
Pros and Cons of Hydrovac Excavation: What Arizona Contractors Need to Know
- Experienced Professionals
- Cutting-Edge Technology
- Comprehensive Services
- Commitment to Safety
- Customer Satisfaction
- Timely Project Delivery
- Trusted Reputation
- Customized Solutions
- Competitive Pricing
- Environmental Stewardship
Pros of Hydrovac Excavation
1. Minimizes Damage to Utilities
Traditional excavation methods risk damaging underground lines and structures. Hydrovac uses high-pressure water and a vacuum system, making it far less likely to harm gas, fiber, or electrical lines during exposure.
2. High Precision for Tight Areas
Hydrovac trucks can target specific dig spots with extreme accuracy, making them ideal for crowded urban zones, plant facilities, or sites with existing infrastructure nearby.
3. Safer for Workers
Because it eliminates the need for heavy mechanical digging near utilities, hydrovac reduces the risk of line strikes, electrical shock, or gas leaks—helping your crew stay safe on-site.
4. Faster Cleanup
Debris is vacuumed into the truck as it’s excavated, reducing mess and post-dig cleanup time. That means faster job turnover and cleaner work areas.
5. All-Season Capability
Even during Arizona’s colder winter months or monsoon season, hydrovac can continue operating with minimal disruption. Heated water systems allow for efficient cold-weather digging.
Cons of Hydrovac Excavation
1. Higher Cost per Hour
Compared to traditional backhoe digging, hydrovac can be more expensive hourly. However, fewer utility strikes, quicker cleanup, and reduced restoration costs often balance this out in the long run.
2. Water Management Required
Since water is used in the process, disposal of slurry and water management must be factored into project logistics. At Bunney’s, we handle debris hauling and disposal, but it’s still a step to consider.
3. Limited Reach in Some Cases
While hydrovac hoses can extend a fair distance, there are limits—especially on remote sites without truck access. However, we offer remote hose setups to overcome these challenges when needed.
Why It Matters in Arizona
Arizona’s mix of dry, compact soil, urban sprawl, and underground utility networks makes hydrovac excavation especially valuable. In cities like Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, and Chandler, contractors rely on this method to dig safely and avoid costly disruptions.
Bunney’s Inc. Your Arizona Hydrovac Partner
At Bunney’s Inc., we’ve built a reputation for delivering safe, clean, and efficient hydrovac excavation across Arizona. Whether you’re potholing for utilities, slot trenching, or exposing foundations, we bring:
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Modern hydrovac trucks
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OSHA-trained operators
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Fast response throughout the Phoenix metro
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Experience with commercial, industrial, and municipal clients


Cities in Arizona
Ajo, AZ | Amado, AZ | Apache Junction, AZ | Arizona City, AZ | Ash Fork, AZ | Avondale, AZ | Bagdad, AZ | Benson, AZ | Bisbee, AZ | Black Canyon City, AZ | Bouse, AZ | Buckeye, AZ | Bullhead City, AZ | Cameron, AZ | Camp Verde, AZ | Carefree, AZ | Casa Grande, AZ | Catalina, AZ | Cave Creek, AZ | Chandler, AZ | Chinle, AZ | Chino Valley, AZ | Cibecue, AZ | Clarkdale, AZ | Claypool, AZ | Clifton, AZ | Colorado City, AZ | Congress, AZ | Coolidge, AZ | Cornville, AZ | Cottonwood, AZ | Dennehotso, AZ | Dolan Springs, AZ | Douglas, AZ | Duncan, AZ | Eagar, AZ | Ehrenberg, AZ | El Mirage, AZ | Elgin, AZ | Eloy, AZ | Flagstaff, AZ | Florence, AZ | Fort Defiance, AZ | Fountain Hills, AZ | Fredonia, AZ | Gadsden, AZ | Ganado, AZ | Gila Bend, AZ | Gilbert, AZ | Glendale, AZ | Globe, AZ | Golden Valley, AZ | Goodyear, AZ | Green Valley, AZ | Hayden, AZ | Holbrook, AZ | Houck, AZ | Huachuca City, AZ | Jerome, AZ | Kaibito, AZ | Kayenta, AZ | Keams Canyon, AZ | Kearny, AZ | Kingman, AZ | Kykotsmovi Village, AZ | Lake Havasu City, AZ | Lake Montezuma, AZ | Leupp, AZ | Litchfield Park, AZ | Lukachukai, AZ | Mammoth, AZ | Many Farms, AZ | Marana, AZ | Maricopa, AZ | Mcnary, AZ | Mesa, AZ | Miami, AZ | Mohave Valley, AZ | Morenci, AZ | Munds Park, AZ | Naco, AZ | Nazlini, AZ | New River, AZ | Nogales, AZ | Oracle, AZ | Page, AZ | Paradise Valley, AZ | Parker, AZ | Parks, AZ | Patagonia, AZ | Paulden, AZ | Payson, AZ | Peach Springs, AZ | Peoria, AZ | Peridot, AZ | Phoenix, AZ | Pima, AZ | Pine, AZ | Pinon, AZ | Pirtleville, AZ | Prescott Valley, AZ | Prescott, AZ | Quartzsite, AZ | Queen Creek, AZ | Rio Verde, AZ | Rock Point, AZ | Round Rock, AZ | Sacaton, AZ | Safford, AZ | Sahuarita, AZ | Salome, AZ | San Carlos, AZ | San Luis, AZ | San Manuel, AZ | Scottsdale, AZ | Second Mesa, AZ | Sedona, AZ | Seligman, AZ | Sells, AZ | Shonto, AZ | Show Low, AZ | Sierra Vista, AZ | Snowflake, AZ | Somerton, AZ | Sonoita, AZ | Springerville, AZ | Stanfield, AZ | Sun City West, AZ | Sun City, AZ | Sun Valley, AZ | Superior, AZ | Surprise, AZ | Tacna, AZ | Taylor, AZ | Teec Nos Pos, AZ | Tempe, AZ | Thatcher, AZ | Tolleson, AZ | Tombstone, AZ | Tonalea, AZ | Tonto Basin, AZ | Tsaile, AZ | Tuba City, AZ | Tubac, AZ | Tucson, AZ | Vail, AZ | Wellton, AZ | Wenden, AZ | Whiteriver, AZ | Wickenburg, AZ | Willcox, AZ | Williams, AZ | Window Rock, AZ | Winkelman, AZ | Winslow, AZ | Yarnell, AZ | Young, AZ | Youngtown, AZ | Yuma, AZ