Non-destructive digging for Exeter's layered Roman, medieval and modern underground.
Enhanced safety
Vacuum excavation significantly reduces the risk of damaging underground utilities, ensuring the safety of workers and preventing costly repairs.
Precise digging
With vacuum excavation, you can achieve precise digging with minimal disruption to the surrounding area, enabling more accurate excavation in tight or sensitive spaces.
Environmental protection
By utilising vacuum excavation, you can minimise environmental impact by reducing soil disturbance and preserving the integrity of the surrounding ecosystem.
Increased efficiency
Vacuum excavation offers faster and more efficient digging compared to traditional methods, allowing for quicker project completion and improved productivity.
Delve into the details
Exeter combines a historic Roman and medieval street pattern with a modern city that has seen substantial development over the past two decades, creating a particularly complex underground environment. The city's UNESCO-listed underground passages — a network of medieval water channels — mean excavation near the centre must proceed with exceptional care to avoid causing irreversible damage. Infrastructure upgrades across the Science Park and Sowton Industrial Estate generate regular demand for vacuum excavation to safely locate live services before trenching. Exeter's position as a regional hub also means utility corridors from multiple providers frequently converge beneath key routes like the A377 and M5 junctions, where vac ex is the safest approach.
How JAW Hire is transforming excavation in Exeter
From the Science Park to the city centre's medieval passages, our operated vac ex fleet protects what's beneath Exeter's streets.
Frequently asked questions
Can you supply more than one operator?
Can JAW Hire assist with utility locating before performing the excavation?
Are there any permits or permissions required for vacuum excavation?
Can vacuum excavation be used for various construction and industrial projects?
How do I request the vacuum excavation service from JAW Hire?
Does JAW Hire provide trained operators for the vacuum excavation service?
Is vacuum excavation a safe method for locating underground utilities?
In which areas is vacuum excavation suitable?
