Non Destructive Excavation

Excavac • October 5, 2018

Unfamiliar with the term Non Destructive Excavation? You’re not alone.

Non Destructive Excavation (or NDE) is an environmentally efficient means of excavating earth around buried utilities such as water mains, communication and power cabling, gas etc.

Also known as Hydro Excavation, Potholing and Asset Proving, NDE not only massively reduces the risk of damaging underground infrastructure before you excavate, but is also cost effective and non-intrusive ensuring significantly less environmental risks and impact to the immediate work site.

Used in conjunction with GPS mapping and hydro suction equipment, NDE technology has become increasingly popular with large-scale operators looking to reduce downtime and cost, while increasing site safety and productivity.

Ideal for excavation and installation of power and street lighting, exposure of utilities/services, removal of rail ballast and trench work, NDE is also suitable for


  • Excavation around tree roots
  • Trench excavation around or under obstacles
  • Conduit cleaning
  • Exposure of underground utilities prior to excavation


The process virtually eliminates labour-intensive hand digging and greatly reduces environmental impacts, with high-pressure water and vacuum tanks (or sucker trucks) being the key ingredients to removing sludge.

Not only is the process extremely efficient, but buried services can be clearly identified and marked to ensure the exact location of any possible issues when working on a site.

The ‘sucker trucks’ used in the process of NDE are also effective when it comes to cleaning electrical, communication, or stormwater pits to remove sludge and water borne debris an environmentally friendly means.

NDE is non-mechanical, fast, safe and less invasive than using heavy equipment, it limits congestion with few vehicles needed on site to get the job done, reduces labour costs and is better for the environment.

For more information on NDE and/or vacuum cleaning, contact us today by phone or email.


Sucker truck operating at Sydney Opera House

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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.
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