Vacuum Excavation Services
Flotech Environmental provides vacuum excavation services to support safe digging and underground utility access across Florida. Hydro excavation uses pressurized air or water to loosen soil and a vacuum system to remove debris. This method is safer than mechanical digging and preferred when working around buried utilities. Flotech’s fleet of vac trucks operates at between 2,000 and 4,000 psi of water pressure, with vacuum power up to 5,000 CFM. Our vac truck services are equipped to handle complex municipal, commercial, and residential infrastructure needs – all without disturbing the surrounding environment.
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Drainage & Pipeline
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Vacuum Excavation
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Sinkhole Stabilization
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Emergency Flood Response
Traditional excavation can destroy fiber optic cables and pipelines, causing massive headaches and delays. Florida ranks first among all states in utility strikes; in 2023, Sunshine 811 recorded 26,878 utility damage incidents — averaging 73 hits per day, a 13% increase from the year before. The average cost of accidentally striking a utility pipe is $56,000. Vacuum Excavation is particularly valuable in areas with crowded underground networks or near sensitive structures to avoid costly strikes. Hydroexcavation costs 40–70% less per pothole than mechanical excavation and completes the same job in half the time.
Sometimes, the terms of potholing, daylighting, slot trenching, and soft digging are used interchangeably, but they describe distinct forms of vacuum excavation. Potholing involves digging small precise holes to confirm the location, condition, and depth of buried utilities. Daylighting involves exposing a much larger portion of that utility. Slot trenching is cutting a narrow precise trench (as small as 4-6 inches) for installing conduit, pipe, or cable.
Florida municipalities and contractors rely on vacuum excavation for utility work, leak detection, and directional drilling support.
When to Use Vac Excavation for Safe, Targeted Digging
Vacuum Trenching and Utility Location Without Surface Damage
Vacuum trenching creates narrow, controlled trenches 4-6 inches in width. In comparison, mechanical excavation digs trenches between 18-24 inches. In addition to being a more precise service, vacuum trenching also doesn’t generate onsite waste. Spoil material is stored in a debris tank on our vac trucks to be disposed of off-site. This method is ideal for projects where right-of-way constraints are present, and the preservation of pavement, landscaping, or hardscaping features is a priority.
In Florida, excavators are required to notify Sunshine 811 before excavation activities begin, so underground utilities can be identified and marked. Because utility markings indicate only the approximate location of buried facilities, vacuum trenching, potholing, and daylighting are commonly used to safely verify their exact horizontal and vertical position. HOAs, commercial developers, and city engineers often request vacuum trenching, potholing, or daylighting for fiber installation or irrigation upgrades.
Who needs Hydro Excavation?
Hydroexcavation is used across every major municipal utility system - anywhere precise, non-destructive excavation is required.
Water Line Excavation Services
Exposing existing water lines
Installing new water lines
Cleaning out valve boxes
Restoration
Street and Right-of-Way Restoration
Street and road restoration
Crack/seals (air application)
Vault clean-outs (air application)
Traffic and sign installation
Electrical Utility Excavation
Exposing existing electrical lines
Installing new electrical lines
Setting poles
Emergency excavation
Sewer Excavation and Emergency Response
Exposing existing sewer lines
Installing new sewer lines
Emergency excavation
Lift station access
Telecommunications and Fiber Excavation
Exposing existing telecom lines
Installing new telecom lines
Emergency excavation
Flotech has the technical knowledge, equipment, & personnel necessary to assist you on any soft digging project you have. Our fleet of 30+ combination vacuum trucks allows both high pressure jetting and vacuum excavation in a single mobilization, reducing cost and scheduling headaches for clients. Vacuum hose extensions allow for operations to occur up to 600 feet away from the truck, allowing for entry into otherwise inaccessible spaces.
Florida's high water table and unique geology require equipment and field experience calibrated to local conditions. With over a decade of experience working across Florida's municipal and commercial sectors, Flotech's technicians are trained to navigate FDOT right-of-way requirements, 811 coordination, and the subsurface challenges that make non-destructive excavation the right choice for sensitive utility work.
Choosing the Right Vac Truck Services for your Florida Facility or Municipality
Schedule Vacuum Excavation Services With Flotech Today
Flotech Environmental delivers professional vac truck services across Florida to municipalities, HOAs, and commercial clients. Whether you need utility exposure, soft digging, or trenching support, our team is ready to help.
Contact us today to schedule vacuum excavation services and keep your underground infrastructure clear, accessible, and functioning as it should be.