Dirt Vacuum Truck
By Sierrahydrovac_Admin Excavation Equipment 0 Comments

Why Should You Choose A Vacuum Truck For Your Next Excavation Project

It is common knowledge that traditional excavation used manual techniques, which not only posed dangers but were also time consuming and costly. A dirt vacuum truck today makes a huge difference in excavation procedures. It requires less number of workers to operate, does not create a fuss in the surrounding, and it is also cost-effective, as compared to traditional methods. This has been quite beneficial to industries looking for newer and safe ways to excavate. Let’s take a look at what vacuum trucks do and how they benefit businesses.

What is a Vacuum Truck?

Vacuum trucks are nothing but vacuum tanks mounted onto a truck or trailer. Depending on the method of excavation used (hydro or air excavation), these trucks may also include a water pipe. Typically, industrial dirt vacuum trucks are used to load dry waste or slurry. They are used in various industries including chemical and construction. Industrial vacuum trucks help with excavation and cleaning purposes in a quick and safe manner.

What are the Benefits of a Dirt Vacuum Truck?

Less Manpower Required

This is an obvious one. When there are dirt vacuum trucks being used, less manpower is required. This means low cost and less time-consuming methods. Using dirt vacuum trucks can save you time and money, which is the biggest disadvantage of traditional methods.

Safety Assured

Traditional methods used manual digging tools like backhoes, which risked the safety of the manpower and the underlying pipes and utilities. Since no conventional equipments are used when you deploy the dirt vacuum truck, the safety of the workers, as well as the underground utilities is ensured.

No Surrounding Damage

When combined with hydro or air excavation techniques, these trucks use high pressure water or air to excavate the area and use the vacuum to suck in the debris. No conventional equipments are used that could damage the environment and disturb the surrounding areas. Using dirt vacuum trucks results in a non-destructive excavation.

Time Efficient

As an industrial vacuum truck loads wet or dry waste into the tank with the help of the vacuum pipe. Unlike the traditional methods, where the work required days to get completed, using dirt vacuum truck gets the work done faster. Plus, the reduced project time also decreases the cost. Thus, you can ensure cost-effectiveness of the project.

So, here were all the benefits of dirt vacuum truck. If you’re seeking for hydrovac or excavation services, then get in touch with us at Sierra Hydrovac.

Hydro Excavation Services
By Sierrahydrovac_Admin Hydrovac Excavation 0 Comments

Hydro Excavation VS Air Excavation

Whether you should go for hydrovac or air excavation is a common question that rises time and again among industrialists and business owners. Hydro excavation services and air excavation are used for purposes like potholing, trenching, digging, and maintenance of underground utilities, to name a few. Both are non-destructive and non-mechanical methods of excavation. While there lies some differences, both the processes are effective in their own ways. To answer your question, let’s look at both the services in detail:

What is Hydro Excavation?

Hydrovac, as the name suggests, signifies the use of water and vacuum. It utilizes pressurized water to remove soil and debris and excavate the area. The hydrovac truck is equipped with a suction hose, which sucks the accumulated slurry into the tank. Unlike traditional excavating techniques, the process involves no use of backhoes and other conventional equipment.

Cost

Since the use of traditional equipment and digging methods is eliminated, the excavation gets done faster using hydrovac. Reduction in time taken means reduction in the costs of equipment and manpower used. Thus, hydrovac is a cost-effective technique of excavating.

Safety

Traditional digging methods were considered unsafe to the environment, as well as the workers. The equipments used could cause harm to the workers and also damage the underground utilities. For projects that need to exercise caution because of the presence of underground pipes and utilities, hydrovac is the best choice. Plus, the use of water and vacuum causes no damage to the environment.

Application

Hydrovac can be used on any type of ground, be it hard, clay, or a frozen surface. It is applicable on virtually all soil types. Plus, it can be carried out in areas that are not easily accessible. A hydrovac truck can be placed far off from the site to be excavated.

What is Air Excavation?

Air excavation, also called as dry suction, uses compressed air to excavate the surface. Unlike hydrovac, the method does not use water. It uses high pressure air to break the soil, excavate the area and locate underground utilities. The debris is then vacuumed into the storage or holding tank. Also, since the waste is dry, it is not dumped in the sewage plant. It is usually used for backfilling.

Time

Like hydrovac, air excavation is also a quicker digging method. Although, both the excavation services are faster than that of traditional excavation methods, air excavation is comparatively slower when compared to hydrovac.

Cost

When compared with hydro excavation the cost of air excavation is almost similar. Unlike traditional methods, air excavation also uses non-conventional equipment and techniques. Thus, air excavation is a quick and cost-effective method.

