt, concrete, or other surface materials. It is a versatile technique used in various applications, often superior to other methods for materials removal.

Some benefits of hydro excavation include:

  • Increased safety for both equipment operators and others nearby
  • Reduced environmental impact
  • Increased precision when excavating
  • Reduced risk of damaging underground utilities or infrastructure
  • Less downtime
  • Cost-effective alternative to other repair methods

Thanks to these many benefits, hydro excavation is useful in a variety of situations to address many different types of repairs.

Hydro Excavation for ADA Compliance

Hydro excavation can be used to help your property meet ADA requirements in several ways:

  • Correcting improper slopes
  • Removing surface irregularities
  • Cleaning resistant debris
  • Addressing root intrusion or settling

What makes hydro excavation especially valuable for these repairs is its precision, safety, non-destructive nature, and above all its cost-effectiveness – hydro excavation is a much more budget-friendly option than traditional methods, such as using a jackhammer to remove an area of sidewalk and then re-pour the new concrete to replace it.

tree root damage on sidewalk should be address with hydro excavation

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    Other Uses for Hydro Excavation

    Hydro excavation is valuable for many uses, including:

    1. Utility locating and exposing: It can be used to locate and expose underground utilities such as water pipes, gas lines, electrical cables, and telecommunication lines. This is due to its non-destructive nature, allowing for safe and accurate excavation around these lines without damaging or destroying them.
    2. Pipeline and sewer maintenance: it can be safely used to remove soil and debris around pipes, making it easier to access and repair damaged sections of pipelines.
    3. Slot trenching: This involves creating narrow, precise trenches for various purposes, such as laying utility lines, cables, or conduits. Hydro excavation is ideal for this task because it creates clean and well-defined trenches without disturbing surrounding areas.
    4. Potholing: Sometimes it’s necessary to dig small test holes to assess the depth, location, and condition of underground utilities and hydro excavation is particularly useful in this case as it minimizes the risk of accidental damage.
    5. Daylighting: This is a technique used to expose underground utilities to daylight so that they can be visually inspected and their condition can be assessed, during which it is important not to damage the utilities being exposed.
    6. Environmental cleanup: Hydro excavation can be used to remove contaminated soil or debris from specific areas. The precision of this method is helpful for the selective removal of contaminated materials, as well as the secure containment of the materials that are removed.
    7. Sign and pole installation: When installing signs, traffic lights, or utility poles, hydro excavation can be used to create holes for their placement. This ensures a stable foundation while minimizing disruption to the surrounding area.
    8. Sensitive areas: In environmentally sensitive areas or locations where heavy machinery cannot be used, hydro excavation provides a low-impact digging solution.

    In summary, hydro excavation offers numerous benefits, and its applications continue to expand as industries recognize its advantages for various tasks.

    ineffective concrete removal method

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    Interested in hydro excavation to meet ADA requirements at your facility, or to repair uneven or damaged surfaces?

    It’s our goal to develop custom solutions tailed to your facility’s unique set of needs that can be completed quickly and work within your budget.

    Contact us today and one of our experts will be happy to assist.