Hydro excavation is a non-mechanical excavation method that uses pressurized water to loosen soil and a powerful vacuum system to remove the soil and water slurry.

Basic process:

1. Locate and identify underground utilities.
2. Direct controlled water pressure into the soil.
3. Break the soil into a slurry.
4. Vacuum the slurry into a debris tank.
5. Continue excavating carefully until the required depth, area, or utility is exposed.
6. Transport or dispose of the excavated material appropriately.

Main advantages:

• Highly precise excavation
• Reduces the risk of damaging underground utilities
• Useful in congested or sensitive areas
• Can expose utilities without using mechanical digging tools directly against them
• Produces a relatively clean, controlled excavation

Hydro excavation is commonly used for utility daylighting/potholing, trenching, pole installation, pipe exposure, and excavation around existing infrastructure.