In the ever-evolving landscape of construction, infrastructure, and utility services across the Fraser Valley, accuracy and safety have become top priorities. Whether you’re managing a new development in Langley, a utility upgrade in Abbotsford, or roadwork in Coquitlam, the risk of hitting buried infrastructure grows every year. Traditional excavation methods are no longer sufficient in many cases.
This is where hydrovac excavation plays a crucial role.
Hydrovac is a solution that combines safety, precision, and environmental responsibility. For contractors, developers, municipalities, and property managers, understanding what hydrovac is and when to use it is key to avoiding delays, damage, and unnecessary costs.
What Is Hydrovac Excavation?
Hydrovac, or hydro excavation, is a non-destructive method of soil removal. Instead of using mechanical equipment like backhoes or trenchers, it relies on a combination of pressurized water and vacuum suction.
The process works in two main steps:
- Pressurized Water Loosens the Soil
A high-pressure hose sprays water into the ground, breaking up soil, gravel, clay, or even frozen ground without causing structural damage. - Vacuum Extracts the Slurry
Simultaneously, a powerful vacuum hose removes the resulting slurry (water and loosened soil) and deposits it into a debris tank on the hydrovac truck.
This method leaves buried pipes, cables, and other infrastructure untouched. It’s particularly valuable when excavation must occur in areas with dense underground systems or near critical utility lines.
At ACE Tank Services, our hydrovac trucks are equipped with high-capacity water heaters, allowing for efficient work even during BC’s cold, wet winters. Whether it’s frozen soil or clay-heavy ground, hydrovac can handle it with ease.
Why Is Hydrovac Gaining Popularity?
The growth of cities like Surrey, Maple Ridge, and Mission means more underground infrastructure and less margin for error. Regulations have become stricter, and so have client expectations. Hydrovac excavation meets modern project demands in several ways:
- It minimizes the risk of damaging utilities
- It allows for precise excavation in tight or sensitive areas
- It can be performed year-round, even in frozen conditions
- It reduces the need for site restoration after digging
Traditional excavation is still useful in certain contexts such as large-scale grading or rural trenching, but when safety, speed, and precision matter most, hydrovac is the tool of choice.
When Should You Use Hydrovac?
Let’s break down the most common use cases for hydrovac excavation in real-world projects. These scenarios are drawn from ACE Tank’s daily operations across the Fraser Valley.
1. Near Buried Utilities
If there’s one area where hydrovac is virtually mandatory, it’s around underground utilities. Accidentally hitting a gas line, water main, or fiber optic cable can cause major delays, regulatory headaches, and thousands in repair costs. Worse, it can create life-threatening hazards.
Hydrovac allows crews to safely “daylight” utilities. “Daylighting” is when you expose them for visual confirmation before any other work begins. In cities like Abbotsford and Coquitlam, this process is often required by law before permits are approved. Using hydrovac ensures compliance and helps you avoid fines or stop-work orders.
Our team at ACE Tank has extensive experience locating and exposing:
- Gas lines
- Sewer laterals
- Electrical conduits
- Water and irrigation lines
- Telecom and fiber optics
This precision is essential when working on municipal or commercial infrastructure projects where utility congestion is common.
2. In Areas With Limited Access or High Traffic
Construction often takes place in complex environments. You may be digging on a sidewalk, near a storefront, or within a narrow alleyway. In these settings, traditional excavation equipment may not fit or may damage nearby surfaces.
Hydrovac trucks offer remote access capability. Operators can run hoses over 100 feet from the vehicle, allowing for excavation in confined or inaccessible spaces. This makes it ideal for:
- Business improvement districts
- School zones
- Residential developments with landscaping
- Protected areas near rivers or tree roots
Using hydrovac means you’re less likely to damage pavement, curbs, lawns, or heritage sites. The result? Fewer restoration costs and happier stakeholders.
3. In Frozen or Clay-Heavy Soil
The Fraser Valley experiences wet and cool winters that harden soil and delay excavation. Traditional digging requires heavy equipment, heat blankets, or even open flame torches to break through frozen ground. These methods are time-consuming and risky.
Hydrovac trucks with onboard heaters make winter work faster and safer. Hot water penetrates frozen or compacted soil quickly, avoiding damage to nearby pipes or structures. This keeps critical winter projects such as utility repairs or emergency installations meeting their deadlines.
In addition, clay-heavy areas like those found in Maple Ridge or Chilliwack can be difficult to work with using mechanical diggers. Hydrovac offers a gentler, more consistent approach, especially in trenching applications or when backfilling is needed later.
4. When Precision Matters
Not all excavation is large-scale. Some projects require surgical accuracy, especially near foundations, delicate landscaping, or where heritage infrastructure exists.
Hydrovac enables fine excavation control, allowing for selective digging and minimal over-excavation. It’s perfect for:
- Fence and posthole installations
- Foundation exposure
- Electrical trenching near sidewalks
- Tree root preservation projects
- Work in archaeological or conservation zones
You can read how hydrovac protects tree roots during construction here.
5. To Stay Compliant with Municipal Bylaws
Hydrovac is often a legal requirement. Across BC, municipalities are adopting stricter rules on excavation to prevent infrastructure damage, reduce disruption, and protect the environment.
Common regulations include:
- Mandatory daylighting before any mechanical excavation
- Restrictions on digging within a meter of utilities
- Requirements for sediment control and clean work zones
- Protected tree bylaws that prohibit root damage
- Limitations near waterways or heritage structures
ACE Tank works closely with municipal inspectors and permit offices to ensure all excavation complies with local standards. When you hire us, you’re also hiring peace of mind.
Is Hydrovac More Expensive?
One of the most common misconceptions about hydrovac is cost. Yes, the hourly rate may be higher than traditional excavation. But in most cases, the total project cost is lower. This is thanks to fewer damages, faster permit approval, and reduced cleanup or rework.
Here’s what drives hydrovac’s cost-effectiveness:
- Minimal site restoration needed afterward
- Shorter permit processing times due to safer method
- Lower risk of hitting utilities and facing repair fees
- Faster inspections due to clean, visible work areas
- Smaller crews required, reducing labour costs
Who Uses Hydrovac Services?
ACE Tank supports clients across many sectors throughout BC. Our hydrovac customers include:
- Municipal governments and utilities
- General contractors and site developers
- Telecom and energy providers
- Property managers and facilities maintenance crews
- Civil engineering and environmental firms
Our ability to operate in sensitive, tight-access, or winter conditions makes us a preferred vendor for complex or high-compliance projects.
Quick Comparison Table: Hydrovac vs Traditional Excavation
| Factor | Hydrovac | Traditional Digging |
| Utility Safety | Very High | Moderate |
| Precision | Excellent | Fair |
| Winter Use | Yes | Limited |
| Surface Damage | Minimal | Significant |
| Compliance Support | Strong | Varies |
| Cleanup Required | Low | High |
What Projects Benefit Most from Hydrovac?
Hydrovac is especially useful in the following project types:
- Utility upgrades and repair work
- Parking lot drainage or catch basin installations
- Telecom tower builds in remote areas
- Emergency sewer or gas line access
- Trenching for electrical or irrigation
- Car wash pit or storm drain cleaning
We also work with developers during early-stage site prep to expose services and allow for safe ongoing construction.
Why Contractors Trust ACE Tank for Hydrovac in the Fraser Valley
ACE Tank Services has been a trusted name in excavation and waste services for over 40 years. Our team understands the demands of BC terrain, weather, and regulatory frameworks. We’re advisors and problem-solvers.
What sets us apart:
- Experienced, certified hydrovac crews
- Fleet of heated, high-capacity hydrovac trucks
- 24/7 emergency service available
- Detailed documentation and safe disposal of debris
- Complementary services like septic cleaning, car wash pit cleaning, and holding tank pumping
Our service area includes Langley, Surrey, Abbotsford, Coquitlam, Burnaby, Chilliwack, and beyond.
Speak with a Hydrovac Expert Today
Every excavation project comes with its own set of challenges. Whether you’re working around active utilities, digging through frozen soil, or managing a tight timeline, hydrovac gives you the control and compliance you need.
At ACE Tank, we make the process simple. Our team will assess your site needs, recommend the safest approach, and schedule service that aligns with your workflow.
Reach out now to get in contact or request a free quote.
