Press

Sunday, August 21, 2005 12:53 AM CDT

Moving land with water
By Sharon Porta
Times Correspondent

Hydro Excavating specializes in using new technology to excavate sites safely and productively.

Through the use of pressurized water and a vacuum source, the company exposes utilities without the worry of striking underground infrastructures, such as phone, gas or electric lines.

Owner Mitch Ravesloot had been in the underground excavation field for 20 years prior to starting the business.

"Using water pressure to expose utilities is the law now in Canada, and it's migrating this way," Ravesloot said. "I wanted to get into this industry early. In the next five years, you will see trucks like mine every day."

Instead of digging a hole when utilities need to be accessed, Hydro Excavating uses water to turn the area into mud and then vacuums that mud from the hole.

"I was seeing the need for this type of service in my previous job," he said. "This is more safe and productive. Contractors are reluctant to try anything new until we do one job for them or perform a demo of our services. They then realize this service can save them time and money."

Ravesloot's clients are mostly underground contractors, such as Northern Indiana Public Service Company, and businesses that specialize in foundation repair. Homeowners have used the company to excavate prior to building projects, and for the repair of bowed block walls or waterproofing work.

Ravesloot said his equipment, which resembles a municipal vacuum truck, is expensive, but other costs are lower.

"Restoration costs are half of what they typically are over digging, because our excavation is not as extensive," he said. "Using this type of equipment allows homeowners to not dig up their entire yard for a project."

The company is a union contractor, and Ravesloot trains others on the use of the equipment.