Vacuum truck operator Hal Parker of Buffalo, N.Y., asked us to elaborate on the basic requirements for an efficient vacuum service truck. To create a primer for readers to use the next time they order a service vehicle, we decided to answer his question in three parts. Last month, we covered what we consider should be “standard’’ accessories on every vacuum truck. This month we look at what we consider “optional’’ accessories.
Handy Additions That Can Save Tech Time
A number of vacuum truck accessories are not absolutely necessary, but they can make a driver’s/technician’s job easier. And if these optional features save a few minutes per day on a driver’s route, they’ll pay for themselves over the life of the truck.
MANWAY
Many vacuum trucks have manways built along the top of the tank. Trucks with larger capacity tanks — those used in the septic tank-cleaning trade — often have more than one manway on top. The main purpose of the manway is to allow you to look inside the tank. You can evaluate the condition of your tank and baffles by shining a light and visibly checking things out. You can also clean the tank using a hose or a pressure washer.
Most manways, however, never get used. They are there just in case you need to access the tank. Some pumpers put a manway on the rear head for cleaning or more thorough dumping when necessary. This is probably a better idea than the manway on top of the tank because, you don’t have to do any climbing and you can hose out the tank without any great risk of falling.
SIGHT GAUGE
Most trucks utilize a sight gauge. Some trucks use a clear hose, visible to the eye, for monitoring levels inside the tank. The down side of the clear hose is that it darkens quickly and you can’t see the level. The most common type of sight gauge on portable sanitation service trucks is the sight bubble. Using two or three sight bubbles, you can judge when the tank is half full and then when it is getting nearly full.
You don’t want your tank absolutely full, which will eventually cause damage to your pump. There are also electronic gauges for measuring the liquid levels, but they are generally expensive and require some maintenance. No matter what type you use, sight gauges are a good idea.
SAMPLE PORT
Many cities and states now regulate where you dump and what you can dump. They have built dump stations to monitor how much you are dumping and exactly what you are dumping. Before they let you dump, they often sample tank contents. The easiest way to allow for the monitoring is to install a sample port on top of the tank. We generally add a 6-inch fitting that allows for convenient sampling.
It’s a good idea to have a sample port installed when the truck is built because, even if your disposal sites don’t test your waste at this time, the day may soon be coming when they’ll want to take samples. The sample port also can be used as an access point if you ever need to hose out the tank.
WORK LIGHTS
For working at night, work lights installed on top of the tank are absolutely necessary. But if you never work at night, they are worthless. It might be handy to have the work lights installed in the event you have an unexpected night job or if you need to add second-shift routes during the busy season. Don’t lose work because you can’t see the job.
SAFETY BEACON, REARVIEW CAMERA
Another option that is becoming more popular, and a requirement in some locations, is a safety beacon. Flashing beacons have become a standard warning for others that something is going on. It is for your safety and the safety of others. As time goes on, more and more cities and states are requiring them to be used when on the job. The option of rearview video cameras has become more affordable and can help prevent damage and downtime. They can now be installed on any truck.
CARRIERS AND TOOLBOXES
Almost every portable sanitation service truck has a restroom carrier. Some are heavy-duty and some are lightweight. The choice is up to the personal preference of the truck owner. Just make sure the lighting for brakes and turn signals is working if they are built into the carrier. Save yourself a ticket. Make sure you know the volume of supplies you need to carry for efficient service and have the right number and size of toolboxes to get the job done.
