Every day, operations up and down the West Coast have to choose between air and hydro excavation when tackling their next dig. But are they choosing the right method for the type of soil they’re working with, and are they keeping it in accordance with the local ordinances? Making the right decision between air excavation vs. hydro excavation can save your operation significant time and money.

Air Excavation: Pros & Cons

Air excavation is a method that uses compressed air to break up soil and a vacuum system to remove the dry spoils. This approach is often chosen for specific soil types or in situations where dry spoils provide added benefits. One of the key advantages of air excavation is that the dry soil can be reused as a backfill, which reduces hauling and material costs. This method also allows crews to run air tools such as breakers and tampers, streamlining the process of breaking up asphalt or concrete before excavation begins.

However, air excavation has its limitations. The method is significantly slower in dense soil types like clay, shale, or hardpan, which can hinder productivity on certain projects. Additionally, air excavation creates a dusty work environment, often prohibited in urban areas due to safety and environmental concerns.

Hydro Excavation: Pros & Cons

Hydro excavation, by contrast, uses pressurized water to break up soil, which is then vacuumed into a tank as wet spoils. This method is highly efficient, versatile, and widely accepted for most soft-dig applications. Hydro excavation works effectively in nearly all soil types, from soft dirt to rocky terrain, and is much faster than air excavation. Additionally, it avoids creating dust, making it more suitable for regulated environments or urban job sites.

The primary challenge of hydro excavation is managing the wet spoils. Because the slurry cannot typically be reused as backfill, crews must transport it to an approved dump site, which can increase costs and logistical challenges. Tanks also fill quickly with wet spoils, requiring frequent offloading that may interrupt workflows. Despite these challenges, the speed and efficiency of hydro excavation often outweigh the additional costs.

Which Excavation Method Is Right for Your Project?

Choosing between air and hydro excavation depends on your specific project requirements. In some cases, the two methods can be used together—for example, using hydro excavation to break through a hard surface, followed by air excavation to complete the dig.

Choose Air Excavation if:

• You are working with sandy or lightly compacted soil.
• Reusing spoils as backfill is critical to reducing costs.
• Your project is in an area with restrictions on wet spoils disposal.

Choose Hydro Excavation if:

• You need a faster, more efficient solution for compacted or challenging soils.
• Dust-free operation is required due to environmental or regulatory concerns.
• Your project involves urban or highly regulated job sites.

Partner with Ditch Witch West for Your Excavation Needs

At Ditch Witch West, we understand the importance of choosing the right tools for your excavation projects. That’s why we offer a full range of air and hydro excavation equipment to help you get the job done efficiently and effectively. Whether you’re looking for air vac systems or hydro excavators, our expert team is here to help you find the perfect solution for your operation.

Visit one of our Ditch Witch West locations across the West Coast to explore our equipment lineup and learn more about how we can support your excavation needs.