Free matching service by Voraus LLC: We connect property owners and businesses in Midland, TX (Midland, Odessa, Gardendale and Greenwood, Andrews, Stanton, Big Spring, Monahans, Kermit, Crane, Pecos) with independent local hydro-excavation contractors. We are not a hydro-excavation contractor and do not perform the work. Request a match below or call (432) 319-6741.
Hydrovac Trenching & Excavation Scopes
| Excavation Type | Typical Dimensions | Primary Operational Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow Slot Trenching | 6"–12" wide × 2'–8' deep | 60%–75% less spoil volume and backfill than a 24"–36" backhoe bucket |
| Foreign Pipeline Crossing Window | Full exposure above & below existing active lines | Allows directional drillers or trenchers to cross congested corridors with visual confirmation |
| Tie-In Bell Holes & Riser Exposure | 6'×6' to 10'×12' excavations around live headers | Safe access for welders, coating crews and hot-tap technicians |
Why Permian pipeline contractors use hydrovac crews for foreign crossings
Nearly every new gathering line or water transfer line in the Midland and Delaware Basins crosses dozens of foreign pipelines. Many midstream operators require non-destructive hydro excavation within 2 to 5 feet of their active lines before a mechanical trencher or HDD rig may pass through. Hydrovac trucks cut clean vertical trench walls and bell holes right around existing risers, headers and cathodic protection beds.
What to specify when scheduling slot trenching
- Linear footage, trench width, and depth required.
- Soil type (topsoil, red clay, or heavy cemented caliche rock).
- Whether a single truck or multi-truck tandem rotation is needed to stay ahead of your pipe/electrical crew.
Common questions: slot trenching in Midland, TX
How deep can a hydrovac truck dig in the Permian Basin?
Standard boom-mounted 8-inch vacuum hoses dig 10 to 15 feet deep directly beneath the truck, and adding aluminum extension tubes allows crews to excavate 20 to 40+ feet deep or reach 100+ feet away from the truck.
Are hydrovac trucks billed hourly or per day in Midland?
Most Permian Basin hydrovac providers bill portal-to-portal hourly rates (typically with a 4- to 8-hour minimum) or structured 10–12 hour day rates for multi-day pipeline and pad projects.
Related Midland hydro-excavation guides & pages
Ready to get your hydro-excavation project moving?
Even a brief request helps: "Pothole 6 crossings on a gathering line north of Midland, Martin County, next week, operator requires hydrovac within 24 inches."