Different Terms for Hydro Excavation: What They Mean and How They’re Used
Hydro excavation has quickly become the preferred method of safe, non-destructive digging (NDD) across industries. But if you’ve researched or worked with this technology, you’ve probably noticed that it goes by many different names. Depending on the region, industry, or even contractor, terms like hydrovacing, vacuum excavation, soft digging, daylighting, and potholing may be used interchangeably.
This guide breaks down the most common terms for hydro excavation, what they mean, and how they’re applied in different contexts. Understanding these variations helps you communicate clearly with contractors, municipalities, and clients while ensuring the right service is delivered.
Want the latest updates on hydrovac technology, safety practices, and excavation innovations? Subscribe to our free newsletter and get expert insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Why Hydro Excavation Has So Many Names
Hydro excavation combines high-pressure water with an industrial-strength vacuum to safely break up soil and remove it. Because the method can be applied to a wide range of tasks—utility locating, trenching, debris removal, and more—different industries coined different names. Over time, regional preferences and branding from equipment manufacturers have also shaped the terminology.
Common Terms for Hydro Excavation
1. Hydro Excavation / Hydro Excavating
The most universal term. Refers to the process of using pressurized water and a vacuum system to excavate soil safely and precisely.
2. Hydrovacing / Hydrovac
Popular in Canada and northern U.S. states. Often used to describe both the process and the truck itself. Example: “We’ll bring the hydrovac out for this job.”
3. Vacuum Excavation
A broader term that encompasses both air and hydro excavation. Since some contractors use compressed air instead of water, “vacuum excavation” distinguishes between the two techniques.
4. Excavation-Vacing
A less common phrase, often seen in municipal or industrial contexts, describing the same water-and-vacuum method.
5. Soft Digging
A descriptive term highlighting the non-destructive, “soft” nature of hydro excavation compared to mechanical digging. Frequently used in utility safety campaigns.
6. Daylighting
Refers to the process of safely exposing (or “daylighting”) underground utilities to confirm their exact location. Widely used in construction and utility planning.
7. Potholing
Another utility locating term, potholing involves creating small test holes to expose utilities. Often used interchangeably with daylighting, though potholes are typically smaller in diameter.
8. Non-Destructive Digging (NDD)
A formal industry term emphasizing that hydro excavation does not damage underground infrastructure. Common in engineering and regulatory contexts, especially in Australia.
9. Aqua Vac / Water Vac / Water Excavator
Brand-influenced or colloquial terms for hydrovacs. These highlight the water-based method, distinguishing them from air vacs.
10. Suction Excavation / Suction Vacs
More common in Europe, this term focuses on the suction technology used to remove debris and slurry after water breaks down soil.
10. Vactor/ Vac-Con/ Tornado/ Badger
Brand influenced by long term manufacturers or providers, less commonly used.
Which Term Should You Use?
- For technical accuracy: Hydro excavation or vacuum excavation
- For utility location work: Daylighting or potholing
- For regulatory/compliance documents: Non-destructive digging (NDD)
- For branding and equipment references: Hydrovac
No matter which term is used, they all describe variations of the same safe, precise, and environmentally responsible excavation process.
Conclusion
Hydro excavation has revolutionized modern digging practices, and with its adoption came a wide vocabulary of industry terms. Whether you hear someone say “potholing,” “soft digging,” or “hydrovacing,” they’re referring to the same core method: using pressurized water and vacuum power for safe, non-destructive excavation.
By understanding these terms, you’ll not only improve communication with contractors and clients but also ensure you’re selecting the right service for your project.
Stay ahead in the hydro excavation industry. Subscribe today for top news, tech updates, innovations, events, insights, and exclusive class