Hydro Excavation – Precise, Safe and Cost Effective

Excavac • May 22, 2019

Quicker, eco-friendly and safe

Cost effective hydro excavation from Excavac - some of the fleet

As with any new construction project, it’s crucial to know which utility assets are buried underground. Whether you’re an engineer, contractor, stakeholder or homeowner, the cost and safety benefits of hydro excavation are even more apparent when you have a more comprehensive understanding of the risk associated with alternative methods.

According to the group CGA (Common Ground Alliance - a member-driven association of 1,700 individuals, organisations and sponsors within the underground utility industry) over the past 20 years in the US alone there have been 1,906 injuries and 421 deaths attributed to hitting underground utilities, almost entirely energy infrastructure.

They also site 316,442 cases of utilities being hit during excavation in 2017 at an average cost of $US4000 in direct costs per hit.

In Australia, underground utility conflicts and relocations are a major cause of project delays particularly during road construction.

Studies that have shown that the cost of detecting and safely navigating underground utilities prior to construction typically costs less than 0.5 per cent of the total project construction cost, and saves more than $4 for every $1 spent while reducing project delivery time by as much as 20 per cent.

More importantly the indirect cost, including traffic disruption, injuries to workers, and loss of business custom is just as telling.

Every construction project requires an investment in time and effort which today should include the use of vacuum and hydro excavation equipment in detecting and exposing underground infrastructure prior to (and during) excavation.

It’s been estimated that traditional construction tenders can be inflated by 10-30 per cent to accommodate the additional manpower required, risk perception and social disruption.

Hydro excavation is eco-friendly and safe that gets the job done quicker and more effectively with significantly less work required from manual labourers.

From cutting trenches for plumbing and pipes through to sewer systems pole maintenance, hi-tech installations commercial and industrial projects and landscaping, hydro excavation is precise, safe and efficiently cost effective.

Sucker truck operating at Sydney Opera House
April 4, 2025
Beyond non-destructive digging, vacuum trucks are also widely used for sewer and storm drain cleaning, septic tank emptying, and catch basin maintenance. Their versatility makes them indispensable for various site management tasks.
By Guy Rowlison November 28, 2024
Environmental degradation is a growing concern, and improper waste disposal doesn't just harm ecosystems — it also poses significant risks to workers and the public. When waste is not managed correctly, the concentration and total mass of discharged substances can create serious health and safety hazards. Beyond the environmental and personal impacts, operators risk substantial fines for non-compliance with waste disposal regulations. High-performance, non-destructive equipment like hydro vacuum trucks makes pit cleaning quick, efficient, and thorough. Hydro vacuum cleaning of electrical and communication pits is widely regarded as the most practical method for ensuring these areas are properly maintained. This innovative technique is incredibly versatile and offers solutions for a wide range of applications, including: Removing waste Cleaning sewer systems, stormwater drains, and pipes Electrical and communication pit cleaning Liquid waste removal Tank and vessel cleaning Emergency spill response Scheduled maintenance shutdowns Hydro vacuum cleaning also plays a critical role in the petroleum industry, where it is used to clean storage tanks, manage spills, and remove drilling mud, cuttings, cement, and brine water from production tanks. In fact, these services have become virtually mandatory in modern industrial and commercial operations due to their efficiency and safety. Whether dealing with public facilities, shopping centres, large industrial sites, rental properties, or renovation projects, programmed maintenance involving hydro vacuum cleaning can prevent minor waste issues from becoming major, complex problems. By addressing waste removal and cleaning needs proactively, businesses can ensure compliance, improve safety, and minimise environmental impact. Beyond its practical benefits, hydro vacuum cleaning is also cost-effective. It reduces downtime, limits labour-intensive processes, and ensures thorough results. These features make it an attractive choice for industries aiming to improve their environmental footprint without compromising operational efficiency. Sustainability starts with rethinking how we treat waste. Employing advanced cleaning techniques like hydro vacuum cleaning helps preserve our environment by delivering efficient, safe, and technologically responsible solutions for water, waste, and energy management. For more information about how vacuum and pit clearing trucks can support your operations, contact us today by phone or email. Let’s work together for a cleaner, safer future.
Vacuum truck for non-destructive digging tasks
August 26, 2024
Excavac has been a leader in non-destructive excavation and vacuum truck services, offering a modern fleet that ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective management of both wet and dry waste. Call today for more information.
More Posts