Glossary

Daylighting

What is Daylighting?

Daylighting is the practice of digging until buried utilities or structures are exposed to open air (daylight), typically with hydro excavation so pipes and cables are uncovered without being struck or damaged.

Daylighting uses pressurized water to break up soil and a powerful vacuum to remove the resulting slurry, gently uncovering underground lines so crews can see (bring to daylight) exactly what is there and where. Because no mechanical blade or bucket touches the utility, it is a core non-destructive digging method used before boring, trenching, or excavating near existing infrastructure.

Contractors daylight to verify utility depth and location, confirm as-built drawings, and reduce the risk of costly and dangerous line strikes. The work is almost always done with a hydrovac truck or hydrovac trailer. On Vac4Rent you can submit a free request to rent daylighting-capable equipment and rental companies reply directly by email or phone; Vac4Rent does not set or publish rates.