From 1818 - Present Day
A walk through the history of Hydro Excavation
The history of hydro excavation, a key technology in today’s construction and utility industries, demonstrates the evolution of non-destructive digging methods. This technique utilizes high-pressure water to break up soil, which is then removed with a vacuum, allowing for precise excavation.
1818
FRANCE
The Inception of Hydro Excavation
The inception of hydro excavation can be traced back to the remarkable innovation by French engineer Claude Chabert in 1818, who patented the first hydraulic shovel. This invention harnessed the power of forced water to dismantle rock and earth, significantly reducing the laborious efforts previously required for large-scale construction projects. Chabert’s hydraulic shovel laid the foundational principles for hydro excavation, demonstrating the potential of using water as a tool for earth removal, which would evolve into a cornerstone technique for modern excavation projects.
1850s
CALIFORNIA
California Gold Rush
The technique found an early application in the form of hydraulic mining during the California Gold Rush, where miners utilized steam pump-pressurized water to erode land masses.
The California Gold Rush, spanning from 1848 to 1855. This period began with the discovery of gold by James W. Marshall at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California, in January 1848. The news of the discovery spread rapidly, attracting over 300,000 prospectors from both the United States and abroad, all hoping to find their fortunes in gold.
During the peak of the Gold Rush in 1852, prospectors extracted gold valued at approximately $2 billion in today’s currency. This era was marked by innovation in mining techniques, as prospectors sought efficient methods to work over larger areas in less time to maximize their gold recovery.
One significant innovation of this period was Hydraulic Mining, a method that employed steam pump-pressurized water to dislodge soil and gravel, enabling miners to reach gold deposits more quickly than traditional manual digging methods allowed. This technique represented a pivotal advancement in excavation technology, laying foundational principles for the development of modern Hydro Excavation methods.
This period represented a significant leap forward, offering a glimpse into the future of excavation by showcasing how water could be used to safely and effectively break down geological formations and recover valuable resources
1950s
TEXAS
Texas Oil Fields
The foundations for modern hydro excavation were laid in the mid-20th century, particularly in Texas, where the oilfield industry began employing hydrovac trucks. This period marked the advent of adapting existing machinery, such as vacuum trucks and sewer cleaners, to meet the needs of hydro excavation. The transition from traditional excavation methods to hydrovac technology represented a pivotal moment in the industry, setting the stage for widespread adoption and innovation in the decades to follow.
1969
United States
The First Hydro Vac Truck
A significant milestone was reached with the construction of the first machine designed specifically for hydro excavation, the “ExcaVactor.” This development underscored the growing recognition of hydro excavation’s benefits and its potential to revolutionize the excavation industry. The creation of the ExcaVactor in 1969 was a testament to the technological ingenuity of the time, offering a more efficient, precise, and safer alternative to conventional digging methods.
1980s
United States
All-Terrain Vehicles
The industry saw significant growth, with vacuum trucks and sewer cleaners being adapted for hydro excavation use. This period also marked the adaptation of these vehicles for use in remote locations by mounting the vacuum equipment on all-terrain vehicles. Further on, the demand for hydro excavation machines increased, leading to the manufacture of trailer-mounted units and trucks in various configurations to meet the market’s needs. This decade marked a turning point, with the technology becoming more sophisticated and widespread
1990+
United States
Into the Modern Dirt World
The demand for hydro excavation machines surged, leading to the development of more sophisticated equipment and a significant expansion of the technology’s use across North America. Today, modern hydro excavation equipment often incorporates advanced technological features, such as computerized control systems for managing water pressure and directional drilling capabilities, as well as high-tech cameras to precisely assess underground conditions before excavation begins. These advancements have solidified hydro excavation’s role as a critical tool for construction, utility location, and infrastructure maintenance, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maximizing efficiency and safety.
As the hydro excavation industry continues to evolve, its commitment to innovation, safety, and environmental stewardship remains evident. For those in the Vancouver and Portland areas, Emeritec Hydro Vac Services stands at the forefront of this technology, offering unparalleled expertise and state-of-the-art hydro excavation services. Whether tackling utility location, construction projects, or infrastructure maintenance, Emeritec is dedicated to delivering superior results with minimal environmental impact and maximum efficiency.
Discover how Emeritec Hydro Vac Services can elevate your next project by leveraging the industry’s latest advancements in hydro excavation. Visit our website today and join us in setting new standards for construction and utility management with hydro excavation.
1hour
from our shop
45min
meter
$1000
Average emergency spill
cost
Emeritec Hydro excavation
Our Services
We are the leading providers of emergency services in the Vancouver Portland area. Our dedicated crews server these emergency spills and more.
- Grease traps
- Oil barrels
- Diesel
- Septic back up
- Sewer lines
- Lift station failures
- Lift station failures
- Road side accident cleanup
- Rail car
- Truck rollover
- Flooded areas
- Solids and liquids
- Water way
