Glossary

PSI (Pounds per Square Inch)

What is PSI (Pounds per Square Inch)?

PSI (pounds per square inch) measures the water pressure a hydrovac produces; higher PSI concentrates the cutting force of the wand, letting it break hard, compacted, or frozen soil during hydro excavation.

PSI quantifies the force behind the water jet. In hydro excavation, higher PSI cuts denser and colder ground, while the wand's flow (GPM) determines how much material that pressure can move. Operators adjust PSI to protect utilities: too much pressure can damage coatings, too little cannot break the soil.

PSI and GPM together define the water system's digging performance and are commonly listed as a paired range. Frost and clay generally call for higher PSI. Rent hydro excavation equipment with the pressure your conditions require through a free Vac4Rent request.