Application

Air excavation is mainly used at places near highways and railroads. In fact, air excavation is usually a preferred choice in such areas. If a hydrovac is used at such places the wet debris can create traffic for the commuters, thus, air excavation service is used such places. Unlike hydrovac, air excavation is used only under specific environmental conditions. This is because the impact of air on frozen landscapes can be time consuming.

Thus, it can be said that hydro excavation services, as well as air excavation, have their unique benefits and limitations. The common factors being that they are cost-effective techniques that do not damage the environment and are completely safe.

If you are looking for excavation services you can connect with us at Sierra Hydrovac.

Industrial Vacuum Truck
By Sierrahydrovac_Admin Hydrovac Excavation 0 Comments

3 Tips To Choose An Industrial Vacuum Truck

An industrial vacuum truck is mainly used to take out waste and debris like small rocks, sand, and slurry from the ground to clear the area for excavation. These vacuum trucks have a hydro-pump that makes the dry waste steady with splashing water. It becomes easier to clear the surface, and it also becomes easy to dump at the sewage treatment plant. Several businesses including chemical, oil and gas, utility services, and municipalities require an industrial vacuum truck.  If you are planning to buy an industrial vacuum truck, make sure you consider the following factors:

1) New, Used or Reconditioned

First, you need to decide whether you need to buy a new, used, or a reconditioned truck.Identify the services you need and the amount of time you need it for. For instance, you will have to determine whether you want the truck to dispose of dry, liquid, or both kinds of waste as you can buy trucks that serve each of these purposes.  Also, if you intend to use the truck for a limited period, then you can get a used truck. But, if you want specific appliances, then you can get a reconditioned or a new one. Once the decision is made, it will also help you finalize the budget accordingly.

2) Inspect Thoroughly

Now, that the budget is set and the truck is finalized, you need to inspect it. Make sure the vacuum truck fits in the bill. You already determined the purpose for which you need a vacuum truck. Inspect its features and ensure that they will help you carry out your task efficiently. You can ask the service provider to take you through its features and applications.  If you’re buying a used one, make sure you check the records for damage and replacement.

3) Check the Warranty and Get the Paperwork in Place

A warranty depends on the age and the condition of the truck. In other words, you get what you pay for. Buyers sometimes are not aware of the vital information such as the l things covered by the warranty. Make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully on the warranty. Also, follow the guidelines related to the paperwork. Be sure to obtain the copy of all the paperwork. If the seller denies to provide you with a copy, then look elsewhere. Make sure all the paperwork and permits are in place. And, don’t forget to ask the seller for a certificate that states that the truck has passed through the annual inspection.

Following these tips will ensure you bank upon the right industrial vacuum truck. If your need is temporary, then it makes sense to hire excavation services, instead of buying a truck. If you’re looking for reliable hydrovac or excavation services, then connect with us at Sierra Hydrovac.

Hydro Excavation Services
By Sierrahydrovac_Admin Hydrovac Excavation 0 Comments

Advantages Of Horizontal Directional Drilling

Hydro excavation services is used for various purposes including directional drilling. Directional drilling is a technique through which a well is bored at different angles. Typically, it controls the direction of the wellbore to a predetermined location. It most often refers to drilling at non-vertical angles and is referred to as Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD).

HDD bores a well underground without destroying the landscape. The work is carried out by a directional rig that uses pressurized water jet and vacuum. Following are some of the benefits that HDD offers:

A Cost-efficient Process

Open cut excavation is the most common way of installing utilities. But, the method comes with its limitations. It can only be done when the ground above utilities can be disturbed. Open cut or trenching is the most common way of installing utilities. While this method is considered economical, it is also slow and may not be applicable in certain areas. Horizontal directional drilling is faster and can be used in the same situation where an open cut excavation is used. And, it can be utilized in areas where there are buildings and roadblocks. Not only this, there is savings in terms of equipment and manpower as well. Thus, cost-effectiveness is a benefit of HDD that must not be overlooked.

A Location-friendly Process

Horizontal directional drilling can help you excavate and install utilities at locations which are less accessible. If the area involves the risk of damaging important underground utilities, then you can opt for HDD for excavation. It also helps preserve the landscape as it does not require digging down the entire length of pipe and displaces less soil. Also, if you want a pipeline curved at a particular direction under the road, river, house, water bodies, etc. HDD can help you get the task done without any damage.

A Quick Installation Procedure

As compared to traditional drilling methods, horizontal directional drilling is faster as it reduces the need for manpower and conventional equipment. It eliminates the time of evacuating the soil and waste materials because it bores a well and the excess soil is adjusted.  In other words, the water jet used during the process does not generate excess debris. In fact, it pushes the soil to the side and does not let it come up to the surface.  There is less debris to rebury and dispose of, quickening the process.

If you are looking for directional drilling or any other hydro excavation services, then Sierra Hydrovac can help you with all your needs.

