Hydro Excavation

Hydro excavation is a precise, low-impact way to dig. Instead of a backhoe or shovel blade that can strike and rupture whatever is buried below, it uses a stream of pressurized water to break up the soil while an industrial vacuum simultaneously lifts the loosened slurry away. The result is a clean, controlled hole that exposes underground lines and pipes without damaging them. Patton Plumbing, Heating, and A/C handles hydro excavation for homeowners across the Greater Memphis area and West Tennessee. We use it for utility daylighting, careful trenching, and any dig where knowing exactly what is below ground, and protecting it, matters more than moving dirt quickly.

What hydro excavation includes and how it works

The process pairs two tools: a pressurized water line that cuts and loosens the soil, and a vacuum hose that pulls the resulting mud and debris into a holding tank as the hole is dug. Because water and suction do the work rather than a steel blade or bucket, the soil around buried pipes and cables is removed without the impact that mechanical digging brings. We use this approach across several common residential jobs.

Utility daylighting and potholing, which safely exposes buried water, gas, sewer, and electrical lines so their exact location and depth are confirmed before any further work

Precise trenching for new lines or repairs, with clean edges and minimal disturbance to the surrounding yard

Careful excavation around septic tanks, sewer lines, and drain fields, where one wrong scoop with heavy equipment can crack a tank or collapse a line

Request Service

(901) 489-2119

Schedule an Appointment

Business Hours

Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday 07:00 – 17:00

Saturday Closed

Sunday Closed

1,000+ Five-Star Reviews

A+ BBB rated

When a homeowner should call for it

Hydro excavation is the right call any time digging blind would put something valuable at risk. If you are planning work near a septic system, exposing a sewer or water line for repair, or need to locate buried utilities before excavating, this method protects what is underground. It is also a good fit when lines run close together, when you do not have reliable records of where pipes are buried, when the ground is frozen or heavily compacted, or when you simply want a dig done with as little damage to the yard as possible. The cost varies with the depth, soil, and scope of the job, so call us at (901) 489-2119 for a quote.

Why this work calls for a licensed pro

Hitting a buried gas, water, sewer, or electrical line is dangerous and expensive, and reading what is underground correctly takes training and the right equipment. A licensed plumber knows how to identify lines safely, judge proper depth, work around a septic system without compromising it, and manage the water and vacuum equipment that makes the dig non-destructive. Patton Plumbing, Heating, and A/C is family-owned and has served the area since 2005. We are licensed and insured (Tennessee license #TN55976) and A+ rated and accredited by the BBB, so the work is done correctly and safely.

Flexible Financing Available — Low Monthly Payments 0% Interest up to 24 Months

Frequently Asked Questions

How is hydro excavation different from digging with a backhoe or shovel?

A backhoe or shovel uses a hard blade that can strike and damage whatever is buried. Hydro excavation uses pressurized water to loosen the soil and a vacuum to remove it, so buried pipes and lines are exposed without that impact, which makes it far safer around utilities and septic systems.

Is hydro excavation safe around my buried pipes and utility lines?

Yes, that safety is the main reason it is used. Because water and suction remove the soil instead of a metal bucket or blade, the surrounding lines are uncovered intact, which is why it is the preferred method for daylighting and working near gas, water, sewer, and electrical lines.

What is utility daylighting or potholing?

It is the practice of safely digging a small hole to expose a buried utility line and confirm its exact location and depth before any further excavation. Knowing precisely what is underground, and where, prevents costly strikes when other work begins.

Can it be used around my septic tank and drain field?

Yes. Hydro excavation is well suited to working around septic tanks, sewer lines, and drain fields, where heavy mechanical equipment risks cracking a tank or collapsing a line. The controlled water-and-vacuum method lets us dig carefully in those sensitive areas.

How much does hydro excavation cost?

The cost varies depending on the depth, soil conditions, and the size and scope of the job, so there is no flat rate. Call us at (901) 489-2119 and we can discuss your project and provide a quote.