Non-Destructive Digging (NDD), also known as vacuum excavation or hydro excavation, combines high-pressure water with a vacuum system to loosen and remove soil. It lets crews expose underground utilities and structures with less risk of damage than mechanical digging, which is why it is often used where existing infrastructure needs careful handling.
Non-Destructive Digging offers numerous advantages over traditional excavation methods, making it the preferred choice for many applications:
Compared with mechanical digging, NDD avoids buckets and sharp tools at the point of contact, which lowers the chance of damaging fragile services. Soil is vacuumed out as it is loosened, so less spoil is left on site; whether other equipment is needed depends on the job.
Our methods are proven to be efficient and highly accurate due to the pinpoint accuracy of our Air Excavation or Hydro Excavation methods. We utilize jets of water or air directed onto the ground surface to excavate and/or expose the utilities buried underneath the ground. All debris is then vacuumed back into the truck to be disposed of, leaving the excavated area dirt and debris free.
Because the hole is kept small and spoil goes straight into the truck, NDD usually disturbs less ground than open excavation. The actual footprint depends on the job.
NDD trucks have no problems accessing tight spots and hard-to-reach areas as we are essentially just using a hose and a vacuum to do your work! As long as our trucks are within their range of extendable distance, we are sure to be able to reach the dig site. Call us to find out more about our range!
When the word “digging” is used, people usually form a mental picture of an excavator or a bulldozer and all the heavy machinery that comes associated with them. NDD can often be carried out from a single NDD truck, and it suits a range of jobs such as:
Safely uncovering and accessing underground utilities like gas lines, water pipes, and electrical cables.
Exposing utilities for inspection, maintenance or verification with less risk than mechanical digging.
Creating narrow, clean trenches for the installation of utilities, pipes, or irrigation systems.
Efficiently clearing debris, mud, or sludge from areas where traditional excavation methods are impractical.
Removing unwanted materials and ensuring a clean site after construction activities.
Excavation around services when an urgent repair is needed, subject to availability at the time.