Excavation projects can get messy—literally and figuratively. One wrong move with traditional digging methods, and you’re dealing with damaged utilities, unstable ground, or a costly clean-up. That’s why more contractors and civil crews are turning to vacuum trucks for a safer, cleaner, and more efficient way to dig.

But what exactly are vac trucks, and how can they help your next excavation project run smoothly? Whether you’re new to vacuum excavation or looking to hire the right equipment, Dig Safe SA has put together this guide to break down everything you need to know before your next dig.

What is a vacuum truck?

A vacuum truck is a powerful excavation vehicle designed for non-destructive digging. Unlike traditional methods that rely on heavy machinery or manual labor, vac trucks use high-pressure water and a strong vacuum system to safely break up and remove soil.

They are most commonly used for utility locating, potholing, trenching, and debris removal, ensuring underground services remain intact while excavation is carried out with precision and minimal disruption.

How vacuum trucks get the job done

Vacuum trucks use a combination of water and suction power to dig safely and efficiently. This process is ideal for non-destructive excavation, ensuring that work is done with minimal disruption and maximum precision. The steps involved are:

• High-pressure water jets break up the soil into a slurry, which helps avoid damage to nearby utilities like pipes, cables, or gas lines.
• A powerful vacuum system extracts the loosened material, ensuring the excavation site remains clean and organised throughout the process.
• The spoil is collected directly into the truck’s storage tank, which not only keeps the site tidy but also eliminates the need for excessive backfilling.

This method is perfect for a wide variety of excavation areas, from utility locating to drainage projects, and is highly effective for liquid waste management in sensitive environments.

When should you use a vacuum truck for your dig? 

Vacuum trucks are perfect for several key tasks where precision and safety are essential. Here’s when to consider using one:

• Utility Locating – Safely expose underground services such as gas, water, or electrical lines.
• Potholing – Create small, precise holes to inspect underground utilities before larger excavation work begins.
• Trenching – Ideal for narrow trenching without disturbing the surrounding area.
• Non-Destructive Excavation – Best when working near fragile infrastructure or environmentally sensitive areas.

The biggest mistakes to avoid when using a vacuum truck 

When using a vacuum truck, it's important to avoid certain mistakes to ensure the process goes smoothly. One common error is using the wrong water pressure. If the water pressure is too high, it can damage underground utilities or cause soil to be displaced excessively, while too little pressure can result in slower excavation times.

Another mistake is not monitoring spoil tank levels. Overfilling the tank can lead to inefficiency and downtime, as the truck will need to be emptied more frequently. Additionally, failing to properly plan excavation routes or underground utility locations can result in unexpected complications or delays. Proper planning and understanding the site are key to preventing issues during operation.

Make excavation easy with our vac trucks

Excavation can be messy and risky, especially around underground utilities. Our sucker trucks and hydro excavation services offer a safe, efficient solution. Using high-powered suction and water pressure, our vac trucks ensure precise, non-destructive digging for utility locating, potholing, and trenching, all while minimising disruption and mess.

Let Dig Safe SA take the hassle out of your next project. Get in touch today for a tailored quote and experience excavation done right.