Hydro Excavation Services
By Sierrahydrovac_Admin Hydrovac Excavation 0 Comments

How Does Hydro Excavation Work

Hydro excavation is nothing but a technique of excavation that uses water and vacuum. Unlike traditional excavation, which uses manual ways of digging, hydro excavation is a safe process that involves the use of trucks and hoses to excavate. Hydro excavation services provider first uses pressurized water to loosen up and remove the soil and debris. After which, they use the vacuum to suck up the slurry.

Unlike the traditional method, this technique of excavation is safe for the environment, as well as the personnel. Since it does little to no harm when digging the earth, the process has become quite popular. Various industries use it for different purposes. Let’s look at the various uses and benefits of hydro excavation.

Applications of Hydro Excavation Services

As mentioned previously, the demand for hydro excavation services has increased lately. Some of the applications of hydro excavation are mentioned below:

Trenching – The method can be used to dig a trench to install data lines, gas lines, pipes, or to locate underground utilities.

Debris Removal – Hydro excavation services are also used to clear areas by removing debris. For example, it is used to clean drainage and manholes.

Daylighting – For those of you who want to cut down on costs and save resources, you can use hydrovac daylighting. Daylight is described as using hydrovac to uncover underground utilities to the daylight.

Potholing – Hydrovac or hydro excavation is a great way to dig and expose underground utilities in congested areas. The technique proves to be a great way of potholing in a cost-efficient manner.

Benefits of Hydro Excavation

Cost-efficient – Hydro excavation is faster than traditional digging method as it uses specific heavy duty equipment, unlike manual digging methods. It’s also efficient as it requires only the hydro excavation truck and no hand digging tools or an additional dump truck. Experienced crew members excavated the land by operating the truck. The reduced time allows the project to be carried out at low costs.

Reduced Risks – The use of shovels and backhoes in the traditional digging methods increased the chance of damage to the land, as well as the underground utilities. Plus, the entire process also possessed risk to workers. Hydro excavation eliminates such problems as it uses specialized equipment, water and vacuum. The experienced crew looks after the whole process and the work is done with greater precision. It also considers the nature and its importance, and makes sure it does not harm any kind of natural resource.

Hydro excavation reduces a lot of the risks and costs that are brought about by traditional digging methods. The benefits offered by the method, makes it a preferred choice for excavating in the industrial world. Since it is a non-mechanical and safe method, it gets the job done faster and more accurately with less effort from laborers.

If you’re looking for reliable hydro excavation services, then you can get in touch with us at Sierra Hydrovac. We can help you with any type of excavation work.

Hydro Excavation Contractors
By Sierrahydrovac_Admin Hydrovac Excavation 0 Comments

What Do Hydro Excavating Contractors Do

Hydro excavation is a procedure, which involves non-mechanical and non-destructive excavation methods. It uses pressurized water and vacuum hose to clear and excavate areas. Every Hydro excavation contractor works differently. Though they work differently, the method which is used for excavation remains the same. This process is typically used for cleaning and digging purposes by various industries. Following are some of the services that are provided by most of the Hydro excavation contractors:

Removal Of Waste

Hydrovac excavation helps clean areas of waste. It can remove wet as well as dry materials from trenches, pits, and underground tanks by using water and then vacuuming it into the truck. Whether it is cleaning manholes or simply removing debris for excavation, hydrovac contractors can help.

Daylighting

Daylighting is the process, where underground lines or pipes are exposed to daylight or made visible to easily complete the task. This process is mainly chosen to avoid damage to underground utilities like cable lines, pipes, gas and water lines, etc.

Potholing

Potholing requires precision, as it can be used for plumbing purposes or even to install a streetlight. Hydrovac can be the best solution for such purposes. Since Hydrovac is a safe method of digging and excavating, it adds precision. It is also comparatively faster than other methods.

Trenching

Shallow and long trenches may need to be created to install service lines. For instance, to install pipelines and sewer systems, trench excavation may need to be carried out. Hydro excavation contractors implement the hydrovac system to dig trenches.

Directional Drill

Directional drilling is mainly used for making gradual changes underground or on the ground level in a particular direction. In other words, if the ground has to be turned into a park, then directional drilling helps you install underground water pipes for sprinklers. Directional drilling is different than trenching, as it is used to dig in a particular direction underground.

Hydrovac is a safe and efficient method of excavating. The fact that it uses professional equipment and techniques, also contributes to the reduction in time and cost of a project.

If you are looking for a Hydro excavation contractor, then get in touch with us at Sierra Hydrovac.

