Hydro Excavation

At Diversified Underground we work hard to hold on to our roots; to us diversity means not only having a versatile workforce, but it also having the right tool for the job. In saying this, we realize that most hydro-excavation projects can be done with smaller vac trucks – which are more economical and maneuverable, but sometimes digging conditions are extremely difficult with large rocks, hard soil, or a high water table – just to name a few. When you run into these difficult digging situations we also take care of you with one of large vacuum units. Additionally, for each day’s work we offer a partial pothole data report or a full pothole data report depending on our client’s preference.

Applications for Hydro Excavation

  • Daylighting / Exposing buried utilities
  • Caisson excavation
  • Hydrovac Trenching
  • Hydro Jetting
  • Culvert / Invert Cleaning

Diversified Underground: Hydro Excavation In The Field!

Benefits of Hydro-Vac Excavation:

  • Provides a safer and more efficient method to excavate buried utilities.
  • Enables a visual confirmation of surface locate marks.
  • Minimizes ground disturbance and reduces site restoration costs.
  • Eliminates the need for hand excavation, reducing damage to buried underground structures and possible worker injuries and tens of thousands of dollars in insurance claims.

Past Projects

  • 5G Cell Sites – Completed numerous caissons at various locations for small cell sites across Colorado
  • Denver Bronco’s –Mile High Stadium & Dove Valley Practice Facility
  • Completed large caissons for installation of new practice netting posts at Dove Valley practice facility
  • Completed over 85 caissons at Mile High Stadium for installation of new signs
  • DIA – Preformed and provided Quality Level A data for Concourse A, B & C

FAQ: Hydro Excavation

What is hydro excavation?

  • Hydro excavation is a non-destructive digging method that uses pressurized water to break up soil while a vacuum unit simultaneously removes the slurry. It exposes buried utilities without the risk of striking them, which is why it’s often used in place of mechanical or hand digging around underground lines.

What is hydro excavation used for?

  • Diversified Underground uses hydro excavation for daylighting (exposing buried utilities), caisson excavation, hydrovac trenching, hydro jetting, and culvert or invert cleaning.

Is hydro excavation safer than traditional digging?

  • Yes. It provides a safer, more efficient way to excavate around buried utilities and allows visual confirmation of surface locate marks. Because it doesn’t rely on mechanical blades or hand tools, it reduces the chance of damaging underground structures and the worker injuries and insurance claims that come with those hits.

What is daylighting?

  • Daylighting is the practice of exposing a buried utility so it can be seen and confirmed before work continues nearby. It lets crews verify the exact position of a line rather than relying on surface marks alone.

Does hydro excavation damage the surrounding area?

  • It’s designed to minimize ground disturbance. Less disruption means lower site restoration costs compared with open trenching or wider mechanical excavation.

What size vac trucks does Diversified Underground use?

  • Both smaller and larger units. Most hydro-excavation projects are handled with smaller vac trucks, which are more economical and maneuverable. For difficult digging conditions — large rocks, hard soil, or a high water table, among others — larger vacuum units are used.

Do you provide documentation of the work?

  • Yes. For each day’s work, Diversified Underground offers either a partial pothole data report or a full pothole data report, depending on the client’s preference.

What kinds of projects has Diversified Underground completed?

  • Past hydro excavation work includes numerous caissons for 5G small cell sites across Colorado, caisson work at the Denver Broncos’ Mile High Stadium (over 85 caissons for new signage) and Dove Valley practice facility, and Quality Level A data collection for Concourses A, B, and C at Denver International Airport.

How do I request hydro excavation services?

  • Call Diversified Underground at (303) 636-9999 to discuss your project.