Hydrovac Trenching in Columbus & Central Ohio
Narrow, precise trenches for conduit and utility installation.
What It Is
Slot trenching carves narrow, clean trenches using pressurized water — ideal for installing conduit, cable, and small-diameter utilities where a full-width trench would be wasteful or disruptive. Hydrovac slot trenching is precise, fast, and leaves a clean trench ready for placement.
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.
Instead of a backhoe opening a wide trench, a hydrovac cuts a slot just wide enough for the utility — often 4 to 8 inches — minimizing surface damage, spoil volume, and restoration cost.
Slot trenching is especially valuable in paved or landscaped areas, under sidewalks, and in tight easements where traditional equipment can't operate cleanly.
Key Benefits
Why contractors choose hydrovac for this application.
Minimal Width
Cuts only the trench you need — less surface disruption.
Clean Walls
Smooth, vertical trench walls ready for conduit placement.
Tight Access
Works where backhoes can't reach or would cause damage.
Lower Restoration
Less trench means less backfill and less surface repair.
The Process
How we deliver this service from call to clean site.
Mark the Path
We confirm the trench route and width required for the utility.
Cut the Slot
Hydrovac carves a narrow, clean trench to the required depth.
Place
Conduit or cable is laid in the prepared trench.
Backfill
We backfill and restore the surface to spec.
Common Questions
How narrow can you cut?
Slots from about 4 inches up to 12+ inches wide, depending on the utility.
Can you slot trench through pavement?
Yes — we can cut through asphalt and concrete with the right setup.
How deep?
Up to 12 feet with standard trucks; deeper with extended-reach units.
Related Services
Ready for slot trenching?
Call dispatch or request a quote — we answer 24/7.