The 5 Best Features That Every Vacuum Truck Should Have

If you’re looking to start a fleet of septic service trucks, you should know that not every piece of equipment is built the same. Some are better quality than others while a few have specific modifications that are geared toward a niche job or area. The features and tools that your truck has allowed you to do your job effectively and service customers accordingly, leading you to turn a profit.

So that being said, what features should your truck have? Keep reading to find out!

Feature #1: Hose Length

One of the first things you need to determine is what your optimal hose length is. While you may write this thought off and say ‘the standard size is fine, it is best to think ahead to potential scenarios. For example, if you run into a job that requires some finagling to reach the septic tank, you’re going to wish you had a longer hose. This sort of flexibility will prove to be a game-changer.

Feature #2: Vacuum Pump Capabilities

At the heart of a septic service truck is its vacuum pump. Determining the right size of pump for your truck is vital. If you are facing a big job that is well above your equipment’s capabilities, well, you are in for a rough go of things. For this reason, is it best practice to choose a vacuum pump that will handle not only the average job but the occasional, more difficult task as it comes along? If you have long hoses, pulling uphill, or want to take on bigger jobs, it is wise to invest in a bigger capacity vacuum pump.

Feature #3: Sight Eyes, Floating Ball System, or Digital Readout

Sight eyes are the most common way to judge the amount of liquid present in your tank. Normally, these are located at the back of septic service trucks and bubbles tell you how empty or full the tank is. It’s important to watch these and be aware of when you’re approaching max capacity.

However, there are a couple of options as well. This includes the floating ball system, which can give you a more accurate depiction of how full the tank is. Or, a digital readout, which is the most accurate by far. It can even pull precise data that can help you make sure you’re billing your customers for the exact amount.

Feature #4: Jetter Add-On

Cleaning drain lines can be a real pain in the neck. Roots, dirt, and other debris have a tendency to build up and clog the lines over time. If left alone, this blockage can compromise your truck’s work abilities and slow things down. However, by adding a jetter, you can have a quick way to resolve this issue. Jetters provide a quick and effective way to clear out your lines.

Feature #5: Fresh Water Tank

For most septic service trucks, freshwater tanks don’t come standard. However, you should be able to add one to your truck, depending on its size. Freshwater tanks can hold around two to three hundred gallons of water at a time. This is a great choice if you want to have a jetter on your truck as well. Plus, you can always use it to clean out customers’ driveways or walkways after a messy job.