With nearly 40 years of experience, Caldow Builders delivers safe, accurate, and non-destructive Hydrovac services across Foxton and the wider Horowhenua region. Our skilled team uses modern Hydrovac equipment to safely and efficiently handle trenching, service exposure, and excavation across rural and built-up sites.
At Caldow Builders, we provide expert Hydrovac services throughout Foxton, a historic rural town with a population of around 3,330 (2018 census). Located at 40.4686° S, 175.2874° E, Foxton is known for its farmlands, older homes, and infrastructure along Main Street, SH1, and the Manawatū River.
Foxton’s mix of aging water mains, narrow access roads, and unmarked rural services makes mechanical digging a high-risk option. Damaging buried power lines or irrigation systems can stall progress and add major costs.
Whether you’re digging along Hickford Street, supporting council drainage near Easton Park, or trenching for irrigation on rural blocks, our Hydrovac crew has the tools and local knowledge to help. We use water and suction to expose pipes and services without damage, ensuring safe results across residential, farm, and roadside sites.
Count on Caldow Builders to deliver safe, efficient, and site-ready excavation in Foxton and the surrounding districts.
Get driving directions from Foxton to our office.
With nearly 40 years in the construction industry and deep roots in Foxton, we’ve worked on everything from small residential projects to major infrastructure upgrades. Our familiarity with local council standards and compliance processes also ensures your project stays on track from start to finish.
Our Hydrovac units are based locally, not hours away. With over 20 vehicles in our fleet and an experienced team ready to respond, we’re equipped to mobilise quickly for both planned and urgent jobs across Foxton and surrounding areas.
Hydrovac excavation uses pressurised water and vacuum suction to remove soil while protecting underground services — making it ideal for jobs around fragile infrastructure. In areas like Main Street or older residential blocks, striking a water pipe or telecom line isn’t just costly — it can shut down an entire area.
We started as residential builders in Foxton and grew into a trusted local team for excavation and civil works. As a family-owned business, we’re responsive, reliable, and focused on doing the job right — with results that meet local standards and last.
Foxton has many properties with aging, undocumented utility lines — especially in areas like Main Street, Seabury Avenue, and around the older town centre. Digging with machinery risks hitting shallow power, water, or phone lines that could disrupt homes or businesses. Hydrovac exposes buried services using pressurised water and vacuum, avoiding contact and protecting underground infrastructure. It’s ideal for trenching along fences, near driveways, or beside road corridors.
Rural and residential sites around Foxton often include manicured gardens, narrow paths, or soft verges — especially near the river or along SH1. Traditional digging can leave large holes, messy spoil, and damaged surroundings. Hydrovac keeps things tidy by removing only the soil needed and containing debris for easy disposal. It’s perfect for footpaths, small builds, and utility checks where cleanup time matters.
Foxton’s outskirts include soft paddocks, drain easements, and lifestyle blocks where heavy gear can’t always reach safely — particularly in wet seasons or sloped areas like Motuiti Road and Foxton Beach outskirts. Our Hydrovac trucks use long hoses and mobile setups to reach tight or unstable ground from a distance. Whether it’s a backyard job or a rural fence trench, we dig without tearing up accessways or surrounding land.
When working near waterways, storm drains, or public roads in Foxton — like along the Manawatū River or near council berms — environmental compliance is critical. Hydrovac supports this by minimising ground disturbance, reducing runoff, and keeping spoil contained. We follow Horowhenua District Council regulations and handle safe disposal, helping you stay compliant on civil, residential, or private land projects.
If your project needs safe, accurate, and council-compliant excavation in Foxton, contact Caldow Builders today for expert Hydrovac services backed by decades of local experience.
If you’re digging on public land, roadside areas, or near council assets in Foxton, you may need a permit from the Horowhenua District Council. This includes work near footpaths, stormwater drains, and service corridors. For jobs on private property or farmland, permits are usually not required. However, it’s always smart to double-check before starting. Our team is familiar with Foxton’s local regulations and can guide you through the process. We’ll also let you know if consents or utility location checks are needed.
Hydrovac is a fast and clean way to dig around underground services. Our team arrives with a truck that uses water pressure to loosen the soil, and a vacuum system to remove it safely. We usually start with a quick site inspection and walk you through the process. Jobs in Foxton often take place on paddocks, gravel drives, or roadside berms — so we come prepared for those conditions. The work is low-impact and leaves little mess compared to traditional digging. Once the job is done, we make sure the area is tidy and safe.
Yes — waiting too long to locate underground services can lead to serious problems. In Foxton, older homes and rural properties often have shallow or undocumented pipes and cables. Using a digger without knowing what’s underground can break these lines, causing service loss, repairs, and safety risks. Hydrovac helps prevent this by safely uncovering the exact spot without damage. If you’re planning trenching, fencing, or irrigation, it’s best to use Hydrovac early to avoid delays and extra costs. Getting it done right the first time saves time and money.
Use Hydrovac when you’re working near utilities, in tight areas, or on sites with limited access. In Foxton, this could be near roadside berms, older buildings, or soft paddocks that can’t handle heavy machinery. It’s also ideal when you want to avoid damaging pipes, cables, or tree roots. If the job needs precision and minimal disruption, Hydrovac is usually the better choice. Our team can assess your project and let you know if Hydrovac is the right fit.
If you’re unsure what’s under your site — like power, water, or phone lines — it’s smart to check before digging. Signs include old service markers, pipes poking out of the ground, or recent upgrades nearby. In Foxton, older properties and farms often have unmarked or shallow services that can be easily hit. If you’re planning earthworks, fencing, or trenching, it’s best to use Hydrovac to expose and protect these services. This helps avoid costly breaks and keeps your project moving safely.
Need help with a safe and precise excavation job? Contact our friendly Foxton team today. Call, email, or submit the quick form — we’ll get back to you fast with a quote or expert advice tailored to your site and project needs.
Caldow Builders is a family-owned construction and contracting company based in Foxton. We’ve been working across the North Island for over 40 years, handling everything from commercial construction and civil projects to rural builds, hydrovac work, and heavy transport.
