Trenching & Potholing Excavation Services

Precise line locating excavation and utility line potholing services. Our hydro trenching contractors deliver accurate, safe excavation for utility verification and installation.

Precision Accuracy
Minimal Disruption
100% Safe Digging

Potholing vs. Trenching: Understanding the Difference

Two essential techniques for safe excavation and utility location

🎯 Potholing (Test Holes)

Small, precise excavations to verify utility location and depth

Typical Applications:

  • Utility verification before construction
  • Confirming depth and location
  • Multiple utility crossings
  • Pre-design surveys
  • Bore path planning

Standard Specifications:

Hole Size: 8" - 12" diameter
Depth: Up to 15 feet
Time: 15-30 minutes per hole
Accuracy: Within 1 inch

〰️ Trenching (Slot Trenching)

Narrow, continuous excavations for utility installation or exposure

Typical Applications:

  • New utility line installation
  • Cable and pipe laying
  • Utility line repairs
  • Service connections
  • Directional drilling support

Standard Specifications:

Trench Width: 6" - 24" wide
Depth: Up to 30 feet
Length: Unlimited
Speed: 50-200 ft/day

Common Trenching & Potholing Applications

Line finding hydrovac services for every project need

🏗️

Pre-Construction Verification

Confirm utility locations before breaking ground on new projects

  • Building foundations
  • Parking lot construction
  • Road improvements
  • Site development
🔌

Electrical Line Work

Safe exposure of power lines and electrical infrastructure

  • Transformer installations
  • Underground cable pulls
  • Service upgrades
  • Fault location
💧

Water & Sewer Projects

Precise excavation for municipal water systems

  • Main line connections
  • Service line installation
  • Valve replacements
  • Meter pit installation
📡

Telecommunications

Fiber optic and communication line installation

  • Fiber optic pathways
  • 5G infrastructure
  • Cable TV lines
  • Data center connections
🛢️

Oil & Gas Pipeline

Pipeline crossing verification and tie-ins

  • Pipeline exposures
  • Crossing verifications
  • Cathodic protection
  • Integrity digs
🚦

Traffic & Signage

Installation of traffic control infrastructure

  • Traffic signal bases
  • Sign post installation
  • Street light foundations
  • Guardrail posts

Our Precision Excavation Process

Systematic approach ensures accuracy and safety

📋

1. Pre-Excavation Planning

Review utility maps, call 811, and coordinate with utility owners

🔍

2. Surface Scan & Marking

Use ground-penetrating radar and electromagnetic locators

💦

3. Hydro Excavation

Precise water pressure application for safe digging

📏

4. Measurement & Documentation

Record exact depth, size, and GPS coordinates

5. Backfill & Restoration

Replace soil and restore surface to original condition

Benefits of Hydrovac Trenching & Potholing

Why hydro trenching contractors choose vacuum excavation

Benefit Hydrovac Method Traditional Digging
Utility Strike Risk Zero damage risk High damage potential
Excavation Speed Very fast Slow and labor-intensive
Precision Surgical accuracy Limited control
Surface Impact Minimal disruption Large work area needed
Weather Capability All-weather operation Weather dependent
Backfill Quality Original soil reused Import fill often needed
Documentation Precise GPS mapping Manual measurements
Overall Cost Lower total project cost Higher due to risks/time

Specialized Equipment for Precision Work

Advanced technology for accurate excavation

Hydrovac Trucks

  • 3000 PSI water pressure
  • Adjustable nozzles
  • Hot water capability
  • Remote control operation

Vacuum Systems

  • 6000 CFM suction
  • Cyclone filtration
  • 15 cubic yard debris tanks
  • Positive displacement blowers

Locating Equipment

  • Ground penetrating radar
  • Electromagnetic locators
  • GPS mapping systems
  • Depth measurement tools

Safety Equipment

  • Gas detection monitors
  • Shoring and barriers
  • Traffic control devices
  • Emergency response gear

Trenching & Potholing Services Nationwide

Local hydro trenching contractors across 6 states

Need Precise Trenching or Potholing?

Get accurate line locating excavation with zero utility damage

Emergency potholing and trenching available 24/7