What is a hydrovac truck?

What is a hydrovac truck?

A hydrovac truck uses a combination of high-pressure water and a powerful vacuum to remove soil, debris and water from the ground and drainage systems.

Read More Contact Us
Mainland SuperVac Hydro Excavation Septic Tank Service

What is a Hydrovac Truck?

A typical hydrovac truck with a water tank, vacuum system, and storage tank.

When it comes to safe and efficient excavation, hydrovac trucks are at the forefront of modern technology. These specialized vehicles use a combination of high-pressure water and a powerful vacuum to remove soil and debris, making them invaluable for a variety of construction and maintenance tasks.

In this blog, we’ll explore what hydrovac trucks are, how they work, and why they are essential for today’s excavation needs.

The Basics of a Hydrovac Truck

Definition and Components

A hydrovac truck, short for hydro excavation truck, is a vehicle equipped with a high-pressure water system and a vacuum system. These two components work together to break up and remove soil, exposing underground utilities and other structures without causing damage.

How It Works

  1. High-Pressure Water: The truck uses high-pressure water to loosen and break up the soil. This method is gentle enough to avoid damaging pipes and cables that might be buried underground.
  2. Powerful Vacuum: The vacuum system then sucks up the slurry of soil and water into a storage tank for safe disposal.

Applications of Hydrovac Trucks

Buried utilities exposed without damage

Slot Trenching and Daylighting

Hydrovac trucks are also used for slot trenching and daylighting. Slot trenching involves creating narrow trenches for installing pipes, cables, or other utilities. Daylighting is the process of exposing buried utilities to daylight, making it easier to inspect and repair them.

Utility Location and Excavation

One of the primary uses of hydrovac trucks is to safely locate and excavate around underground utilities, such as gas lines, water pipes, and electrical cables. Traditional excavation methods can easily damage these utilities, leading to costly repairs and dangerous situations.

Debris Removal and Cleanup

In addition to excavation, hydrovac trucks are effective for debris removal and cleanup. They can quickly and efficiently remove soil, mud, and other debris from construction sites, catch basins, and other areas.

Line Flushing

Line Flush in Progress

Our trucks are also equipped with front mounted hose reels that run off of a water pump and is used for flushing out drain lines. Using high pressure and water volume that is directed through specially designed nozzles, we have the capability of flushing or jetting drainage or sewer lines. Using this method we have the capability of thoroughly removing built-up debris, roots, and blockages without damaging the pipes. This method ensures that drainage and sewer lines remain in optimal condition, preventing clogs and backups that can cause significant issues.

Conclusion

If you have a project that requires safe and efficient excavation, contact Mainland SuperVac today to learn more about our hydrovac services. Our team is equipped with the latest technology to ensure your job is done right.

Latest News

Check out our recent articles on our blog