Glossary

Dig Tube / Wand

What is Dig Tube / Wand?

The dig tube is the large vacuum hose that suctions slurry into the debris body, while the wand is the handheld high-pressure water lance the operator uses to cut soil; together they perform hydro excavation.

In hydro excavation, the operator directs a handheld wand that sprays pressurized water to break the ground, while the boom-mounted dig tube (vacuum tube) immediately suctions the resulting slurry into the debris body. Coordinating the wand and dig tube lets crews dig precise holes and expose utilities without contact.

Wand pressure is governed by the water system's GPM and PSI, and dig tube performance depends on the blower's CFM and vacuum lift. Together they define digging speed and precision. Rent hydro excavation equipment configured for your job through a free Vac4Rent request.