Professional Hydro Excavation Services in Pennsylvania & Maryland
York Hydro Vac is one of the top hydro excavation and sewer service companies in Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland.
We use high-pressure water and powerful vacuum trucks to safely expose underground utilities, dig precise holes and trenches, and keep sewer systems flowing. Contractors, utilities, engineers, and municipalities count on us to get it done safely, accurately, and on schedule.
- 24/7 Emergency Response
- Efficient OPERATION
- All-Weather Operation
How Hydro Excavation Works
Hydro excavation is a non-destructive digging method. It’s safer, cleaner, and more precise than digging with a backhoe or shovel.
- Loosen the soil. Pressurized water breaks up the ground without damaging pipes, cables, or coatings.
- Vacuum it away. A powerful vacuum pulls the soil and water into a truck-mounted debris tank.
- Expose and verify. The utility or work area is left open, clean, and ready for your crew to verify.
- Backfill and restore. The hole is backfilled or left open for the next phase of your project.
Because the holes are small and precise, there’s less surface damage and less restoration when the job is done.
Our Services
We offer two core service lines: hydro excavation and sewer services. Both use the same powerful vacuum and water jetting technology.
Hydro Excavation Services
Safe, non-destructive digging around buried utilities and sensitive infrastructure.
- Utility Location & Exposure: Find and safely uncover buried lines before your project begins.
- Daylighting: Expose underground utilities so you can see their exact location, depth, and condition.
- Potholing: Dig small test holes to verify utilities along a bore path or work zone.
- Service Pits: Create clean access points for utility connections, repairs, and maintenance.
- Slot Trenching: Cut narrow trenches to find crossing lines or install new utilities.
- Test Pits: Verify utilities and gather soil information before design and construction.
- Trenching: Dig precise trenches for cable, conduit, and pipe installation.
- Utility Pole Holes: Dig pole holes safely near existing underground lines.
- Emergency Response: Get 24/7 help for utility strikes, leaks, and urgent excavation needs.
Sewer Services
Cleaning services that keep sewer and stormwater systems flowing.
- Sewer Line Cleaning: Clear grease, roots, and sediment with high-pressure water jetting.
- Manhole Cleaning: Remove debris, grit, and buildup to restore flow and access.
- Storm Drain Cleaning: Clear inlets, catch basins, and lines to reduce flooding and keep runoff moving.
Why Choose York Hydro Vac?
01
Safer Than Traditional Digging
Hydro excavation greatly reduces the risk of utility strikes and worker injuries compared to mechanical digging.
02
Precise, Documented Results
We verify location and depth and provide clear documentation for your project file.
03
Less Disruption
Small, clean holes mean less surface damage, less restoration, and less impact on traffic and neighbors.
04
Year-Round Operation
Our equipment can dig through frozen ground, so your project doesn't have to stop for winter.
05
Available 24/7
When a line is hit or a sewer backs up, our emergency crews are ready around the clock.
Who We Serve
As one of the top hydro excavation and sewer service companies in Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland, we support teams that can’t afford mistakes underground.
- Municipalities & Government: Sewer cleaning, storm drain maintenance, and safe digging for aging public infrastructure.
- Utility Companies: Safe exposure and installation work around gas, electric, water, and telecom lines.
- Construction Companies: Utility verification and precise digging that keeps projects on schedule.
- Engineering Firms: Accurate utility location and depth data for design and subsurface utility engineering.
Service Areas
We serve communities across three regions in Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland.
South Central Pennsylvania
Carlisle, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Hanover, Harrisburg, Hershey, Lancaster, Lebanon, Shippensburg and York.
Eastern Pennsylvania
Allentown, Bethlehem, Doylestown, Easton, Media, Norristown, Philadelphia, Reading and West Chester.
Northern Maryland
Annapolis, Baltimore, Baltimore Port Authority, Bel Air, Ellicott City, Frederick, Hagerstown, Rockville and Towson.
Certified, Insured & Experienced
Our operators are trained to work safely around live utilities and sensitive infrastructure. Every job comes with clear communication and documentation.
Fully Insured
Licensed, bonded, and fully insured for every project — protecting your site, your crew, and your liability.
24/7 Available
Around-the-clock emergency response for urgent excavation needs. When infrastructure can't wait, neither do we.
Ready to get started? Contact York Hydro Vac today for safe, efficient hydro excavation services that protect your infrastructure and keep your project on schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hydro excavation?
Hydro excavation is a digging method that uses pressurized water to loosen soil and a vacuum to remove it. It lets crews safely expose buried utilities and dig precise holes without the damage risk of a backhoe.
Is hydro excavation safer than traditional digging?
Yes. Because water and vacuum do the work, there’s no metal bucket or blade striking buried lines. That greatly reduces the risk of hitting gas, electric, water, and fiber lines.
Do I still need to call 811 before hydro excavation?
Yes. You must contact Pennsylvania 811 or Miss Utility before any digging project. Hydro excavation is then used to safely expose and verify the marked lines.
Can you work in the winter?
Yes. Our equipment can dig through frozen ground, so we work year-round across Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland.
Do you offer emergency service?
Yes. Our team provides 24/7 emergency response for utility strikes, sewer backups, and other urgent needs. Call our emergency line at 717-855-8681.