Hydro Vacuum Excavation Melbourne

Hydro Vacuum Excavation uses pressurised water to break up the earth’s surface and soil which is then removed through a vacuum system and deposited into a debris holding tank to be disposed of at the end of the job.

At Provac Australia we have a selection of Vac truck sizes ranging from as little as 1000L trailer mounted units to as big as 12,000L truck mounted units. Our most commonly used truck size ranges between 5,000L – 8,000L units.

Digging safely with a vac truck is highly recommended when underground services are present within a job site dig area. It is your duty of care and responsibility to follow the appropriate steps of action to identify that there may or may not be underground services within your dig area.

Depending on the scopes of the job it can sometimes be quicker, easier and safer to use a Vac truck to excavate. The type of ground can also affect the time it takes to dig with a Vac truck. For example it can be much quicker to dig in and trough sand as opposed to digging in and through a rocky subsurface.

Our Vac trucks are all equipped with suction hose and gerni wand extensions. All of our trucks carry a minimum of 20m of extension hose but can carry up towards 60m of extension hose on board. Our gerni wands can be adjusted from 1.5m in length up to 3.0m in length.

Depending on the type of ground that you are digging in, A vac truck can typically dig up to 3.5m deep. On some projects our Vac trucks are used to dig in holes that have been mechanically excavated and properly shored and benched for our operators safety.

Yes. Our services are often called upon by Electricians and Plumbers who are wishing to install new pipes and cables. We have dug trenches for some of our electrical clients that have been 1m deep and up to 80-100m long.

Yes. We are often called upon by fencing and signage contractors to dig the footings for new fences and signs that need to be erected around other underground services.

Yes. We have a top of the range Vermeer Trailer Mounted Unit with a 2000L holding capacity. This trailer unit is towed by a 4wd and is used to access properties and all your hard to reach places where a regular Vac truck would not be able to get to.

We deal with sewer waste on a case by case basis only. We can work safely around damaged sewer infrastructure but we do not suck sewer slurry away from holding tanks and portable toilets.

Vacuum excavation is a faster, safer, and more precise excavation method than traditional methods. It reduces disruption, is environmentally friendly, and minimises the risk of damage to underground infrastructure.

Excavation techniques can be categorised based on their intended purpose, such as foundation, slope, or underground opening excavation. In a broader context, there are three main types of excavation methods: digging, ripping, and blasting.

Hydro excavation is considered the most efficient type of vacuum excavation due to its speed. It can remove soil from sites faster than traditional excavation and air excavation methods, which reduces the need for additional equipment and labour, and allows contractors to excavate effectively.

There are several hazards that can arise when digging, including:

Utility strikes: Digging can damage underground utilities such as gas, water, electrical, or telecommunication lines, leading to service disruptions, injuries, or even fatalities.

Cave-ins or collapses: Trenches or excavations that are not properly supported or sloped can collapse, potentially burying workers or equipment and causing serious injury or death.

Falling objects: Materials or equipment that are not properly secured can fall into the excavation, posing a hazard to workers below.

Contact with hazardous materials: Excavation work may uncover hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, or contaminated soil, which can pose a health risk to workers and the environment.

Equipment accidents: Heavy machinery used in digging, such as backhoes or excavators, can malfunction, tip over, or collide with other equipment, causing injury or damage.

Weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or strong winds can create hazards such as flooding, soil erosion, or falling objects.

It is essential to assess potential hazards before starting any digging project and take appropriate measures to mitigate these risks. This includes conducting site surveys to locate buried utilities, ensuring proper excavation support and sloping, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, and implementing proper safety protocols and procedures.

Hazards in underground construction include confined spaces, excavation risks, electrical hazards, hazardous materials, noise and vibration, and traffic hazards. To mitigate these risks, workers should be properly trained and equipped with personal protective equipment, whilst employers should implement safety protocols and conduct regular inspections.

Hydrovac excavation, also known as hydro excavation, typically involves the following steps:

Site preparation: The area to be excavated is marked and prepared for the hydrovac truck to access.

Water injection: Pressurised water is injected into the ground using a handheld wand or nozzle. The water breaks up the soil and creates a slurry.

Vacuum extraction: A powerful vacuum system on the hydrovac truck is used to extract the slurry from the excavation site and put it into a holding tank on the truck.

Material disposal: Once the excavation is complete, the slurry can be disposed of in an appropriate manner, such as at a disposal site or in a designated location.

Hydrovac excavation is considered a non-destructive method because it uses pressurised water to break up soil and debris, which is then removed by a vacuum system. The process is designed to be precise and to minimise damage to buried utilities or other sensitive infrastructure. The operator can control the water pressure and excavation depth, allowing for accurate excavation. The use of hydrovac excavation can help reduce project time, improve safety on job sites, and minimise the risk of damage to underground utilities.

A VAC truck (also known as a vacuum truck or suction excavator) and an excavator are both heavy-duty machines used in construction and excavation projects, but they serve different purposes.

A VAC truck is a specialised truck with a large tank and powerful vacuum pump that can remove large quantities of materials such as dirt, sand, gravel, and liquids through a hose system. These machines are commonly used for non-destructive excavation, where sensitive underground utilities and pipes need to be located and exposed without damaging them. VAC trucks are also used for cleaning out catch basins, sewers, and other areas where debris has accumulated.

