Soft dig excavation (or soft digging) is a non-destructive, minimally invasive excavation method that uses pressurized water or air to break up soil, which is then removed by a powerful vacuum system. This technique is primarily used to safely locate and expose underground utilities and infrastructure without the risk of damage posed by traditional mechanical digging methods (e.g., backhoes, bulldozers).
Key Benefits
- Safety: The primary advantage is the significant reduction of risk to workers and the public by preventing accidental strikes on gas lines, electrical conduits, or telecommunications cables, which can cause severe accidents or service interruptions.
- Precision: This method allows for highly accurate, controlled digging in tight or sensitive areas, minimizing the overall excavation footprint compared to traditional methods.
Minimal Disruption: It causes less damage to the surrounding landscape and infrastructure, reducing the cost and effort required for site restoration or backfilling (especially with air excavation, where the dry soil can often be immediately reused). - Efficiency: While it may seem slower initially, it often saves time and money by preventing costly utility repairs, project delays, and the need for extensive cleanup or disposal of excess dirt.
- Versatility: Soft digging can be used in a wide range of conditions, including frozen ground and confined spaces, making it ideal for utility work, potholing (test holes to verify utility location), trenching, and debris removal.
- Soft digging is widely recognized as a best practice for safe excavation within the “tolerance zone” around existing underground utilities.
Competitive Rates by the hour, day, or week. Travel Charges may apply.
