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“We needed a more precise digging method, and we found the solution
in Madison County, where horizontal directional drilling (HDD) crews were using vacuum excavators to verify utility locates before drilling. The use of small holes and minimal ground disturbance made us realize the benefits of incorporating soft digging methods into our operations.”
While HDD crews use vacuum excavators for potholing, the BCWA team believed they could also use
them to help avoid extra work when repairing water lines. So, in 2017, BCWA purchased a Vermeer® VX50 vacuum excavator equipped with a 4-in (10.2- cm) suction hose, a 1,025-cfm (29-m3/ min) blower, and a 500-gal (1,893-liter) debris tank. This model is well-suited for the yazoo clay ground conditions in Madison County and the average depths of buried utilities, which range from 3 ft to 6 ft (.9 m to 1.8 m) deep.
Now when there is a water line leak, BCWA follows a systematic process for efficient repairs. They start by calling 811, the utility locating service. A team member assesses the problem and shuts off the valves to stop the water flow. While waiting for locates, the team determines the necessary equipment, including the vacuum excavator for areas with multiple underground utilities. Time is crucial once the
water valve is shut off, as the water supply to properties has been cut off. The team works quickly to minimize inconvenience to customers and prevent damage to other utilities.
The importance of the vacuum excavator in this process becomes evident. Using it has helped the BCWA team efficiently excavate without damaging other utilities and minimizing the risk of service disruptions.
Efficient repair process
The BCWA team utilizes a vacuum excavator to dig around utilities. This approach helps to minimize the size
of the repair working area and helps maintain a cleaner site. By using this method, the team has been able to eliminate the need to repour driveways, resod yards and incur additional costs from damaging nearby utility lines in certain situations.
When digging, BCWA’s crew sets the water pressure at 3000 PSI (206 bar). This pressure is typically sufficient for extracting and loosening up the soil without causing damage to any
underground utilities. The material is suctioned into the debris tank and hauled off.
“Most of the material we excavate can be reused once it’s dried since we’re only digging with water,” said Williamson. “That can take some time to dry it out, so we bring in dry material to refill the hole. While the process of bringing
in other dirt to fill a hole may seem
like an extra step, using the Vermeer vacuum excavator helps us minimize
the hole size, so we don’t deal with a lot of material in most cases. Bringing in
a little bit of extra dirt is more cost- effective than incurring restoration costs by using larger equipment and having to pile dirt next to the hole.”
Furthermore, using a vacuum excavator provides a more efficient and less physically demanding method and the need for manual labor with shovels. This decision aligns with Bear Creek’s commitment to delivering cost savings to its customers.
Another machine in the fleet
The team still utilizes trackhoes and mini excavators for a large portion of the repairs they make. But the Vermeer vacuum excavator has earned its spot in BCWA’s equipment fleet, too.
According to Williamson, the vacuum excavator is not used daily but is regularly employed for potholing utilities and excavating areas where traditional digging methods are challenging.
He explains, “The vacuum excavator does not replace the mini excavator but serves a different purpose. It can do things that a mini excavator cannot do. They are two complementary pieces that help us find the best, quickest, and cheapest way to make a repair.”
Williamson also acknowledges the initial learning curve, stating, “In
the early stages, we had a lot more questions than we do now, and the
team at Vermeer MidSouth assisted us every step of the way. They ensured that our staff knew how to use the vacuum excavator and continue to support our service and parts needs to this day.”
Growing need for vacuum excavators
Vacuum excavators are not only beneficial for rural water systems like BCWA, but also for many municipal systems, according to Williamson. With the increasing number of utilities being placed underground, Williamson
believes a vacuum excavator should be part of the fleets of municipalities and rural water associations.
Over the past few decades, there have been significant changes in labor, parts, and material costs, as well as increased public scrutiny of water outages. As a result, having a specialized machine like a vacuum excavator is important for making repairs around other underground utilities or in areas where restoration costs make other digging methods impractical.
The BCWA team have also recognized the value of vacuum excavators for routine maintenance tasks, such as cleaning around water valves. In
fact, a few years ago, when Jackson, Mississippi’s water system experienced a major outage, BCWA deployed a vacuum excavator crew to assist in locating water valves in the affected areas and restoring the water supply.
“We have gained valuable experience since investing in our Vermeer VX50 vacuum excavator. These machines are not limited to HDD contractors; anyone involved in digging around utilities can benefit from having a vacuum excavator in their fleet,” Williamson concluded.
This article contains third-
party observations, advice or experiences that do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Vermeer Corporation, its affiliates or
its dealers. Testimonials and/
or endorsements by contractors
in specific circumstances may
not be representative of normal circumstances experienced by all customers.
Vermeer MV Solutions, Inc. reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements, or discontinue manufacturing
at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is
for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region. Please contact
your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications. Vermeer and the Vermeer logo are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. © 2024 Vermeer MV Solutions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
2024, Issue 2 Louisiana 811 • 13