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The Benefits Of Hydro Vacuum Excavation Compared To Other Forms Of Excavation

Mar 12, 2019

Hydro vacuum excavation, also known as hydro excavation or potholing, is a method of excavation that uses a combination of high-pressure water and an industrial vacuum to safely and efficiently excavate soil. This method is becoming increasingly popular as it offers several benefits over traditional excavation methods, such as hand digging and mechanical excavation.


Gold Coast Vac Truck owner Nick has been involved in hydro excavation, underground location and leak detection for decades. We will draw on Nick's experience to detail the advantages of hydro excavation.

Hydro Excavation Is Safer

One of the biggest benefits of hydro vacuum excavation is safety. This method eliminates the need for manual labour, reducing the risk of injuries caused by manual digging. Additionally, hydro vacuum excavation is far less likely to cause damage to underground utilities, such as gas, water and electricity lines, reducing the risk of accidents and costly repairs.

Hydro Excavation Is Faster

Another benefit of hydro vacuum excavation is speed and efficiency. This method can be completed quickly and with minimal disruption to the surrounding area. This is because the high-pressure water is able to very quickly break up the soil, making it easier to remove. The industrial vacuum is able to quickly remove large volumes of soil making the entire process a true time-saver. This is especially useful when working in areas with dense underground infrastructure such as that exposed by Nick's hydro excavation team pictured below, which otherwise would take long periods of time to expose.

Hydro Excavation in areas of dense underground infrastructure | Gold Coast Vac Trucks

Hydro Excavation Is Cheaper

Hydro vacuum excavation is also cost-effective. It can save time and money by reducing the need for manual labour and minimising the risk of accidents and damage to underground utilities. It also eliminates the need for expensive equipment and materials, such as heavy machinery and backfill materials, which can be costly.

Hydro Excavation Causes Less Damage

Mechanical excavation / backhoe excavation is an alternative often used. However, it has several drawbacks when compared to hydro vacuum excavation. It is much more disruptive to the surrounding area, as it requires large equipment and can cause significant damage to the surrounding landscape. These heavy machinery alternatives leave deep track marks that can take a lot of time and materials to rectify. And well-loved lawns can  be damaged beyond recognition. Additionally, it is not as precise as hydro vacuum excavation, making it more likely to cause damage to underground utilities.


Our jet and vacuum hoses run 30 metres, so normally our vac truck does not need to enter your property. The picture below shows Nick's team utilising the long extension of the hoses. Even if it does the truck causes far less damage than diggers, excavators and other heavy machines. This is one of the reasons hydro excavation is also known as non-destructive digging.

Our jet and vacuum hoses extend 30 metres to minimise damage | Gold Coast Vac Trucks

More Advantages of Hydro Excavation

Hydro vacuum excavation is also more environmentally friendly than other forms of excavation. It produces far less emissions. And the soil removed from the excavation site is contained, preventing soil erosion and sedimentation. This is especially important when working in sensitive ecological areas or near bodies of water.


Another benefit of hydro vacuum excavation is its versatility. It can be used for a variety of excavation tasks, such as potholing for utilities, digging trenches for underground pipes, and even removing debris from clogged drains. Additionally, it can be used in a variety of settings, including urban and rural areas, and can be used for both small and large projects.


In conclusion Nick shares, hydro vacuum excavation is a safe, efficient, environmentally friendly, versatile, and cost-effective method of excavation. It offers several benefits over traditional excavation methods, such as hand digging and mechanical excavation, and is becoming increasingly popular as a result. It is ideal for a variety of excavation tasks, and can be used in a variety of settings, making it a valuable tool for any residential or industrial excavation project.


Gold Coast Vac Trucks are expert providers of Hydro Excavation services in Gold Coast, south-side Brisbane and Northern NSW. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - please call us anytime.

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