Stuck Between Air And Hydro Vacuum Excavation?
Air Vacuum vs Hydrovac Excavations
Traditional physical digging requires a large labour force and carries significant risks. It’s often used for laying underground pipes, building foundations, sewage systems, or railway networks. However, the drawbacks are serious—traditional digging can damage underground utilities, cause sewer leaks, electrical faults, or even damage tree roots. It is also slow, inefficient, and potentially dangerous.
That’s why modern projects are turning to vacuum excavation methods such as hydrovac excavation and air vacuum excavation—two safer, faster, and more precise alternatives.
The Shift Towards Vacuum Excavation
Vacuum excavation, sometimes referred to as non-destructive digging (NDD) or “soft digging,” is an eco-friendly, non-invasive method. Instead of disrupting the entire site, vacuum excavation isolates the digging to the required spot.
Key advantages include:
Cleaner and tidier worksites (all soil and debris are collected in a debris tank).
Safer operations (underground pipes and wires remain undisturbed).
Ability to dig in congested or difficult-to-reach areas (inside buildings, near utilities, or in tight spaces).
Higher accuracy than manual or mechanical digging.
This method eliminates the need for a large manual workforce, saving both time and money. For complex projects, labour hire may still be required—but workers trained in vacuum excavation can deliver far more efficient and reliable results.
Why Choose Air Vacuum Excavation?
Air vacuum excavation uses compressed air to break apart soil, which is then vacuumed into a debris tank.
Economical – Lower operating costs compared to hydrovac excavation.
Reusable spoil – The soil collected can be used for backfilling, reducing waste.
Safe for delicate assets – Low-pressure air avoids damaging underground utilities.
Ideal for light or loose soils – Suitable for projects where lower pressure is sufficient.
Air vacuum excavation is particularly useful in areas where reinstating the soil after installation is necessary, such as around electrical wiring or shallow pipelines.
Why Choose Hydrovac Excavation?
Hydrovac excavation uses high-pressure water combined with a powerful vacuum to break up soil.
Efficient for hard or compact soil – Easily breaks ground that air excavation cannot.
Superior speed and power – High pressure allows for rapid excavation.
Frozen ground compatible – Hot water can thaw frozen soil for winter projects.
Protects equipment – Water lubricates the process, reducing wear and tear.
Versatile – Suitable for plumbing, sewage, rail, and civil works where accuracy and strength are required.
While it may be slightly more expensive due to water use, hydrovac is generally the preferred method thanks to its power, efficiency, and ability to tackle challenging conditions.
Final Thoughts
Both air vacuum excavation and hydrovac excavation provide safer, faster, and more precise alternatives to traditional digging. The choice between them depends on the soil type, project requirements, and whether you need to reuse excavated material.
For expert advice and professional vacuum excavation services in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, contact Get Group / Get Vacced today.