5 Best Practices for Exposing Utilities With Vacuum Excavation

If vacuum excavation is part of your service offerings, take these steps to have a safe and successful dig on job sites

5 Best Practices for Exposing Utilities With Vacuum Excavation

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With new utility projects on the rise, damage prevention continues to be a growing concern for the underground construction industry. Especially in developed urban areas, new utilities share the ground with other existing fiber, gas, electric, water and sewer lines. The congested underground space leaves little to no room for error.

To mitigate underground utility damage, some cities require operators to expose parallel utilities near the projected bore path using soft excavation. Regardless of regulations, revealing nearby utilities using soft excavation is an industrywide best practice.

Today’s versatile vacuum excavators are an increasingly popular method for exposing underground utilities on congested, urban projects. Here are five best practices for safely and efficiently exposing utilities with vacuum excavation.

1. Use a rotating nozzle

Water can be a powerful source — and the conduit or polyurethane on a utility isn’t invincible. A rotating nozzle, also known as an oscillating nozzle, is the only nozzle that should be used for exposing utilities.

This type of nozzle does not have a direct spray, which can damage utilities. Also, it delivers a constant stream of circulating water that pulls away more dirt and can use up to 50% less water than a fan nozzle.

Essentially, the oscillating water stream maintains safety without sacrificing productivity.

2. Don’t exceed 3,000 psi

The recommended pressure for soft excavation is between 2,500 and 3,000 psi.

Although many vacuum excavators and nozzles offer higher pounds-per-square-inch capabilities, too much pressure can damage utilities. If using heated water, pressure should be reduced.

3. Stay 8 inches away from the utility

Holding the nozzle too close to the utility also increases the risk of damage. The recommended distance is 6 to 8 inches from the utility.

4. Keep the nozzle moving

Although the rotating nozzle keeps the intense stream of water from remaining in constant, direct contact with the utility, it’s important to physically move the lance/nozzle around as well. Keeping a rotating stream of water during excavation avoids applying excessive pressure to a single area and, in turn, reduces damage.

5. Never dig with the nozzle

As tempting as it may be to push the nozzle into the dirt, this can clog the nozzle and decrease efficiency. If you’re struggling to expose utilities in hard soil or heavy clay, hot-water heater packages are an option with most vacuum excavators. Using hot water can help break down clay without applying additional water pressure. However, keep the temperature below 150 degrees F and reduce pressure to avoid damaging utilities.

In addition to putting crews at risk, failing to properly expose utilities can have a costly consequence. After damaging a utility, companies can face devastating fines and reparation costs.

Operators can apply these best practices to limit unanticipated costs and delays on underground projects while maintaining job site safety and productivity.

About the Author

Chapman Hancock is the Ditch Witch product manager for vacuum excavation. For more information, visit www.ditchwitch.com/safety



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