Non-Destructive Utility Exposure for Safe Excavation

Schroeder Construction Inc provides hydrovacing and vacuum excavation services for utility locating and exposure throughout Big Lake and across Minnesota.

When you need to locate underground utilities before starting construction or repair work in Big Lake, traditional digging methods can damage buried lines and create costly delays. Schroeder Construction Inc offers hydrovacing services that use pressurized water and vacuum excavation to safely expose gas lines, fiber optic cables, water mains, and electrical conduit without the risk of breaking or cutting through them. Crews work frequently in Big Lake, the North Metro, Medina, Blaine, and Coon Rapids, and they are fully licensed and insured to handle utility exposure projects statewide.


Hydrovacing is a non-destructive excavation method that combines high-pressure water to break up soil and a powerful vacuum system to remove the debris, leaving underground utilities visible and undamaged. This process is ideal for potholing, daylighting, and working around sensitive utilities in frozen or compacted soil, which is common throughout Minnesota during much of the year. Schroeder Construction Inc often uses hydrovacing alongside directional drilling, utility locating, and trenchless utility replacement to provide a complete solution for commercial and municipal projects.


Schedule hydrovacing services with a trusted Minnesota contractor today.

Precision equipment safely exposes buried lines without mechanical damage

Your hydrovacing project in Big Lake starts with operators arriving on site with a truck-mounted vacuum excavation unit equipped with a high-pressure water wand and a large debris tank. The crew uses the wand to direct water into the soil, which loosens and liquefies the material without applying the force needed to damage buried lines. The vacuum system then extracts the slurry into the tank, leaving a clean hole that exposes the utility for inspection, repair, or mapping.


After the work is finished, you will have clear visibility of the buried utility and confirmation of its exact location, depth, and condition. This allows your project to proceed safely and reduces the risk of accidental strikes that could halt construction, trigger fines, or require emergency repairs. Schroeder Construction Inc operators are trained to work in tight spaces, near existing structures, and in difficult soil conditions, including frozen ground.


Hydrovacing is valued for jobsite safety, precision, and reliable turnaround times, and it is particularly useful when working near multiple utilities or in areas where traditional backhoe excavation would be too risky. The service does not include backfilling or surface restoration unless arranged separately, but it integrates smoothly with other site preparation and utility installation work. Crews communicate clearly with project managers and site supervisors to coordinate timing and access.

You can ask anything about the excavation process

Property owners and contractors often have questions about how hydrovacing compares to traditional digging, what happens to the excavated material, and how the process works in frozen soil before they schedule service.

What is hydrovacing used for?
Hydrovacing is used to safely expose underground utilities for inspection, repair, or mapping without damaging buried lines. It is commonly used for potholing, daylighting, and working around gas, water, electric, and fiber optic systems.
How does hydrovacing work in frozen Minnesota soil?
The high-pressure water system breaks through frozen ground more effectively than mechanical digging, and the vacuum removes the material without creating large piles of frozen soil. Schroeder Construction Inc operators adjust water temperature and pressure based on soil conditions.
What happens to the material removed during hydrovacing?
The slurry is collected in the vacuum truck's debris tank and hauled away from the site for proper disposal. You do not need to arrange for spoil piles or cleanup.
Why is hydrovacing safer than using a backhoe?
Hydrovacing uses water and suction rather than metal blades or buckets, so it will not cut through cables, pipes, or conduit. This reduces the risk of utility strikes and keeps your project on schedule.
When should I schedule hydrovacing for my project?
You should schedule hydrovacing before any excavation work begins if underground utilities are present or suspected. Schroeder Construction Inc can coordinate with your project timeline and other contractors.

Schroeder Construction Inc is valued for jobsite safety, precision, and reliable turnaround times on every hydrovacing project. Get in touch to schedule non-destructive excavation services for your Minnesota site.