Jetvac — also called hydrovac, vacuum excavation, or hydro excavation — uses high-pressure water and an industrial vacuum to safely expose underground utilities and remove soil without any mechanical contact. If you’ve searched for jetvac service in Virginia Beach or Hampton Roads, Beach Hydrovac is the local answer.
Call us at 757-510-5220 for same-week scheduling across Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Eastern Shore.
What Is Jetvac?
Jetvac is the process of simultaneously jetting water at high pressure into the ground and vacuuming the resulting slurry into a debris tank on the truck. The result: a clean, precise excavation with zero risk of striking buried utilities.
The terms jetvac, hydrovac, and vacuum excavation are used interchangeably across the industry. All three describe the same core process — the name just varies by region and equipment manufacturer.
Jetvac vs. Mechanical Digging
| Method | Utility Strike Risk | Precision | Surface Damage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetvac / Hydrovac | None | Within inches | Minimal | Utility work, confined spaces, potholing |
| Mechanical Excavator | High | ±12–18 inches | Significant | Large open-area earthmoving |
| Hand Digging | Low | Good | Low | Very small areas only |
Our Jetvac Services in Virginia Beach
- Utility potholing — Expose gas, water, electric, and fiber lines before digging nearby
- Slot trenching — Narrow, precise trenches for new utility runs without disturbing surrounding soil
- Daylighting — Safely expose buried infrastructure for inspection, repair, or connection
- Catch basin cleaning — Vacuum out sediment and debris from stormwater basins
- Pipeline exposure — Uncover existing pipes for repair or tie-in without damage
- Emergency excavation — Fast response for utility strikes, leaks, or collapses
Why Virginia Beach Contractors Choose Jetvac
Virginia’s 811 Miss Utility law requires you to call before you dig — but even after locates are marked, hitting an unmarked or shifted utility is a real risk with mechanical equipment. Jetvac eliminates that risk entirely because water pressure cannot cut through steel, PVC, fiber optic cable, or conduit.
- Meets OSHA requirements for working near buried utilities
- Accepted by Dominion Energy, Cox, and Virginia Natural Gas for work near their infrastructure
- Reduces liability for general contractors and municipalities
- Works in tight urban spaces where excavators can’t fit
- Heated water option for cold-weather and frozen ground operations
Service Area
Beach Hydrovac provides jetvac services across all of Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore of Virginia, including:
- Virginia Beach
- Chesapeake
- Norfolk
- Suffolk
- Portsmouth
- Hampton
- Newport News
- Eastern Shore (Northampton & Accomack Counties)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is jetvac the same as hydrovac?
Yes. Jetvac and hydrovac refer to the same vacuum excavation process — high-pressure water breaks up soil while an industrial vacuum removes the slurry. The names are used interchangeably depending on the region and equipment brand.
How much does jetvac service cost in Virginia Beach?
Jetvac pricing depends on the scope of work — number of potholes, trench length, debris volume, and travel distance. Most utility potholing jobs in Virginia Beach range from a half-day to full-day rates. Contact Beach Hydrovac at 757-510-5220 for a direct quote.
How quickly can you mobilize for jetvac work?
Typically same-week scheduling for standard jobs. Emergency response is available for utility strikes or active leaks. Call 757-510-5220 to confirm availability.
Do you handle industrial jetvac projects?
Yes. Beach Hydrovac regularly works with industrial facilities, municipalities, and general contractors on large-scale vacuum excavation projects across Hampton Roads. We’re equipped for complex, multi-day, or high-volume debris jobs.
Ready to schedule jetvac service in Virginia Beach? Call 757-510-5220 or request a quote online. We serve all of Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore.