Hydro Excavation

Axis Vac & HDD is a leading provider of hydro excavation services. We’re proud to provide effective and efficient hydrovac services to customers across Western Canada in a wide variety of sectors, from utility installation, telecom, resource extraction (oil and gas), and commercial and residential building construction.

What is Hydro Excavation?

Hydro excavation allows for the removal of soil using pressurized water. Debris (consisting of soil plus the leftover water) is then removed using a vacuum and stored in a tank on the back of the hydrovac truck. The whole process is a less destructive, less impactful, but still very effective way of excavating soil to help facilitate the installation of underground utilities or complete other tasks underground.

Excavation using a hydrovac is particularly effective in cold Western Canadian climates because we can use heated water to help break up the soil we need to excavate. This often means a hydrovac team can complete an excavation project in the winter that may be tough or impossible using traditional excavation equipment.

How does Hydro Excavation work?

A hydrovac system combines two key components: pressurized water and a vacuum. High pressure water is used to cut through and break up soil. The resulting soil and water slurry mixture is then vacuumed up and removed from the excavation area, and stored in a debris tank.

Key Benefits of Hydro Excavation

Hydro excavation is typically less damaging to surrounding environments, while also being safer and lower impact for excavation personnel themselves. Hydro excavation mitigates potential damage to existing underground conduits, lines, pipes, and other utilities, which can reduce or eliminate the need to conduct expensive repairs. It’s also more accurate, faster, and requires fewer labourers to manage a project.

Application of Hydro Excavation and Hydrovac Systems