Hydro Excavation: How It Works

How Hydro Excavation Works

Hydro excavation equipment combines high-pressure water and air vacuum. This system cuts through the soils and breaks it up. The vacuum then lifts the slurry from the excavation area. The debris is transferred to a debris tank.

Hydro excavation equipment needs a vacuum source. There are two choices for this, a fan system or a positive displacement blower. A fan system is able to move air in huge amounts. This allows for faster excavations. It is easier to control and operate. This is often lighter and less expensive than the positive displacement blowers.

A displacement blower is able to move air in longer distances than the fan system. Excavation can be done at greater depths but at a slower rate. Most hydro excavation applications can be done more effectively using the fan system.

Hydro excavation equipment combines high-pressure water with air vacuum. This system cuts through the soils and breaks it up. The vacuum then lifts the slurry from the excavation area. The debris is transferred to a debris tank.