With nearly 40 years of experience, Caldow Builders delivers safe, non-destructive Hydrovac services across Palmerston North. Our vacuum excavation team supports civil contractors, councils, and developers with precision digging that protects underground assets and keeps projects on track.
At Caldow Builders, we provide trusted Hydrovac services across Palmerston North, a fast-growing regional centre with a population of over 89,000 (2018 census). Located at 40.3523° S, 175.6082° E, the city is known for its mix of residential suburbs, industrial zones, and major infrastructure routes like SH3 and Tremaine Avenue.
With high-traffic roads, dense underground networks, and ongoing development in areas like Kelvin Grove, Milson, and the CBD, traditional digging often risks damaging buried services. Power cables, fibre lines, and water mains are often laid close together — making safe excavation essential.
Whether you’re exposing services near the industrial hub of Railway Road, trenching in new builds around Kelvin Grove, or working on council projects in the city centre, our Hydrovac team is ready to help. We use pressurised water and suction to expose underground infrastructure cleanly and safely — ideal for service checks, utility trenching, or pre-construction site prep.
Backed by local knowledge and a proven track record, Caldow Builders delivers Hydrovac excavation you can rely on — clean, compliant, and built for Palmerston North.
Get driving directions from Palmerston North to our office.
Palmerston North is a growing hub with ongoing infrastructure, roadworks, and housing projects. Our fleet of 20+ Hydrovac units handles high-volume excavation for both private and public jobs. From Longburn’s industrial sites to new builds in Kelvin Grove, we dig where accuracy matters.
We’re based just down the road, which means quick mobilisation to central and outer Palmerston North. Whether the job is on SH3, around the CBD, or out near Massey University, our team responds fast and shows up on time. You won’t be waiting on gear or crew — we’re always ready.
Hydrovac protects buried infrastructure by using water and suction to remove soil without contact. This keeps telecoms, water pipes, power lines, and fibre networks safe — even in service-heavy corridors. Our crews are trained to dig with care and leave the site clean, minimising disruption and follow-up costs.
We work regularly with local councils, engineers, and large-scale contractors — and we’ve built our name on reliability. As a family-owned business, we back every job with accountability, communication, and results that keep clients coming back.
Palmerston North has dense and aging underground networks, particularly in central suburbs like West End, Hokowhitu, and around the CBD. Many older water mains, power lines, and fibre services run close to the surface — and striking one can cause major disruption. Hydrovac protects these services by using high-pressure water and suction to expose them gently. It’s perfect for potholing, verifying utility locations, or trenching near public buildings and schools.
Palmerston North City Council enforces strict regulations on excavation near stormwater drains, road corridors, and public green spaces. Hydrovac supports compliance by limiting surface disturbance, controlling spoil, and reducing environmental runoff. We regularly work on council-approved civil projects and ensure every job meets local safety and environmental standards — especially near waterways or roadside works.
Access in areas like Milson industrial park, railway zones, or laneways off Cuba Street can be tight or restricted. Large machines may not fit safely, especially near fences, buildings, or underground tanks. Our Hydrovac units use long-reach hoses and compact tools to work around these obstacles without damaging existing infrastructure. Whether you’re in a city laneway or a fenced depot, we can dig where others can’t.
Digging near busy areas like College Street, Tremaine Avenue, or Ruahine Street often requires careful cleanup and minimal site impact. Traditional machinery can create large, rough openings that need extra labour to tidy and refill. Hydrovac creates precise, narrow holes with spoil contained and ready for removal — saving time and reducing mess on footpaths, landscaped berms, and commercial sites. It’s the go-to method when presentation and restoration matter.
If your project needs accurate, safe, and efficient digging in Palmerston North, Hydrovac is the right solution — and Caldow Builders is the team to call.
Hydrovac in Palmerston North typically costs between $250 and $300 per hour. The price depends on the job size, access, and whether you need spoil removed. Smaller jobs like potholing may have a fixed cost. Larger trenching or civil works are usually priced hourly or per metre. We provide clear, upfront quotes before starting. There are no hidden charges.
Most Hydrovac jobs in Palmerston North take a few hours. Small service exposures or pits may be finished in one morning. Larger trenching or multiple dig sites can take a full day or more. We inspect the site and give you a clear timeline before starting. Our crew works efficiently to minimise disruption. You will always know what to expect before we begin.
If your Hydrovac job is on public land in Palmerston North, you will likely need a permit from the city council. This includes work near roads, stormwater systems, or council-managed infrastructure. Private property work usually does not require a permit. Our team will check the site and tell you what is needed before starting. We are familiar with Palmerston North City Council processes and can help with the paperwork. This keeps your project compliant and avoids delays.
We can usually respond to emergency Hydrovac jobs in Palmerston North within 24 hours. Same-day service may be available depending on the urgency and location. Our fleet is active across the city, including CBD, industrial zones, and nearby suburbs. Fast response is important for urgent utility repairs, service strikes, or blocked lines. We keep trucks ready to move quickly. Contact us and we will confirm availability straight away.
Our team arrives with a Hydrovac truck and checks the area before starting. We use water to loosen the soil and a vacuum to remove it safely. This protects underground services and keeps the site clean. Jobs in Palmerston North usually involve tight access, busy streets, or active sites, so we work with care. The job can take a few hours to a full day depending on the size. Once done, the site is left tidy and ready for your next step.
Need help with a safe and precise excavation job? Contact our friendly team in Palmerston North 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.
