Utility Potholing in Columbus, Ohio

Potholing is the practice of digging small, precise test holes to visually confirm the exact location and depth of underground utilities before any mechanical excavation or directional drilling begins. It's the gold standard for strike prevention.

Based in Carroll near Columbus, ABI Hydrovac serves contractors and utilities throughout Central Ohio. Powered by American Boring, our team brings 30+ years of underground construction experience to each project.

A hydrovac truck uses pressurized water to cut a narrow hole — often just 6 to 12 inches across — straight down to the utility, then vacuums the slurry away. The utility is exposed, inspected, and measured without any risk of contact.

For HDD crews, contractors, and utilities, potholing provides the ground-truth verification that keeps bores on path and prevents costly, dangerous strikes.