Before the Bore: 3 Potholing Best Practices to Help Maximize Efficiencies

By Chris Thompson, vacuum excavation product manager for Ditch Witch

As the underground utility network becomes increasingly more complex and congested, underground professionals know that there is no room for error. With the demand for HDD projects on the rise, vacuum excavators are becoming a crucial tool aiding in damage prevention and jobsite productivity. In a process known as potholing, which uses a soft excavation method – a vacuum excavator – in lieu of a shovel or backhoe to make a hole and remove debris, operators can effectively, efficiently and safely uncover and navigate around existing utilities.

To keep jobsites efficient and crews safe, it is paramount to adhere to and understand proper potholing techniques. Here are three potholing best practices to help underground construction professionals improve efficiency, increase productivity and maximize jobsite safety.

Properly Starting a Pothole

The first step to any successful underground construction project is to locate utilities. Crews must call 811 before breaking ground, then after the jobsite is marked, it is recommended that contractors verify the locates with their own locators. By verifying the locate before digging, contractors can get a vital understanding of the jobsite’s layout and develop an educated construction plan.

The second step is to expose the utility by using a vacuum excavator. Utilizing either air or water, contractors can safely dig underground to an existing utility, ensuring it is visible from ground level before the bore. As a best practice, contractors should excavate to the depth of the bore, especially when going under utilities so operators can physically see the drill bit and pipe safely passing under the utility. Without this best practice, operators can potentially strike or damage a utility, causing costly downtime and risking operator safety.

Additionally, contractors should start small – utilizing air or water excavating method – and expand as needed. This ensures that contractors won’t make a bigger hole than what is required, streamlining efficiency and keeping operators productive.

However, if contractors are struggling to expose utilities in hard soil or heavy clay, hot water heater packages are an option with most vacuum excavators. Using hot water can help break down clay without applying additional water pressure. However, operators should keep the temperature below 150 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.

Consider The Nozzle Configuration

Operators should constantly keep the nozzle moving within the excavation and not focus the water on one specific area. One way to ensure that operators keep the water moving to help operators efficiently dig is by using the proper nozzle configuration. For example, when hydroexcavating, operators should use a rotating nozzle, also known as an oscillating nozzle, to deliver a stream of circulating water. A stream of circulating water will help keep the water moving and prevent excessive pressure from consistently hitting a specific area.

Additionally, operators should keep the nozzle 6 to 8 inches away from the utility and out of the dirt. Holding the nozzle too close to the utility increases the risk of damage. To prevent the nozzle from clogging and avoid costly downtime, the nozzle should never impact the soil or be used as a shovel to dig. When using an air excavator, it’s even more important to avoid putting the nozzle in the ground, as cleaning dirt out of the nozzle can be more challenging with air excavators.

Working in a Variety of Ground Conditions

When choosing between hydro or air excavation, contractors should consider the soil conditions to ensure the method used is the most efficient. For example, pressurized water typically exposes utilities faster than air. However, air is the better choice when working in areas where contractors are worried about an overcut, next to a highway or transportation work. This is because air typically displaces less soil and reduces the worry of washout near roadbeds.

Hydro excavation is the most widely practiced form of soft excavation because it can be used in a range of soil conditions, including tightly compacted and hard soil, cobble and clay. Because hydro excavation requires operators to dispose of liquid spoils and replenish water sources while on the jobsite, following best practices for water conservation is important. However, the ability to conquer various soil conditions quickly and efficiently makes hydro excavation the preferred method for many contractors.

Air excavation allows operators to break up soil with compressed air and vacuum dry spoils, which can be reused onsite as backfill. This method works best on softer soils such as topsoil, sand and some clay formations. Unlike hydro excavation, which requires access to water, air excavation keeps machines running and operators on the jobsite without having to make trips to acquire water or dispose of liquid spoils. Additionally, many operators are turning to air excavation on jobsites as liquid spoils disposal restrictions tighten and certified disposal sites become more difficult to find.

Today, most equipment manufacturers design vacuum excavators with both air- and hydro-excavation capabilities, so operators don’t have to choose between the two. For example, contractors can start excavating the ground surface with air and switch to hydro once they reach harder soil formations. The water will cut through the clay and be sucked into the spoils tank to mix with the dry spoils from the air excavation. With the ability to switch from hydro to air, operators can better adapt to changing jobsite conditions and stay productive in a variety of ground conditions.

Optimizing Jobsite Success and Safety

Properly exposing utilities by following best practices is a surefire way to keep jobsites efficient and crews safe. To avoid underground utility damage, understanding proper potholing techniques can help contractors mitigate damage and streamline efficiency. From understanding the differences between hydro and air excavation on the jobsite to nozzle considerations and using the proper psi, operators can ensure they are set up for success.

HYDRAULIC BREAKER
Used for construction and demolition, our breakers can be used to break up asphalt, concrete or even clay. The hydraulic hammer is perfect for any small or medium job you might have. More up-time in the field is always the goal, and with only two moving parts and a few seals, there’s no reason for down-time.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

ROCK SAW

Best suited for irrigation and fiber installation, the Rock Saw attachment can effortlessly cut through rock, concrete, and other tough materials with unmatched precision. 

Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BACKHOE
Easily move materials for rebuilds, new construction, footings, utility repairs and more with this compact and versatile attachment.
Compatible Models

SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

STUMP GRINDERS
Featuring a heavy-duty boom design, powerful stump grinding attachments quickly shred stumps down to nothing. Easy maneuvering from stump to stump and increased visibility turns more ground stumps into more profit.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

MULTITASK TOOL
Your multipurpose tool for the ultimate multi-tasker is here. Engineered to grab tight to heavy materials and move them with ease and precision, the multi-task tool is your go-to for heavy applications. Easy to operate with convenient, functional levers.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

CORE DRILL
With the MC-450 coring attachment, utility maintenance is simple and less disruptive. Featuring intuitive controls and an integrated water tank, the MC-450 is the perfect choice for quick cuts and a more productive coring process. A fully adjustable 0 to 280 rpm speed allows for enhanced control and greater productivity.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

SOIL CULTIVATOR
Prepare food plots, gardens, and landscaping projects with a soil cultivator. It gets land ready by stirring organic material back in the soil for a healthier, more stable lawn. Buries the biggest of rocks for a looser topsoil.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BLADES
Whether you’re looking to increase dump height or digging depth, attaching a backfill blade is an easy way to save manpower on your jobsite while working with precision and timeliness. Available in various widths.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

AUGER DRIVER
Ideal for landscaping and tree care, an auger attachment will expedite hole creation and allow operators to quickly plant trees or install fence posts than if they were hand-digging or relying on a hand-held auger. Available in 6" to 30" diameters.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

TILLER
Tough and effective tillers prepare your garden by breaking up tough soil and removing unwanted weeds. Available in 4' width.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

GRAPPLES
Tree grapples come with 48" or 57" openings to efficiently remove logs and debris from the jobsite. It has an excavator style boom design with a powder coat finish and a cylinder lock for increased safety. Brush grapples available with a gap opening of 29" and widths of 42" or 54".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

CARRY ALL LEVELER
One of our most simple yet versatile attachments, the Carry-All Leveler is perfect for carrying bulky material, leveling soil and adding a flat, smooth finish to your project. Available in 49" width.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BUCKETS
Turn one machine into a multi-functional workhorse with versatile Ditch Witch® SK attachments. From landscaping and hardscapes to tree care and construction-grade tasks, your stand-on skid steer can take on more than you think. We've got you covered with a variety buckets from 4-in-1 to heavy and light material buckets. Widths range from 34" to 66".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

PALLET FORKS
Take on your heaviest loads with precision and dependability with Ditch Witch pallet forks. They easily attach to any of our skid steers and can easily accessorize with hay spikes, brick guards, and much more to add even more ROI. Available in widths ranging from 36-48.75" and lengths from 36-48".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

MICROTRENCHER
Fiber installation and other street-located work is rapidly growing. A microtrenching attachment is key for operators looking to get into fiber installation at the street level. They cut both concrete and asphalt in controlled increments so contractors don't need to stop traffic. Maximum width options are 0.5-1.5” or 2” with maximum depths of 12” or 16”.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

ROTO WITCH®
The Ditch Witch Roto Witch® attachment is used for short bores underneath sidewalks, driveways and other obstacles. It offers great digging performance while minimizing jobsite restoration. Compatible with numerous Ditch Witch stand-on skid steers, the Roto Witch attachment can bore and backream up to 12" (300 mm) in diameter.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

PLOW
Install fiber and other utilities quickly with a vibratory plow attachment for your skid steer. It creates less ground disruption and cleanup than traditional trenching to get the job done faster. Available in maximum depths of 14" and 24".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

POWER RAKE
Clean, level and prep jobsites or smooth and loosen soil for sodding with a rake attachment. Most rake attachments require 10 to 14 gpm, but the higher horsepower creates even more drum torque to tear through the most demanding soil types. Width measures 4'.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

MICROTRENCHERS
Fiber installation and other street-located work is rapidly growing. A microtrenching attachment is key for operators looking to get into fiber installation at the street level. They cut both concrete and asphalt in controlled increments so contractors don't need to stop traffic. Maximum width options are 0.5-1.5” or 2” with maximum depths of 12” or 16”.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

ROTO WITCH®
The Ditch Witch Roto Witch® attachment is used for short bores underneath sidewalks, driveways and other obstacles. It offers great digging performance while minimizing jobsite restoration. Compatible with numerous Ditch Witch stand-on skid steers, the Roto Witch attachment can bore and backream up to 12" (300 mm) in diameter.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

PLOWS
Install fiber and other utilities quickly with a vibratory plow attachment for your skid steer. It creates less ground disruption and cleanup than traditional trenching to get the job done faster. Available in maximum depths of 14" and 24".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

TRENCHER

Stay efficient on large jobsites with a trencher attachment for your skid steer. It’s a smart alternative to large, specialized equipment for utility installation and landscaping jobs. Available in standard 6”, 8” and 12” maximum widths with maximum depths of 36", 38", 48” and 55.5”.

Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000