Slot Trenching

Slot trenching produces a narrow channel, typically 4 to 12 inches wide, at a controlled depth. The hydrovac operator directs pressurized water along a marked line while the vacuum simultaneously removes the loosened material. This creates a clean, straight trench with minimal surface disruption compared to traditional mechanical trenching.

The technique is widely used for fiber optic installation, irrigation lines, electrical conduit runs, and drainage systems. Because the trench is narrow, less backfill material is needed and surface restoration costs are lower. Slot trenching is especially valuable in landscaped areas, parking lots, and congested urban environments where minimizing surface damage is a priority.

In utility-dense areas, slot trenching with a hydrovac allows the operator to safely cross over or under existing utilities without risking damage. The water pressure can be adjusted in real time as the operator encounters different soil types or approaches known utility lines.