Vacuum excavation is the process by which soil is removed from the ground using water and a vacuum. It s also referred to as hydro excavation and is becoming a popular and practical option. This approach can be used to create:
- Trenches
- Postholes
- Clear underground debris
- Create holes
Those are just a few of the possibilities with vacuum excavation.
How It Works
Water is pumped into the ground under high pressure through dedicated hoses. This part of the operation is calculated by specialists to ensure the water is being injected in the right place.
As the water enters the soil it turns it into a semi-liquid, also known as sludge or slurry. This mixture is loose enough to be pulled out of the ground with a large, and powerful, vacuum pipe.
The waste can then be directed into trucks that will reallocate it where you need it. It’s a simple process but effective.
Reasons You Should Be Using Vacuum Excavation
If you have a hole that beds to be dug then you need to consider vacuum excavation before you try the traditional options. There are several reasons this is a better idea.
Minimal Mess
The vacuum excavator is a small crane-like structure on the back of a lorry. The lorry can pull up where you need the hole and place the excavator in the desired spot. It will need to be connected to a water supply.
That’s it, the machine will work, create the hole, and leave the minimal of mess and disruption behind. That makes it perfect when there is little room to maneuver.
Better For the Environment
Because you only need one lorry and one or two workers you’ll find that the vacuum excavation process uses significantly fewer resources and energy. In short, it’s better for the environment.
Almost Dust Free
One of the biggest problems with excavating the soil is that it will create a lot of dust. This happens whenever the topsoil is disturbed, especially in dryer weather. The most effective way of eliminating dust is by wetting it first. That’s what the vacuum excavation approach does, minimizing the amount of dust created and the associated issues.
Tree Preservation
The vacuum excavation approach is very accurate. This means it can be used around trees, protecting their roots while creating the home you need for any project. The ability to protect trees while digging makes this an attractive environmental option and allows projects to be created that weren’t previously possible.
Safer
There is minimal staff on-site when performing a vacuum excavation and the waste is pumped directly into a truck to be taken away. That means there are very few safety risks associated with this type of excavation.
In fact, this can help to reduce your insurance costs as well as your overall expenditure.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t already tried vacuum excavation then it’s time you did. The process is efficient, almost mess-free, and effective. One thing is certain, once you try it you won’t want to use traditional methods again.