Industrial Vacuum Truck
By Sierrahydrovac_Admin Excavation Equipment 0 Comments

The Many Uses Of An Industrial Vacuum Truck

Industrial production and construction often result in toxic liquids and waste. Sewers and drainage ditches, if not cleaned, can pollute the environment. An industrial vacuum truck performs the job of clearing toxic waste and prevents health and environmental hazards. These trucks consist of a large storage container to store liquid and semi-solid waste, a suction pump, and a series of hoses to access tightly confined areas. It is used to pump away dry and liquid waste from septic tanks, catch basins, oil spills, and industrial sewers, which otherwise could be hazardous. There are various uses of an industrial vacuum truck. Here are some of them:

Suctioning of Hazardous Materials

Industrial vacuum trucks are specifically designed to remove wet and dry industrial waste. The truck contains a suction pump with which all the waste is pumped out and stored in the storage container. Whether solid, liquid, frothy, or slurry, an industrial vacuum truck can be used to remove all types of waste. Construction, industrial production, and municipal settings use these trucks to clear away the unwanted and dangerous materials.

Transporting and Disposing Materials

Industrial vacuum trucks have odor control and spill prevention abilities. Thus, they are a preferred choice for transporting and disposing of waste. Such features of a vacuum truck make them perfect for transporting bio-solids. Furthermore, industrial settings also generate toxic materials that possess serious health risks. Vacuum trucks are used to dispose of such materials and prevent its effects on worker’s health and the environment in general.

Hydro Excavation

Activities like construction, installing service lines, and uncovering underground utilities require excavation. Hydro excavation is a technique where pressurized water is used to remove soil and debris, and vacuum is used to suck the unwanted material into the tank. One of the applications of industrial vacuum trucks is hydro excavation. Industrial vacuum trucks are used to pull in the debris into the tanks while implementing this efficient excavation technique.

Other Uncommon Uses

Apart from keeping the streets and industrial settings clean, vacuum trucks are also used to perform some life-saving functions. They come in handy during emergencies like cave-in rescue and recovery missions. Furthermore, when hazardous materials are spilled, vacuum trucks are quick in drawing them out. Since such materials are removed quickly, their negative effect on the environment is reduced. This is especially beneficial for oil and mining industries.

There are several uses of an industrial vacuum truck. You only have to choose the right truck and service provider for your project. You can also reach out to us at Sierra Hydrovac if you need standardized excavation or hydrovac services.

Types of Excavation in Construction
By Sierrahydrovac_Admin Excavation Equipment 0 Comments

8 Types Of Excavation Used In Construction

Whether you want to construct a commercial or a residential building, roadways, bridges, or install pipes and underground utility lines, the land needs to be inspected and prepared to ensure it provides a strong foundation. Excavation is an important part of any construction project. The process uses different tools and techniques to move soil, rock, and other material to form a cavity and prepare the area for construction. Building companies use several different types of excavation in construction. The type of excavation used depends on the material used and the purpose.

Here are some types of excavation in construction classified on the basis of material and purpose:

Excavation by Material

Topsoil Excavation

As the name suggests, this type of excavation involves the removal of the exposed or the topmost area of the earth’s surface. The excavation method removes vegetation, soil, and any other decaying material that could make the land unsuitable to bear structural loads.

Rock Excavation

This type of excavation is used to clear surfaces; like the rocky surfaces that impede the building process. Rock excavation is highly challenging as compared to the other types. This is because it cannot be done without the use of special equipment and techniques like drilling or blasting to remove the rock or clear a tough surface.

Muck Excavation

Muck, the combination of soil and water, is often undesirable during construction and needs to be removed. Muck excavation is named after the material being removed. The muck is either moved to another area or spread out to dry.

Earth Excavation

To create a foundation for buildings and bridges or construct drainage ditches various layers of earth need to be removed. Earth excavation includes the removal of soil; the layer below the topsoil, for the purpose of construction.

Excavation by Purpose

Cut and Fill Excavation

Also known as stripping excavation, this type of excavation in construction is used to clear large areas. The process involves the removal of wide and shallow layers of topsoil, rocks, sand, and other unwanted materials. The procedure may also include grading the land.

Trench Excavation

In this type of excavation the length of the excavated area exceeds the depth. Trench excavation is typically used to bury service lines, to install pipelines and sewer systems, or lay foundations. Shallow trenches of less than 6m or deep trenches of more than 6m are done using this type of excavation. The techniques used for this type is dependent on factors like the purpose, ground conditions, number of obstructions, and so on.

Basement Excavation

Basement is typically the area below the ground level. This type of excavation is used when the construction is to be done at least partially below the ground level. Depending on the size of the property, this type of excavation can be complicated.

Dredging

Sediment deposits can build up over time under water making construction, as well as the passage, difficult. The process of dredging involves excavating and removing sediments and debris from underwater to allow boats and ships to pass easily and for other construction purposes.

While these were some, there are many other types of excavation used in construction. If you’re in search of an excavation service provider connect with us at Sierra Hydrovac.