You've probably seen them on the road, or job site : large industrial trucks with holding tanks, pumps, and suction hoses. They're called vacuum trucks and they provide a vital service to cities and businesses needing materials removed from underground, overhead or from a distance. Vacuum trucks are extremely helpful in our line of business and can make a hard job much easier. If you don't know much about vacuum trucks and what they have to offer, keep reading to learn more.
What is a vacuum truck used for?
Vacuum trucks are mostly used for the transportation or removal of sanitary waste, most commonly in sewer system maintenance. They can also be used in industrial and municipal settings to suction water and debris left from hydro excavation or drilling jobs. From clearing mud to exposing utility lines, to preventing sewer system overloads, vacuum trucks meet the needs of cities and industries requiring environmental cleanup, storage tank upkeep, and waste management.
Vacuum truck applications :
A standard vacuum truck consists of a large tank for storing liquids, a strong pump for vacuuming and a series of hoses and lances to access tight or confined areas. Below is a list of some of the applications a vacuum truck can be used for :
Sumps and sewers : A vacuum truck is perfect for pumping out sumps and sewers thanks to the large volume of storage available in the tank.
Environmental protection : Use a vacuum truck after a storm or environmental emergency to remove water from sensitive areas to protect humans, wildlife, and nature.
Hazardous materials : Handling hazardous material by hand puts the operator at risk, so opt instead for a powerful and chemically resistant vacuum truck for all hazardous material spills.
How does a vacuum truck work?
A vacuum truck works similarly to a shop vac. A powerful pump removes air from the holding tank, which creates a vacuum inside. Opening the primary and secondary shutoff valves on suction hoses forces the tank to try and equalize the pressure inside, letting the truck suck up liquids and sludge. Just like a home vacuum, the quality of the equipment and the power of the pump affect suction power and the ability to handle difficult jobs.
How does a vacuum truck increase safety?
There's more to vacuum trucks than sewers and septic systems. Vacuum trucks play an important role in keeping towns and work sites clean and safe. For hazardous waste or oil spills, vacuum trucks are essential to quickly clearing and storing any dangerous materials, which prevents them from contaminating the environment or entering local waterways. Whether it's waste management, a hazmat emergency, or environment cleanup, these big machines are able to handle messy jobs at any size. At Wind River Environmental safety of our workers is a top
priority, our team of professionals are experts on safety procedures.
Hire a professional :
At Wind River Environmental we are proud to offer vacuum trucks for the use of cleanup projects. We are happy to come and complete your waste removal project for you. We serve municipalities and counties and we also have experience with lift station cleaning, catch basin cleaning, drain system cleaning, and sanitary sewer line cleaning projects.
If you need a vacuum truck for any reason, call us today, and on of our vacuum truck technicians would be happy to assist you.
