Slot trenching with hydro excavation is a construction method involving the excavation of narrow trenches for the installation of underground utilities such as cables, pipes, and conduits. This can be done by using minimal impact techniques like hydro excavation. This is the preferred approach since it is non-mechanical, non-destructive, and a more efficient operation.

Hydro excavation is the process of moving or removing soil with pressurized water. After, a vacuum truck sucks up the debris into a tank. The reason this way is becoming popular is due to being quicker, safer, and inexpensive compared to mechanical excavation. That practice involves digging manually which takes longer and requires more labor. It’s the older way of doing things and isn’t too accurate. It digs trenches much wider than they need to be with large equipment that can damage surrounding areas. There is also a risk of harming pipes and cables underground.

Slot trenching with hydro excavation makes it easier for workers to dig thin, narrow trenches that are very accurate and contained to the job they’re doing. There is minimal back-filling which allows the job to be completed faster. There is no heavy equipment involved so it is non-destructive, leaving the work area tidy.