Underground utilities
November 11, 2021
Always more than meets the eye
An underground utility survey – as the name suggests – is a form of survey used to determine the type and location of subsurface utility infrastructure and is designed to create a comprehensive map for the installation of gas and water lines, communications and publicly owned utilities.
Getting it right, is vital for ensuring the limitations of a project from the start.
Accurate information and having the right people and equipment is a crucial part of planning, particularly when it comes to the installation of new works and excavation of potentially hazardous older utilities.
A lack of proper insight could lend itself to not only catastrophic damages of existing underground infrastructure and disruption to utility services (from what is usually a maze of poorly mapped cables and pipes) but also significant danger to those on site.
Traditional mechanical excavation methods are not only messy and labour intensive but can also seriously have a detrimental affect on the environment.
Today, the simplest and most efficient way to excavate an area safely, is through the use of non-destructive excavation (NDE) or non-destructive digging (NDD).
Employed across a wide range of markets including civil, environmental, geotechnical, design, utilities, infrastructure and facilities management sectors, the process can also help gather and verify additional data attributes such as type, size, material, configuration and offer a greatly reduced level (RL) of the exposed utility.
Using either pressurised water to mobilise soil, along with an industrial strength vacuum to simultaneously excavate soil with minimal environmental impact, non-destructive digging offers safer working conditions, is cost effective and eliminates many of the on-site risks. It can also be done in a fraction of the time compared with conventional methods.
From manufacturing to construction - mining, engineering through to public works and trade tenders, the advantages NDD technology supersedes older, more invasive and generally costly methods.
From manufacturing to construction - mining, engineering through to public works and trade tenders, the advantages NDD technology supersedes older, more invasive and generally costly methods.
For more information on NDD and how Excavac can help you - call 0414 521 808 or email us at admin@excavac.com.au. You can also visit us on social media via @excavacaustralia
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.
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.
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.
