Dig Deeper : Vacuum Excavation

Vacuum excavation can be one of the safest, most efficient ways to uncover underground utilities. In this issue we’ll discuss the basics, as well as the benefits of air vacuum excavation.

The Basics

Air vacuum excavation is the process of using high-pressured air to penetrate and loosen soil that is then removed through a vacuum hose to effectively locate and expose underground utilities. This is one of the fastest ways to excavate utilities as well, digging a 8” x 8” x 5’ hole in as little as seven minutes in optimal soils.

Mid-Atlantic Utility Locating offers both air and hydro vacuum excavation, however, air vacuum excavation tends to be safer, more cost-effective, and less messy. Because air is non-conductive, it is safer for the operator when trying to locate live utilities. And since no water is used with air excavation, the operator is not left with a muddy mess to deal with at the completion of each project, saving the client valuable time and money.

The Benefits

The major benefits of air vacuum excavation are:

• Offers reduced costs and increased production
• Will not damage utilities, whereas a shovel, pick or high-pressure water may
• Increases operator safety by eliminating the possibility of personal injury from strikes to utility lines
• Can be used around high-traffic and high-liability areas and can be used in any weather condition
• Will not undermine a road base, making it safer for excavation under roadways

There are every-day uses for using vacuum excavation on job sites. For instance, locating utilities, trenching, potholing of utilities, valve box clean out, storm box clean out, tree root excavation, manhole and handhole clean out, digging under existing structures, and frozen ground digs are all examples of scenarios in which air vacuum excavation is extremely safe, helpful, and cost-effective.