Glossary of Hydrovac Industry Terms
Introduction
The hydrovac industry uses a wide range of technical terms, abbreviations, and jargon that can be confusing to newcomers and even seasoned professionals. To help bridge that gap, this glossary provides clear definitions and explanations of key hydrovac terminology. Whether you’re a contractor, engineer, or project manager, this guide will help you better understand the equipment, processes, and safety practices behind hydro excavation.
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A–F: Essential Hydrovac Terms
A method similar to hydro excavation but using compressed air instead of water to loosen soil. This reduces the risk of water damage in sensitive areas.
Blower (Positive Displacement Blower)
A vacuum component that generates strong suction for deep excavation. More powerful than fan systems, though slightly slower.
The process of exposing underground utilities safely with hydrovac before heavy machinery digs.
Debris Tank
A sealed tank on the hydrovac truck that stores the soil-water slurry removed from the excavation site.
Fan System
A high-volume air system used for vacuuming shallow or medium-depth excavations. Faster than blowers but less powerful for deep work.
G–L: Technical Terms
Ground Freezing (Winter Excavation)
In colder climates, hydrovacs use heated water to cut through frozen ground, keeping excavation projects running year-round. For more on winter excavation methods, see OSHA’s Cold Weather Construction Safety Guidelines.
The specialized vehicle that houses water tanks, heating systems, high-pressure pumps, and vacuum systems for hydro excavation.
Jetting Nozzle
An interchangeable nozzle tip that controls the water pressure and spray pattern for soil cutting.
Locating
The process of identifying and marking the position of underground utilities before excavation begins. Learn more about safe locating practices from Call 811 Before You Dig.
M–R: Safety & Operations
Mud Tank
Another term for the debris tank where the soil-water slurry is stored until disposal.
A broad term for safe excavation methods, including hydro and air excavation, that minimize damage to buried utilities.
The trained technician who controls the hydrovac truck’s systems, water pressure, and vacuum operations.
Potholing
A form of daylighting where small, precise holes are dug to confirm utility depth and location.
S–Z: Specialized Hydrovac Vocabulary
Slurry
The soil and water mixture created during excavation, vacuumed into the truck’s debris tank.
A narrow excavation technique used to install pipelines, conduits, or cables with minimal soil disturbance.
An assistant who supports the operator by managing hoses, helping with site setup, and ensuring safety compliance.
Utility Strike
An accidental hit on underground infrastructure, such as fiber optics, gas lines, or electrical cables. Hydro excavation is designed to minimize this risk.
Conclusion
By understanding the terminology used in the hydrovac industry, project managers, contractors, and crews can communicate more effectively, operate more safely, and improve excavation efficiency. Bookmark this glossary as your go-to reference for hydrovac terms, from “air excavation” to “utility strikes.”
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