home made hydro-vac

this is how I dug the fence posts in my back yard. the area was to tight to use a power auger or hand auger. and I didn't want to ruin the lawn using a shovel. the soil has a lot of roots and clay that makes it a chore to dig. this is similar to the way companies dig around utilities or small deep inspection holes.

[chrisgraham]

Yep! I dug 18 fence post holes (for 4X4 line posts and 6X6 corner posts) this summer with a 3200 psi pressure washer and a 60 liter/6.5 HP RIDGID shopvac. In Canada you'll need an extension for your pressure washer gun and a rigid extension for the vacuum to dig the required 4-1/2 feet below grade to get below the frost line. I watched my local electrical commission dig 24" diameter X 12 foot deep holes with a HydroVac truck in 8 minutes, to set 80 ft. long electrical poles and I said; "I can do that".

[channelview]

I think a lot of viewers may be missing the point. It's not the speed or ease but to protect wires and pipes if the locating job was a little iffy. Everybody that has dug in or near the easement by my house has dug into something. I don't know why the locator guys can't beat that. Thanks for sharing this video.

[BensCooking]

Hell yeah brother. Like a lot of people, I’m wondering how to do this without owning a massive hydro truck, the wet dirt is heavy af. Maybe some sacks with drainage? Leave them out and up a little off the ground? Pick them up the next week? Another dumb idea, maybe a metal oil drum, heat it up and boil the water off?

[joes]

I did 30 post holes for my fence similar as everyone was on a utility locate. Didn't see any wire till my last hole. Had an HP Vac from work on 55 gal drum, just kicked it over into ditch when full.

[ausyd]

Impressed mate, I operate a hydro vac on HV truck, ours of course is a lot more powerful, but aye I give credit where it’s due, nice job

[elgoogsucks]

Wow. You just saved me a shit ton of aggravation. Thank you

[kenb]

Worth trying. I've got about 12 holes to dig. Lots of roots and rocks.
Hope it works here. Great idea.

[mv]

It's also possible to use a garden hose and a tree root irrigator which is basically a metal rod with a small nozzle. Worked for hardened clay soil.

[jonathanlee]

I want to do this to dig out left over tree roots but will need to empty shopvac multiple times.. where to empty? Maybe a kiddie pool? Hmmm

[Hatya]

If you practice i bet you can do it and hold a beer