Hydrovac Services in Burbank, California

When it comes to digging in a busy city like Burbank, things can get complicated fast. Between the tangle of utility lines underground and the busy streets above, you can’t just bring in a heavy excavator and start tearing up the ground. That is where we come in.

At Directional Boring California, we specialize in non-destructive digging. One of the best tools in our arsenal is Hydrovac. If you have never used it before, think of it as a safe, precise way to move earth without the risk of hitting a gas line or fiber optic cable.

We want to walk you through how this works, why it’s perfect for projects in Burbank and Los Angeles, and why our team is the right fit for the job.

What Exactly Is Hydrovac?

It sounds high-tech, but the concept is actually pretty simple. Hydrovac excavation uses high-pressure water to loosen the soil and a powerful vacuum to suck up the resulting slurry.

Imagine a pressure washer working together with a giant industrial vacuum cleaner. The water cuts through the dirt, turning it into mud, and the vacuum tube instantly removes it into a debris tank on our truck.

Why do we love this method?
It’s gentle: It doesn’t damage pipes or cables.
It’s clean: The dirt goes right into the truck, keeping the job site tidy.
* It’s precise: We can dig small, deep holes with surgical accuracy.

Why Hydrovac is Essential in Burbank

Burbank is a unique place. You have major studios, dense neighborhoods, and commercial zones all packed together. The ground here is full of history—and full of utilities.

In older parts of Los Angeles and Burbank, maps of underground pipes aren’t always 100% accurate. If you use a traditional backhoe, you are taking a gamble. One accidental strike on a power line can shut down a city block (and cost a fortune in repairs).

Using Hydrovac in Burbank eliminates that guesswork. Because water isn’t solid metal, it flows around pipes rather than cutting through them. It is the safest way to expose utilities, a process often called "potholing" or "daylighting."

Who We Are: Trusted, Licensed, and Certified

Finding a contractor can sometimes feel like a roll of the dice. We get that. That is why we believe in being totally transparent about who we are.

Directional Boring California is a development and engineering company. We hold both General A Engineering and General B Contractor licenses in California. This means we don’t just dig holes; we understand the engineering and construction principles behind the entire project.

We are also proud to be a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE).

This isn't just a label to us. It represents our commitment to discipline, service, and getting the job done right the first time. In addition to being a DVBE, we hold several other certifications that make us a preferred partner for government and private contracts:
SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business)
PDBE (Port of Long Beach Disadvantaged Business Enterprise)
SB-Micro (Small Business Micro)
SB-PW (Small Business Public Works)

When you hire us, you are supporting a veteran-owned business that meets the highest standards of compliance and safety in the state.

How We Can Help You

Our trucks are ready to roll for a variety of needs. Here is a quick look at what we handle most often:

• Potholing & Daylighting: We expose underground pipes so you can verify exactly where they are before construction begins.
• Slot Trenching: Need to lay a narrow conduit or cable? We can dig a thin, neat trench that requires very little backfill.
• Debris Removal: Since our trucks vacuum up the soil, we can clean out catch basins, manholes, and other hard-to-reach areas.
• Pole Setting: We dig precise holes for utility poles, signs, or fence posts without disturbing the surrounding soil.

Thinking About Costs

We know budget is always a factor. Pricing for Hydrovac services generally depends on a few things.

First, consider the soil type. Sandy soil is quick to wash away, while heavy clay or rocky ground takes a bit longer. Second, think about disposal. Once our truck is full of slurry, we have to drive to an approved dump site to empty it. The travel time to and from that site plays a role in the daily schedule.

However, while the hourly rate for a Hydrovac truck might look higher than a standard excavator, it often saves money in the long run. There is less manual labor, less restoration work needed (since the hole is smaller), and zero cost for repairing damaged utilities.

Let’s Talk About Your Project

Whether you are planning a large infrastructure project in Los Angeles or a smaller utility upgrade in Burbank, we are here to help. We believe in friendly communication and professional results.

You can reach out to us directly to discuss your specific needs. We are happy to answer questions, look at plans, or give you a better idea of what to expect.

Contact Us:
Phone: (213) 379-1805
Email: info@directionalboringcalifornia.com

We look forward to working with you and keeping your project moving safely and efficiently.