Hydrovac excavation is a non destructive excavation method that uses high pressure water to loosen soil and a powerful vacuum system to remove the material into a debris tank. This process allows soil to be removed in a controlled manner without direct mechanical contact with buried infrastructure.

Unlike traditional excavation using buckets or mechanical teeth, hydrovac excavation allows operators to carefully expose utilities, pipelines, and structures with precision. This greatly reduces the likelihood of striking or damaging underground assets.

Hydrovac excavation is widely used across Alberta where underground infrastructure is dense and the consequences of utility damage are significant.

Hydrovac excavation is used on projects where accuracy, safety, and damage prevention are priorities.

Common applications include utility daylighting, potholing, trenching support, pipeline exposure, foundation work, and excavation around existing infrastructure. Many project owners and inspectors require hydrovac excavation before mechanical digging begins in utility dense areas.

Hydrovac excavation is frequently used in urban construction, industrial facilities, municipal infrastructure projects, and energy sector work. It is also used when working near live utilities where mechanical excavation would introduce unacceptable risk.

In Alberta, hydrovac excavation is often part of safe excavation planning for both large scale infrastructure projects and targeted excavation tasks.

One of the primary benefits of hydrovac excavation is improved safety. Controlled water and vacuum excavation reduces the likelihood of utility strikes that can cause injuries, outages, environmental incidents, and project delays.

Hydrovac excavation also provides superior accuracy. Crews can remove soil only where necessary, which limits disturbance and reduces restoration requirements. This is especially valuable in paved areas, landscaped sites, and developed properties.

Another benefit is efficiency. While hydrovac excavation may appear slower than mechanical digging, avoiding a single utility strike can save significant time and cost. Many contractors find that hydrovac support helps maintain project schedules by reducing risk.

Cleaner excavation is also an advantage. Spoil is contained in a debris tank rather than piled on site, which helps maintain organized and safer work areas.

Alberta presents unique excavation challenges, including frozen ground, variable soil conditions, and complex utility networks. Hydrovac excavation is well suited to these conditions.

Heated water systems allow hydrovac units to excavate frozen ground during winter months, enabling projects to continue when mechanical excavation becomes difficult. This supports year round construction and maintenance work across Alberta.

DIGS Hydrovac crews are familiar with local soil conditions, regulatory expectations, and job site coordination requirements. This local experience allows us to plan and execute excavation work efficiently across different environments.

Hydrovac excavation supports a wide range of industries across Alberta.

Construction contractors rely on hydrovac services to safely expose utilities before excavation and foundation work. Utility companies use hydrovac excavation for maintenance, upgrades, and emergency repairs.

Pipeline and energy operators depend on hydrovac excavation for safe exposure of buried lines and facilities. Municipalities use hydrovac services for water, sewer, and infrastructure maintenance in sensitive areas.

Telecommunications providers frequently use hydrovac excavation for fiber installation and maintenance in congested corridors.

DIGS Hydrovac regularly works with these industries to provide reliable excavation support.

Safety is central to effective hydrovac excavation. DIGS Hydrovac follows established safety practices and coordinates closely with site supervisors and project teams.

Hydrovac excavation helps reduce the risk of utility strikes and associated hazards. Controlled excavation protects both workers and infrastructure while supporting safe project execution.

Our crews are trained to operate hydrovac equipment responsibly and to maintain safe work zones on active sites.