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SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR

SEPTIC CARE INSTRUCTIONS
SEPTIC CONSULTANTS
SEPTIC D-BOX INSPECTION
SEPTIC DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS
SEPTIC DRAWINGS
SEPTIC DYE TEST PROCEDURE
SEPTIC FAILURE SIGNS
SEPTIC INSPECTION & TEST GUIDE
SEPTIC LIFE EXPECTANCY
SEPTIC ODORS
SEPTIC PUMPS
SEPTIC SUPPLIES & PARTS
SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN ALTERNATIVES
SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS
SEPTIC SYSTEMS, HOME BUYERS GUIDE to
SEPTIC SYSTEM SAFETY WARNINGS
SEPTIC TANKS
SEPTIC TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS
SEWAGE & SEPTIC CONTAMINANTS
SEWAGE BACKUP, WHAT TO DO
SEWAGE BACKUP TEST & CLEANUP
SEWAGE BACKUP PREVENTION
SEWAGE CONTAMINATION in buildings
SEWAGE CONTAMINANTS in FRUIT / VEGETABLES
SEWAGE EJECTOR / GRINDER PUMPS
SEWAGE LEVELS in SEPTIC TANKS
SEWAGE NITROGEN CONTAMINANTS
SEWAGE PATHOGENS in SEPTIC SLUDGE
SEWAGE PUMPS
SEWER BACKUP PREVENTION
SEWER GAS ODORS
SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT
SINKHOLES, WARNING SIGNS
SMELL PATCH TEST to Track Down Odors
SOAKAWAY BED FAILURE DIAGNOSIS
SULPHUR & SEWER GAS SMELL SOURCES
SUMP PUMPS

TOILETS, INSPECT, INSTALL, REPAIR
TOILET ALTERNATIVES
TOILETS, DON'T FLUSH LIST
TRAPS on PLUMBING FIXTURES
TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS, SEPTIC

VIDEO GUIDES: Septic Videos

WASHING MACHINES & SEPTIC SYSTEMS
WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS
WATER SUPPLY & DRAIN PIPING
WASTEWATER TREATMENT BASICS
WATER, WELLS, WATER TANKS: TESTING GUIDE
WINTERIZE A BUILDING

More Information

PHOTO of opening the septic pumper truck vacuum pump motor and controls Septic System Care: Septic Tank Pumping Procedure - Septic Pumper Truck Operation photo guide
     

  • How the septic tank pumper truck or vacuum truck is operated
    • Description of vacuum pumps used on septic sewer & drain cleaning pumper trucks, list & contact information for buying a septic pumper truck vacuum pump
    • Description of the steps in prepring the pumper truck for septic tank cleanout, vacuum line layout, checking the pump, operating the pump
  • SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE
    • CLEANING SEPTIC TANKS & WHEN NOT TO PUMP A SEPTIC TANK
    • FIND the SEPTIC TANK, HOW TO
    • How to Open Septic Tanks
    • SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE
    • Pumping the Septic Tank
    • Washing Septic Tank Sides/Bottom
    • CLOSE the SEPTIC TANK & RECORD SEPTIC TANK LOCATION
    • SEPTIC PUMPING CONCLUSIONS
  • Questions & Answers about septic tank pumper truck operation and procedures
  • References

