With advanced payload capabilities and heated valves and water lines, Westech’s code hydrovacs are known for withstanding Canada’s tough, frozen terrain effectively and reliably.

The Canadian energy resource industry popularized these trucks as all-purpose, cost-effective excavation equipment that can be deployed year-round.

Canadian-based contractors find hydro excavation to be faster, safer, and more environmentally friendly than traditional hydraulic excavators and backhoes. 

But for hauling potentially hazardous materials, mandates require contractors to use code-certified trucks to do the jobs safely and in compliance with federal and provincial regulations.

This article aims to be a resource for municipalities and contractors looking to switch to code certified hydrovacs, outlining the benefits these trucks offer.

Worksites Are Prioritizing Environmental Safety

In addition to Canada, 19 U.S. states now cite vacuum excavation as part of their safe excavation practices guide. The Common Ground Alliance, a public safety and environmental protection group, recognizes hydro excavation as an environmentally sustainable solution for the prevention of underground utility and pipeline damage.  

Along with this Shift come attractive government subsidies that can help bridge the gap between up-front cost and long-term value.

Exploring Code Hydrovacs and Workforce Safety


The CCGA's 2023 DIRT report indicates that nearly 10,000 documented excavation and digging-related damages occurred across Canada that year.

The cost of cleaning up spills and repairing damaged utility lines created a financial incentive for infrastructure contractors and municipalities to consider hydro excavation for excavating near underground utilities, gas, and pipelines. 

Westech, an Alberta-based manufacturer, is committed to supporting contractors with infrastructure maintenance equipment that helps minimize damage to municipal and industrial infrastructure, keeps workers safe, and protects our communities.

Common Applications for Code-certified Hydrovac Equipment

Debris & Industrial Waste Removal

Code hydrovacs are an environmentally safe method for the removal, containment, transport, and disposal of: 

• Drilling fluids & industrial contaminants 
• Wastewater, mud, and debris from industrial & construction sites
• Municipal sewage and catch basin wastewater 
• Underwater dirt & debris 
  

Locate Underground Utility Networks  

Mechanical excavation shovels can tear through utility cables, gas lines, and pipelines which can result in environmental spills, hazardous worksites, clean-up costs, production delays, missed deadlines, and financial losses.

Code certified hydrovacs offer a faster, less invasive excavation process for locating underground utility and pipeline infrastructure that: 

• Won’t damage utility line infrastructure
• Reduces labor costs
• Offers quick, precise excavations 
• Requires less land restoration
• Has less environmental impact  
• Offers accessibility to hard-to-reach sites

Cold Weather Digging Applications

Cold weather digging is tough, and code-certified hydrovacs can make it easier. With heated, pressurized water, they turn frozen ground into slurry that’s immediately removed by an industrial-grade vacuum attachment. 

Winter excavation projects give infrastructure contractors:

• Year-round revenue streams
• Lower hydraulic equipment rental & maintenance costs 
• Fewer project delays and greater workforce deployment
• Higher productivity with fewer workers

Investing in a Hydrovac

Code certified hydrovac trucks can be customized for a variety of applications including drilling oil cleanup, sewer & septic maintenance, construction site debris removal, waste hauling, and hazardous goods.

A well-maintained vacuum truck is a sound long-term investment that will help contractors maximize returns from hauling contracts. 

For all your Needs: Discover Westech’s Vacuum Trucks

Based in Alberta, Canada, Westech understands extreme weather conditions and builds rugged, reliable vacuum trucks for the toughest industrial and municipal cleaning applications. In addition to code hydrovacs, Westech manufactures a variety of equipment to meet the most demanding worksite conditions.

The Liquid Vacuum Truck (LVT) is designed for large-volume liquid transfers in industries like oil and gas, chemical cleanups, and municipal services. Built with durable components, the LVT is available in various configurations and can be customized for specific job requirements to ensure maximum efficiency and safety for liquid cleanup operations. 

The Straight Vacuum Truck (SVT) is engineered for heavy-duty debris removal and liquid transfers. It offers enhanced haul capacity and is often paired with hydrovac services for large-scale projects. The SVT’s design and customizable features make it a reliable choice for industrial and municipal applications where high-volume material handling is essential. 

The Combination Unit offers the greatest versatility with its hydrovac capabilities and larger hauling capacity. These units are available in a variety of configurations. 

Vacuum trailers are a great option to maximize hauling capacity and transfer of large volumes of payload. These units are customizable to maximize versatility.

Hydro Excavation Equipment for your Application

Westech serves Canda’s hard-working construction, infrastructure maintenance, and excavation experts. For assistance in choosing the right product for your application, contact the Joe Johnson Equipment team. Joe Johnson Equipment offers new and used equipment, parts & service, to municipalities, contractors, waste haulers, and industrial companies.