Kick off your project with non‑destructive digging that protects buried utilities and keeps schedules on track. Dig‑It, Inc. delivers hydro-excavation (also called hydro vacuum excavation) crews for potholing, daylighting, slot trenching and debris removal across the Midwest.
Request a hydro-excavation quote — fast response, clear scope and coordinated mobilization.
Related need after utility exposure? See our Foundation Drilling & Drilled Shafts service.
Hydro-excavation uses high‑pressure water to liquefy soil while a powerful vacuum removes the slurry, revealing utilities and subsurface features without the risk of striking them with mechanical teeth or buckets. This method is precise, clean, and safer around gas, electric, fiber, water and sewer infrastructure than conventional digging.
For owners, GCs, and electric‑utility primes, hydro excavation reduces rework, change orders and schedule delays that can come from unexpected utility conflicts. If you’ve been searching for hydro-excavation in your area, you’re likely looking for fast mobilization, skilled operators, and clear documentation—our team is built around those needs.
We tailor crews and gear to match your site constraints and work window. Typical scopes include:
When you compare hydro-excavation companies, look for proven utility work, clean work zones, and an emphasis on safety. Our experienced hydro-excavation contractors coordinate closely with site supervisors to minimize disruptions and keep other trades moving.
Safety and quality are core to every shift. From tailboard talks to utility‑mark verification and daily housekeeping, our crews follow structured procedures that reduce risk without slowing production. Learn more about our program on Safety & Quality.
We operate purpose‑built hydro excavation units with water injection and high‑vacuum systems to surgically expose targets while controlling spoils. Our standard approach includes:
If your site also demands limited access or low‑clearance work, explore Limited Access & Low ‑ Headroom Drilling to pair services efficiently.
Based in Belmont, MI, we mobilize across the Midwest, including Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and West Virginia. For multi‑site programs or outage windows, we plan routing, crew rotations, and laydown in coordination with your schedule. See where we operate on our Locations page.
Every site is unique. We don’t publish blanket rates because hydro-excavation cost depends on the scope and conditions below. Request a takeoff or a time‑and‑materials quote and we’ll align on the most efficient plan for your project.
Soil type & conditions
Dense clays or frozen ground may slow production
Geotech, seasonality, and water temperature
Depth/length of excavation
More volume increases time and disposal
Provide drawings and target depths
Utility density & tolerance
High‑risk zones require slower, careful exposure
Markouts, as‑builts, and tolerance bands
Access & traffic control
Restricted access or MOT can add setup time
Lane closures, night work, or escorts
Water supply & disposal
On‑site water and nearby disposal reduce trucking
Water access and approved dump sites
Environmental controls
Containment or special handling may be required
SWPPP, spoil classification
Have questions about scope? Contact Us with plans, locates, and schedule targets, and we’ll respond with a clear scope, assumptions, and exclusions.
Every site is unique. We don’t publish blanket rates because hydro excavation cost depends on the scope and conditions below. Request a takeoff or a time‑and‑materials quote and we’ll align on the most efficient plan for your project.
Cost driver
Soil type & conditions
How it impacts cost
Dense clays or frozen ground may slow production
What to consider
Geotech, seasonality, and water temperature
Cost driver
Depth/length of excavation
How it impacts cost
More volume increases time and disposal
What to consider
Provide drawings and target depths
Cost driver
Utility density & tolerance
How it impacts cost
High‑risk zones require slower, careful exposure
What to consider
Markouts, as‑builts, and tolerance bands
Cost driver
Access & traffic control
How it impacts cost
Restricted access or MOT can add setup time
What to consider
Lane closures, night work, or escorts
Cost driver
Water supply & disposal
How it impacts cost
On‑site water and nearby disposal reduce trucking
What to consider
Water access and approved dump sites
Cost driver
Environmental controls
How it impacts cost
Containment or special handling may be required
What to consider
SWPPP, spoil classification
Have questions about scope? Contact Us with plans, locates, and schedule targets, and we’ll respond with a clear scope, assumptions, and exclusions.
Mechanical excavation is fast in open, greenfield areas. But near live utilities or crowded corridors, hydro-excavation reduces strike risk, limits surface damage and improves visibility. The result is a safer job, fewer surprises and a cleaner hand‑off to follow‑on work such as drilled shafts, direct‑embed foundations or conduit installation. When the goal is safe utility exposure, hydro-excavation is the right tool.
Prefer a quick conversation to scope your needs? Talk to a project manager now.
A controlled water jet loosens soils while a high‑vacuum hose removes the slurry to a debris tank. This creates a precise cut and immediate visibility so utilities can be located or traced without damage. The process is sometimes called hydro vacuum excavation.
In utility‑dense areas, yes. Hydro-excavation avoids direct mechanical contact with buried assets, reducing the chance of strikes, outages and costly repairs. It also keeps holes cleaner for inspection, measurement and documentation.
Our core offering is turn-key hydro-excavation service with trained crews and equipment. If you’re specifically seeking rental‑only options, please contact us so we can confirm current availability or discuss alternatives.
Production depends on soil type, depth, access, traffic control, water supply, disposal logistics and environmental requirements. Share drawings and mark-outs, and we’ll provide a tailored estimate.
Among hydro-excavation companies serving the Midwest, Dig‑It focuses on utility safety, clear communication and predictable delivery—so you can keep your schedule moving.
Ready to schedule? Get a hydro-excavation quote. We respond quickly with scope, assumptions, and scheduling options.