What types of projects require soft excavation?
Soft excavation, also known as hydro excavation, is a precise, safe, and infrastructure-friendly method. It’s increasingly favored by municipalities, contractors, and industrial operators who want to reduce the risk of damage, minimize repair costs, and ensure cleaner operations. But in what types of projects is this method not only recommended but essential? Here’s an overview of the situations where soft excavation is the best choice.
Work in dense urban areas
In downtown areas and highly networked neighborhoods, underground infrastructures are complex and overlapping: water mains, sewers, natural gas, electricity, telecommunications… A single mistake can lead to a leak, outage, or service interruption.
Hydro excavation enables extremely precise digging without damaging these networks. It’s the ideal method for projects such as:
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Targeted repair of water or sewer lines
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Camera inspections of underground utilities
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Installation of poles or bollards
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Clearing of manholes or catch basins
Preparatory excavation for inspections or installations
Before installing a new pipe or repairing existing infrastructure, an initial inspection is often necessary. Hydro excavation allows access to specific points without unnecessary soil displacement or surrounding damage.
This type of digging is recommended for:
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CCTV inspections (to assess pipe integrity)
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Depth checks before mechanical excavation
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Installation of ground rods or electrical terminals
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Connecting new buildings to utility networks
Projects in tight or sensitive areas
Some worksites are located in hard-to-reach areas: narrow alleys, backyards, wooded zones, or busy industrial spaces. In these environments, heavy equipment is impractical or impossible to operate.
Hydro excavation provides superior maneuverability and flexibility, allowing work to be done precisely and without disruption. It’s the method of choice for:
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Work near building perimeters
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Projects in protected natural environments
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Jobs in high-traffic areas (schoolyards, parks, industrial sites)
Winter operations
In Quebec, frozen ground is a reality for much of the year, making traditional excavation difficult. Hydrovac trucks equipped with heating systems can thaw the ground and maintain consistent performance—even in extreme cold.
This is especially useful for:
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Emergency winter repairs (gas leaks, pipe breaks)
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Municipal work during winter months
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Preventive inspections of critical networks
Environmental cleanup and remediation
Hydro excavation is also used in environmental projects, particularly for contaminated site remediation. Its precision limits the spread of hazardous materials and reduces the risk of further contamination.
It is recommended for:
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Cleaning retention ponds or stormwater basins
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Decontaminating polluted soils
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Selective removal of hazardous substances
Industrial maintenance
In industrial settings, regular access to underground infrastructure is needed for maintenance or upgrades. Hydro excavation allows work to be done without halting operations, while ensuring cleanliness and optimal safety.
Typical applications include:
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Valve chamber inspections and maintenance
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Replacement of internal piping
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Cleaning of drainage systems
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Installation of new sensors or monitoring systems
Why choose Excavac for your projects?
Excavac operates one of the most advanced hydrovac fleets in Quebec. Our operators are trained to meet the demands of every jobsite—whether in complex urban zones, sensitive industrial areas, or harsh weather conditions.
We work closely with municipalities, civil engineering firms, general contractors, and infrastructure managers to deliver precise, safe, and tailored soft excavation services.
Need a soft excavation solution?
Turn to our team for your most complex projects. Whether for an inspection, preventive maintenance, or emergency response, Excavac delivers fast, clean, and reliable results.
✉️ Contact us for a customized quote today!
