When looking to work on underground lines, there are two general methods you can choose from to open the ground. You can either go for the manual process; digging with shovel or backhoe, or use the hydro excavation method that is the newest and safest method. It uses air vacuum and high-pressure water techniques. Hydro excavating surpasses the traditional way.
If your project is located in an area where winter weather freezes the ground, it becomes difficult to carry out excavation and digging as it requires more labor and time. That’s why manual or traditional excavation is inefficient, and when they need to perform in cold weather, waiting for the soil to thaw slows down the projects. Sometimes artificial means are used to soften the ground by burning wood and coal. This process releases smoke and pollutes the environment. In short, people are still using traditional excavation methods, but it is not suitable for cold weather.
Hydro excavation is a new technique that quickly becomes more popular because of its benefits and saving. Hydro excavation reduces timeline, labor force, less pollution, and increases accuracy, making it a better choice even for cold climates.
Reasons Why Hydro Excavation Is Perfect for Cold Weather
Let’s find out:
Heaters Available on Hydro Excavation Trucks
Traditional excavation processes include manual digging and require the labor force to collect and dump the washed-out dirt on the trucks that are difficult irrespective of climate. Nealy, during cold weather, it is impossible to excavate the soil. If it is delaying the project, the hydro excavation technique can be adapted. Hydro excavation trucks are equipped with water heaters to thaw the soil using hot water rather than burning wood. This ensures less pollution to the environment. It is also cost-effective as it reduces the workforce.
Multiple Methods to Thaw Ground
Hydro excavation involves air vacuum and hot water to dig and thaw the soil since there is no need to dig or thaw using wood or coal manually. The hydro excavation method reduces the risk of chemical hazards and fire.
Testing Can Be Done Easily
In cold weather, locating underground utilities and using traditional excavation is a miss and potentially causes damage to existing pipes, cables, and sewers. In contrast, hydro excavation does not damage the soil; it does not damage any existing underground utility.
Accurate and Efficient
Hydro excavation trucks can be located at a safe distance from the worksite; workers can work safely. The number of workers used for hydro-excavation is fewer than other digging methods.
In short, using traditional excavation is less precise for cold climates, whereas hydro excavation is more accurate for wintry conditions or tight spaces.