On the other hand, an excavator is a heavy construction machine with a large bucket on the end of a hydraulic arm. It is primarily used for digging and moving large amounts of dirt, rock, and debris from one location to another. Excavators are versatile machines and can be used for a wide variety of tasks, including digging trenches, building foundations, and demolishing structures.

In summary, while both machines are used for excavation, a VAC truck is primarily used for non-destructive excavation and cleaning, while an excavator is used for heavy-duty digging and moving of materials.

The two main methods of vacuum excavation are air vacuum excavation, which uses compressed air, and hydro vacuum excavation, which uses pressurised water. Both methods are non-destructive and are used to minimise damage to underground utilities and structures.

Hydrovac (short for hydro excavation) is generally not considered a destructive excavation technique. In fact, it is considered a non-destructive method because it uses pressurised water to break up soil and debris, which is then removed by a vacuum system. This method is designed to minimise the risk of damage to underground utilities and structures, which can occur with more traditional excavation methods like digging with shovels or backhoes. Hydrovac is a safer and more precise excavation technique and is widely used in the construction and utility industries.

Hydrovac is a non-destructive excavation method that uses high-pressure water and a vacuum system. It is safer, more precise, and environmentally friendly compared to traditional excavation methods. It is commonly used in construction, oil and gas industries, and utility installations. Hydrovac allows for faster and more efficient excavation while minimising the risk of damaging underground utilities.

Vacuum excavation is the preferred method of excavation in Australia due to its safety, efficiency, environmental friendliness, compliance with regulations, and ability to protect the extensive underground utility networks in the country. It offers precise digging, minimises the risk of utility damage, and accelerates project timelines.

Hydro Vacuum Excavation (HVE) can be highly accurate for utility locating when executed by trained operators using specialised equipment. Its non-destructive approach, precise control of water pressure and vacuum force, and ability to provide visual verification contribute to accurate utility exposure. HVE is particularly valuable for trenchless projects and urban areas with congested underground infrastructure. However, accuracy is influenced by factors such as site conditions, operator skill, and the quality of equipment, emphasising the importance of thorough planning and skilled execution for achieving precise utility locating results.

While Hydro Vacuum Excavation (HVE) is considered a safer method for exposing utilities compared to traditional excavation, there is still a potential risk of utility damage if not executed correctly. Operator skill, accurate utility information, high-quality equipment, and site conditions all influence the level of risk. Proper training ensures operators control water pressure and vacuum force to avoid utility contact, and visual verification helps prevent accidental damage. Accurate utility marking and mapping, along with ongoing supervision and communication, are essential for minimising the risk of utility damage during HVE operations.

Hydro Vacuum Excavation (HVE) presents several challenges and limitations that should be considered during project planning. These include potential difficulties in rocky or frozen soil conditions, water source availability and management of excavated soil slurry, depth limitations, accuracy for delicate objects, utility mapping accuracy, cost considerations, operational time, weather dependency, limitations in tight spaces, operator training, environmental concerns, site access, noise and disruption, and compliance with licensing and regulations. Evaluating these factors within the context of the project is essential for maximising the benefits of HVE while effectively addressing its limitations.

Hydrovac excavation is generally more expensive than traditional methods due to specialised equipment, higher labour costs, and operational expenses like water usage and disposal. However, its benefits include reduced utility damage risk, less environmental impact, and potential long-term cost savings through minimised repairs and reinstatement work. These factors make hydrovac excavation a cost-effective choice for projects prioritising safety, precision, and environmental stewardship.

Yes, hydrovac excavation is considered safe when performed by trained professionals following proper procedures and safety protocols. There is a reduced risk of accidental damage to underground utilities and operators have precise control over the water pressure and vacuum suction. Operators and workers are not exposed to the same risks associated with heavy machinery or manual digging tools. The risk of trench collapses and other accidents is reduced. Additionally, hydrovac equipment is designed with safety features to protect operators and ensure efficient and controlled excavation processes. Hydrovac excavation also produces less soil disturbance and minimises the release of airborne particles compared to traditional digging methods, which can be beneficial for the environment and nearby residents.

Hydrovac excavation offers several environmental benefits compared to traditional excavation methods:

1. Reduced Soil Disturbance: Hydrovac excavation minimises disruption to the surrounding soil and terrain. Traditional excavation methods often involve extensive digging and displacement of soil, which can lead to erosion, sediment runoff, and the loss of topsoil.
2. Preservation of Vegetation and Landscapes: By using pressurised water to loosen soil instead of mechanical force, hydrovac excavation reduces the impact on vegetation and landscaping around the excavation site.
3. Minimised Airborne Particles: Hydrovac excavation, which uses water to control dust and sediment, helps maintain air quality by reducing the release of airborne dust and particles into the atmosphere.
4. Efficient Material Management: Hydrovac excavation produces a slurry of water and soil that is vacuumed into the hydrovac truck. This mixture can be safely contained and disposed of according to environmental regulations.

Protection of Underground Utilities: One of the primary purposes of hydrovac excavation is to safely expose underground utilities without damaging them. This proactive approach helps prevent leaks, spills, or contamination that could result from accidental strikes during traditional digging.