Vactor / Combo Sewer Truck
A Vactor truck is like a mobile vacuum cleaner. These handy vehicles help keep debris out of sewer systems so water can continue flowing smoothly, preventing backups. At SoCal Sewer and Water, our Vactor trucks are available in Long Beach and surrounding areas to take care of sewer problems wherever they may occur.
Whereas smaller flusher trucks just clean sewer lines, Vactor trucks can both clean and vacuum. A nozzle attached to the truck uses high-pressure water to clean the sewer line, blowing debris into the manhole. The debris is then vacuumed out using a special attachment and stored in the truck’s debris tank for later disposal.
Vactor trucks have a number of applications beyond just residential sewer cleaning, including:
Municipal Jetting
Also known as sewer jetting or hydro-jetting, municipal jetting is a technique used to clean and maintain sewer pipes owned by municipalities. Generally, whichever entity installed the sewer line is responsible for its maintenance. So if, for example, the city of Long Beach built a sewer line connecting public property to private property, the city would be responsible for its maintenance, which would fall under the category of municipal jetting.
Hydro Excavation
Hydro excavation is the process of using high-pressure water and a vacuum to dig into the ground. Pressurized water breaks up the soil, which is then vacuumed away. This technique can be used for a variety of construction projects, including servicing or replacing utility lines and pipe systems, building trenches or tunnels, and cleaning up spills. It is safe, precise, and environmentally friendly, minimizing soil disturbance in the surrounding area.
Sewage Lift Station Pumping and Maintenance
A lift station is a pump that transports sewage and wastewater from a lower to a higher elevation. Sometimes, there are technical challenges with installing sewer systems that work purely by gravity. Lift stations are a cheaper alternative to extensive excavation, allowing the sewage to continue on its way to the treatment plant.
Vactor trucks are used to clean and maintain sewer lift stations. Their combined cleaning and vacuuming power clears blockages, ensuring the system continues to run smoothly.
Catch Basin Cleaning
A catch basin is a structure that collects water from streets, lawns, and gutters and directs it into a storm drain. Catch basins prevent yards and homes from being flooded. They also clean the water by allowing debris to settle to the bottom or float on the top, so that the water in the middle can be drained via a pipe.
Over time, catch basins become clogged and need to be cleaned. Vactor trucks are perfect for the job, removing the dirt, mud, and plant debris that typically accumulates at the bottom of the tank.
Storm Drain Cleaning
Storm drains allow excess rainfall to drain harmlessly to the sea, preventing flooding and keeping streets clear and safe for traffic. They also require regular cleaning for the same reason as catch basins, as water from storms washes mud and other debris into the drain. Vactor trucks are the right tool for the job, washing and vacuuming storm drains so they’re ready for the next big storm.
If your home, business, or neighborhood has sewer lines, storm drains, catch basins, or lift stations that need to be cleaned, call SoCal Sewer and Water. Our Vactor trucks, which can also help with hydro excavation for construction sites, will leave your infrastructure safe and clean so it’s once again ready for daily use.