Vacuum Excavation Services
Safer, cleaner and more controlled excavation across the South West. Our 32-tonne Mercedes-Benz Arocs Vac-Ex comes with a complete utilities team — excavation and repair as one package.
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Professional Vacuum Excavation (Vac-Ex) Across the South West
Sherborne Utilities Ltd now provides professional vacuum excavation — also known as suction excavation or Vac-Ex — throughout the South West, offering a safer, cleaner and more controlled alternative to traditional excavation.
Our 32-tonne Mercedes-Benz Arocs Vac-Ex uses powerful suction and a remote-controlled boom to quickly and precisely remove soil, stone and other materials, without a bucket or breaker anywhere near the services below.
Vacuum excavation is particularly effective when working around water mains, gas pipes, electricity cables, telecommunications and other underground utilities, helping to significantly reduce the risk of service strikes and damage to existing infrastructure.
We are available for planned works, projects and reactive or emergency call-outs, working for water companies, contractors, developers and private clients alike.
Our Vac-Ex Unit
- 32-tonne Mercedes-Benz Arocs
- Powerful suction excavation
- Remote-controlled boom
- Soil, stone and spoil removal
- Experienced dedicated operator
- Available with a full utilities team
Uses of Our Vac-Ex
From a single trial hole to full excavation on a live utilities scheme, the Vac-Ex is suitable for:
Benefits of Vacuum Excavation
A safer and more precise method of excavation, particularly around existing underground services.
Reduced Risk of Service Strikes
Excavating by suction rather than by machine bucket or hand dramatically reduces the risk of striking live water mains, gas pipes, electricity cables and telecoms ducts.
Precise & Controlled
The remote-controlled boom allows the operator to work accurately around sensitive services and infrastructure, minimising unnecessary ground disturbance.
Cleaner Working Environment
Material is drawn directly into the Vac-Ex rather than being stockpiled on site, keeping the working area tidy and reducing dust and spoil handling.
Fast & Cost-Effective
Excavation that would take hours by hand can be completed in a fraction of the time, reducing manpower, additional plant and disruption to the surrounding area.
Vac-Ex With a Complete Utilities Team
Importantly, we do not just offer the Vac-Ex and an operator. Sherborne Utilities can provide the Vac-Ex together with a complete, experienced utilities team, allowing us to undertake the excavation and the associated works as one package.
Our teams are experienced in water mains repairs, renewals, service pipe works, leakage and general water infrastructure works. We can attend site, safely expose the affected main or service using the Vac-Ex, undertake the required repair or installation, and assist with reinstatement.
This gives water companies and contractors one team, one vehicle and one complete service, rather than having to coordinate separate excavation and repair contractors.
Water Mains Repairs
Repairs and renewals to mains and service pipes, planned or reactive.
Leakage Works
Leak detection, pinpointing and repair as a single, joined-up service.
One Site Visit
Excavate, repair and backfill in one mobilisation — less time on site.
Reinstatement
Groundworks and quality reinstatement to finish the job properly.
How a Vac-Ex Job Works
Planned, safe and efficient from first survey to final reinstatement.
Survey & Service Location
We review plans, scan the area and mark up known services before any excavation begins, so the dig is planned around what is in the ground.
Set Up & Safe Working
The Vac-Ex is positioned and the area made safe. The remote-controlled boom means the operator can work at a safe distance from the excavation.
Suction Excavation
Soil, stone and other material is drawn straight into the unit — exposing the main, service or feature cleanly and without damaging it.
Works & Reinstatement
Our utilities team carries out the repair, renewal or installation, then backfills and assists with reinstatement to complete the job in one visit.
Covering the South West
Based in Sherborne, Dorset, we provide Vac-Ex and utilities services throughout Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Devon and Hampshire, and the wider South West. Available for planned works, projects and reactive or emergency works.
Get in Touch About Vac-Ex
For Vac-Ex availability, rates or to discuss a project, contact Sherborne Utilities today.