Safe, Precise Utility Excavation Without the Risk
Advanced hydro excavation services for safe utility location, trenching, and excavation across Houston, Galveston, and Southeast Texas
Need to excavate around sensitive utilities without the risk of damage? Our precision hydro excavation services use high-pressure water and vacuum technology to safely expose underground utilities, create trenches, and remove soil with pinpoint accuracy. Serving municipalities, industrial facilities, commercial properties, and residential customers throughout Houston and Galveston, we provide a safer, faster, and more precise alternative to traditional mechanical excavation methods.
Why Choose Hydro Excavation Over Traditional Methods?
- Eliminates utility strike risks by using pressurized water instead of mechanical digging
- Provides surgical precision for exposing utilities without surrounding damage
- Reduces project timelines with faster, more efficient excavation
- Works in confined spaces where traditional equipment cannot access
- Minimizes site disruption with smaller equipment footprint and cleaner operation
- Operates in all weather conditions including frozen ground where mechanical methods fail
- Protects existing landscaping and hardscapes with targeted excavation
Common Hydro Excavation Applications
| Application | Purpose | Industries Served | Key Benefits | Typical Depth Range |
| Utility Potholing (Daylighting) | Locate and expose underground utilities | All sectors | Prevents costly utility strikes, verifies utility locations | 2-15 feet |
| Slot Trenching | Create narrow trenches for new utility installation | Commercial, Municipal, Industrial | Minimal surface disruption, precise dimensions | 3-20 feet |
| Pole Installation & Removal | Excavate holes for utility poles, signs, posts | Municipal, Commercial, Residential | Safe near existing utilities, perfect hole sizing | 4-12 feet |
| Debris Removal | Clear storm drains, catch basins, manholes | Municipal, Commercial | Thorough cleaning without system damage | Varies |
| Cold Weather Excavation | Break through frozen ground | All sectors | Works when traditional methods fail | Variable |
| Pipe & Cable Installation | Expose existing utilities before new installations | Industrial, Commercial, Municipal | Prevents conflicts, ensures proper clearances | 3-25 feet |
| Foundation Work | Safely excavate around building foundations | Residential, Commercial | Precision work near structures, no vibration damage | 6-15 feet |
Our Hydro Excavation Process
- Site evaluation and utility mapping reviewing existing utility records and markings
- Safety zone establishment securing the work area and setting up traffic control if needed
- Pressurized water application using controlled water pressure to break up soil
- Simultaneous vacuum extraction removing soil slurry into our holding tanks
- Utility exposure and verification carefully revealing underground infrastructure
- Documentation and marking photographing and marking exposed utilities
- Proper disposal of excavated material transporting soil in compliance with regulations
- Site cleanup and restoration leaving the work area clean and safe
Frequently Asked Questions
How does hydro excavation work? Hydro excavation uses high-pressure water to break up soil while a powerful vacuum simultaneously removes the resulting slurry. This non-mechanical method allows us to safely excavate around utilities, pipes, and cables without risk of damage that comes with traditional digging equipment.
Is hydro excavation more expensive than traditional excavation? While the hourly rate may be higher, hydro excavation typically costs less overall due to faster completion times, reduced labor needs, elimination of utility strike risks, and minimal restoration requirements. It also avoids the costly downtime and repairs associated with accidental utility damage.
What’s the difference between potholing and slot trenching? Potholing (also called daylighting) creates small, precise holes to locate and expose specific utilities for verification. Slot trenching creates longer, narrow trenches for installing new utilities or pipes. Both use the same hydro excavation technology but serve different purposes in utility work.
Can you work in tight or difficult-to-access areas? Yes! One of hydro excavation’s greatest advantages is its ability to work in confined spaces, congested areas, and locations where traditional equipment cannot operate. Our vacuum hoses can reach areas up to 400-600 feet from the truck, allowing work in alleys, between buildings, and other challenging locations.
How deep can you excavate with hydro excavation? Our equipment can safely excavate to depths of 25+ feet depending on soil conditions and project requirements. For most utility location and installation work, we typically work between 3-15 feet deep, which covers the majority of underground infrastructure.
What happens to the excavated soil? The soil-water slurry is contained in our vacuum truck’s holding tank and transported to approved disposal or processing facilities. We follow all local, state, and federal regulations for material handling and can provide documentation of proper disposal for your records.
Do you offer emergency hydro excavation services? Absolutely. We maintain 24/7 emergency response capabilities for urgent utility exposure needs, leak investigations, and emergency repairs. Our team can mobilize quickly to prevent further damage and expedite critical infrastructure work.
Get Started with Safe, Precision Excavation
Contact Texas Hydrovac today for a free consultation on your hydro excavation needs. Our experienced operators serve Houston, Galveston, and throughout Southeast Texas with the most advanced hydro excavation equipment and techniques available.
