Skip to content
Introductory Offer: list your rental locations free for 3 months.Start free
Vac4Rent

Glossary

Hydrovac

What is Hydrovac?

Hydrovac is short for hydro excavation, a digging method (and the truck or trailer that performs it) that uses pressurized water to loosen soil and a vacuum to remove it, exposing utilities without damage.

The term hydrovac refers both to the process of hydro excavation and to the equipment that performs it, such as a hydrovac truck or hydrovac trailer. Water breaks the ground into slurry and a positive displacement or fan blower pulls that slurry through a dig tube into the debris body.

Hydrovac is the go-to approach for safe digging near live utilities, precise potholing, and daylighting. Specs vary by unit, including debris capacity in cubic yards, water capacity in gallons, vacuum power in CFM, and boom reach in feet. Browse and request hydrovac equipment for rent on Vac4Rent, where rental companies reply directly and Vac4Rent charges no commission.

Equipment for this work

Hydrovac TruckHydrovac Trailer

Guides that cover Hydrovac

Related terms

Hydro ExcavationHydrovac TruckHydrovac TrailerVacuum Excavation

Need to rent the equipment?

Submit one free request and connect directly with rental companies. No commission, no booking fees.

Submit a rental requestBrowse equipment types

Hydrovac: common questions

What is Hydrovac?+

Hydrovac is short for hydro excavation, a digging method (and the truck or trailer that performs it) that uses pressurized water to loosen soil and a vacuum to remove it, exposing utilities without damage.

How does soil type affect hydrovac digging?+

Soil type changes how fast a hydrovac digs and how much water it uses. Sand and loose soil break up easily but can cave into the hole. Dense clay takes more cutting and can clump in the dig tube. Frozen ground usually needs heated water. Rocks and cobbles too large for the vacuum tube may have to be removed by hand. Describing the soil when requesting equipment helps the rental company suggest a suitable unit.

Is a hydrovac the same as a combo truck?+

No. A hydrovac is built to dig, using pressurized water to cut soil and a vacuum to remove it. A combination, or combo, truck pairs a vacuum system with a sewer jetter and is mainly used to clean sewer lines, storm drains, and catch basins. Some combo trucks can handle light excavation, but hydrovac units are purpose-built for digging, with features such as heated water and digging wands.

What training should a hydrovac operator have?+

Operators should understand the high-pressure water system, vacuum and hose hazards, excavation safety, and the utility locating process. OSHA's excavation standard applies to many hydrovac jobs, and employers are responsible for training workers on the hazards they face. Some utility owners and project owners also require specific hydro excavation training or qualifications. When renting with an operator, ask the rental company about the operator's training and experience.