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HYDRO EXCAVATION

Our Expertise:

Hydro excavation is the preferred method of excavation in areas with excessive infrastructure – like the D.C. Metro Area. Muller, Inc., crews are highly trained in all hydro excavation techniques. More precise and sustainable than traditional methods, hydro excavation can improve project safety, increase productivity, as well as lower costs and risks when exposing underground infrastructure. Our experienced crews can safely and precisely locate underground pipes, utility lines, cables, and other infrastructure in a wide range of soils and conditions. Muller crews’ expertise is specialized in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

Hydro Excavation with wires and delicate ground materials

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hydroexcavation be used in different types of soil and underground conditions?

Yes, hydroexcavation can be used in a variety of soil and underground conditions. Hydroexcavation uses pressurized water and a vacuum to break up and remove soil, making it an effective method for excavation in a wide range of conditions.

Hydroexcavation is particularly useful in areas with delicate underground infrastructure, as it allows for precise excavation without damaging pipes, cables, or other utilities. It is also effective in areas where traditional excavation equipment may be too large or cumbersome to operate, such as in tight spaces or around existing structures.

Hydroexcavation works in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The effectiveness of hydroexcavation may vary depending on the soil type and condition, but with proper equipment and technique, it can be effective in most types of soil.

What types of projects is hydroexcavation typically used for?

Hydroexcavation is a versatile excavation method with a wide range of applications. Its precision, control, and ability to work around buried utilities make it a popular choice for many excavation needs, including:

Utility excavation: Hydroexcavation is commonly used to expose and excavate around buried utilities such as gas lines, water mains, and telecommunications cables. The precision and control of hydroexcavation reduces the risk of damaging the utility lines during excavation.

Pipeline trenching: Hydroexcavation can be used to create trenches for pipelines. The precision of hydroexcavation is instrumental in this application, as it can ensure that the trench is at the correct depth and width without damaging the surrounding soil or existing utilities.

Environmental remediation: Hydroexcavation can be used in environmental remediation projects to remove contaminated soil. Hydroexcavation allows for targeted excavation and removal of contaminated soil without disturbing surrounding soil or creating additional contamination.

Construction: Hydroexcavation is used in construction projects for foundation excavation, site preparation, and general excavation. Hydroexcavation can excavate precise holes and trenches for footings, pilings, and utility installations.

Municipal infrastructure: Hydroexcavation can be used to excavate municipal infrastructure such as manholes, catch basins, and culverts. Hydroexcavation is especially useful for these types of projects because it can excavate precisely around the infrastructure without damaging it.

What is the difference between hydroexcavation (water) and vacuum excavation?

Hydroexcavation and vacuum excavation are both non-destructive excavation methods used to remove soil and debris from underground locations. However, there are some differences between the two processes.

Hydroexcavation uses high-pressure water to excavate soil and debris, while vacuum excavation uses high-pressure air to loosen and remove soil and debris. Hydroexcavation is typically used when soil conditions are wet or muddy, while vacuum excavation is more commonly used in dry soil conditions.

In hydroexcavation, water is sprayed at high pressure onto the soil, which loosens the soil and debris. A powerful vacuum then sucks up the loosened soil and debris into a debris tank, which is transported and disposed of away from the excavation site. Hydroexcavation is often used in areas where traditional excavation methods could cause damage to underground utilities or infrastructure.

In vacuum excavation, compressed air is used to break up the soil and debris, which is then sucked up into a debris tank by a powerful vacuum. This method is often used in areas where there is a risk of damaging underground utilities or infrastructure, as the air pressure is less likely to cause damage than traditional excavation methods.

Is hydroexcavation safer than using mechanized equipment, when looking for underground utilities?

Yes, hydroexcavation is generally considered a safer method than using mechanized equipment when looking for underground utilities. Hydroexcavation uses pressurized water to break up soil and a vacuum system to remove the soil and water slurry, which is less likely to damage or disrupt underground utilities compared to traditional mechanical excavation equipment like backhoes or excavators.

When using mechanical excavation equipment, there is a risk of accidentally hitting or damaging buried utilities, which can result in costly repairs, service disruptions, and even injury or death. In contrast, hydroexcavation allows for precise and controlled excavation around utilities, minimizing the risk of damage.

In addition to being safer for underground utilities, hydroexcavation is also safer for workers. Using pressurized water to excavate soil reduces the risk of cave-ins and other hazards associated with traditional excavation methods, making it a safer option for workers.
Hydroexcavation is generally considered a safer method than using mechanized equipment when looking for underground utilities. Its precision, control, and ability to work around buried utilities make it popular for many excavation needs.

Are your hydroexcavation crews available for night work or emergency repairs?

Yes, our hydroexcavation crews are available for night work and emergency repairs. We understand that some excavation work needs to be done outside normal business hours, or that unexpected emergencies can arise anytime.

In most cases, our crews can mobilize in less than 24 hours to provide the necessary services. We also have the capability to help establish passive traffic control and draft more formal maintenance of traffic plans, ensuring that the work site is safe and compliant with all necessary regulations.

What size hydro vac trucks does Muller have?

We maintain a large and diverse fleet of state-of-the-art equipment, including Combination JetVac trucks, Hydro Excavators, Vacuum Excavators, and Combination Sewer Cleaners. Our fleet offers a wide range of debris and water capacities, ensuring we have the right equipment for any project.

In terms of hydro vac trucks specifically, we have several sizes available to meet the needs of our clients. Our trucks range in debris capacity from 11 cubic yards or 2200 gallons up to 12 cubic yards or 2400 gallons, and in water capacity from 800 gallons up to 1500 gallons.

Our in-house mechanics maintain each of our hydro vac trucks to the highest standards, ensuring their reliability and performance. Our large fleet and in-house maintenance team also allow us to respond to any unexpected equipment failures quickly, minimizing any potential impact on project schedules.

CONTACT US TODAY

Contact us today to request an estimate or to learn more about our hydro excavation services.