Non-destructive excavation is a key part of any large-scale project that requires utility work. Whether your company is replacing existing infrastructure or adding new infrastructure to accommodate new construction, excavation is a vital part of the process. The two most common methods of non-destructive digging are hydro excavation and air excavation. Both techniques offer an opportunity to quickly, efficiently, and safely reach buried utilities while minimizing the risk of damaging infrastructure that is already in place. Here are just three reasons why non-destructive hydro excavation is the right choice.
Greater Power
Water is one of the most potent forces on the planet. The movement of water has shaped much of the Earth's geography, and it is ideal for cutting through dense, hard ground. Water is especially well-suited for cold climates, where even soft soil can become hard as a rock during the winter months. Hydro excavation units include boilers that can heat water to provide more cutting power through cold soil, helping to break especially difficult ground and keeping the project moving even when the Earth stubbornly refuses to cooperate.
Less Clean-Up
Traditional methods leave large amounts of debris on-site. This material must be either backfilled or removed from the site once the work is complete. With hydro excavation, a vacuum unit removes debris as it is excavated. This process helps to combine digging and clean-up into a single step, drastically reducing both the time and manpower required to return the site to its original condition. The vacuum clean-up method also prevents debris from accumulating around the job site, reducing its impact on the rest of the project and avoiding storage complications.
Faster, Safer Excavation
Of course, the largest advantages offered by non-destructive techniques are safety and speed. Hydro excavation can remove material much more quickly than traditional mechanical methods, often turning multiple-day excavation projects into jobs that can be completed in an afternoon. Despite the greater speed, hydro excavation also offers much higher safety margins. By providing precise control, there is less risk of damaging buried pipes or cables. Your crew also avoids the genuine dangers of manual excavation, leading to a safer work site for everyone.
While there are still situations where mechanical excavation is the right choice, non-destructive hydro excavation is almost always the correct choice when working with buried utility infrastructure. The high levels of safety, precision, and speed offered by these techniques guarantee that excavation does not have to be a significant roadblock for your project.
Contact a hydrovac excavation service to learn more.