Click to Show or Hide Related Topics

  • SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR - home
  • ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC DESIGNERS
  • ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC PRODUCTS
  • BACKUP PREVENTION, SEPTIC
  • BACKUP PREVENTION, SEWER
  • CHEMICALS & TREATMENTS for SEPTICS
  • CLEANOUTS, DRAIN, SEPTIC
  • CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM
  • CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
  • D BOX TROUBLESHOOTING
  • DRYWELL DESIGN & USES
  • EFFLUENT RETENTION TIME
  • FILTERS SEPTIC & GREYWATER
  • GARBAGE DISPOSAL vs SEPTICS
  • GUIDE TO SEPTIC SYSTEMS
  • HOW SEPTIC SYSTEMS WORK
  • HOME BUYERS GUIDE to SEPTIC SYSTEMS
  • HOME SELLERS GUIDE TO SEPTIC SYSTEMS
  • ODORS, SEPTIC or SEWER
  • ODORS, PLUMBING SYSTEM
  • SEPTIC & CESSPOOL SAFETY
  • SEPTIC COMPONENT LOCATIONS
  • SEPTIC DRAINFIELD SIZE
  • SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LIFE
  • SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & TEST GUIDE - home
  • SEPTIC LOADING & DYE TEST PROCEDURE - home
  • SEPTIC MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
  • SEPTIC PUMPS
  • SEPTIC PUMPING REPAIR
  • SEPTIC SYSTEM REPAIR
  • SEPTIC TANK ABANDONMENT GUIDE
  • SEPTIC TANK BAFFLES
  • SEPTIC TANK TEES
  • SEPTIC TANK CLEANING
  • SEPTIC TANK COVERS
  • SEPTIC TANK DEPTH
  • SEPTIC TANK GRASS or SNOWMELT
  • SEPTIC TANK, HOW TO FIND
  • SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE - home
  • SEPTIC TANK LEAKS
  • SEPTIC TANK LEVELS of SEWAGE
  • SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE
  • SEPTIC TANK PUMPING REASONS
  • SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE
  • SEPTIC TANK SAFETY
  • SEPTIC TANK SIZE
  • SEPTIC TANKS, CONCRETE
  • SEPTIC TANKS, FIBERGLASS / PLASTIC
  • SEPTIC TANKS HOME MADE SITE BUILT
  • SEPTIC TANKS, STEEL
  • SEPTIC TESTS: DYE & LOADING TESTS
  • SEPTIC TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS
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Operation of the septic pumper truck: this document describes the steps in septic pumper truck operation during septic tank cleaning and service. We describe the septic pumper truck operator's steps in opening the septic tank, placing the vacuum lines, checking the septic truck vacuum pump for proper operation before beginning the pumpout, the normal vacuum levels in the system during septic tank pumping, listening for jamming of the septic vacuum pump during pumping, connecting the vacuum hoses to the pumper truck, and beginning the septic tank vacuuming procedure.

Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.

Septic Tank Pumper Truck Operation Procedures

PHOTO of a modern septic tank pumping truck

Septic pumping trucks are specialized vehicles which combine a powerful vacuum pump with a holding tank for sewage and wastewater.

The vacuum pump is activated, suction confirmed, the pumper is connected to a 4" or larger vacuum line, and the operator uses the line to empty the septic tank.

Common septic pumper truck vacuum pump brands include Battioni & Pagani vacuum pumps, Conde vacuum pumps, Hertell vacuum pumps, Masport vacuum pumps, Moro vacuum pumps, NVE (National Vacuum Equipment) pumps, PB vacuum pumps, Juro vacuum pumps. Contact information for the manufacturers or distributors of all of these pumper truck vacuum pumps are at the end of this article. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]

An example of the type of vacuum pump used on septic tank service vehicles is the Masport HXL400 System - Water cooled 400 CFM unit. Various pump sizes and pumping rates are available, all of them that work on septic pumper trucks will be similar in effect however.

This is a very powerful pump, typically weighing 470 pounds, using 6-vanes, water cooled, and pumping sewage at 400 cubic feet per minute. It should be readily apparent that septage moving through the unit and into the pumper truck will be highly agitated and mixed in the truck. This agitation effect will be true with any pump used for this application.

A Photographic Step by Step Guide to Pumping or Cleaning a Septic Tank

This is a chapter of "Septic Tank Pumping Procedure" which provides a step by step, photo-illustrated guide to opening, pumping, and inspecting septic tanks, how a conventional septic tank is located, opened, pumped out, cleaned, and inspected. This guideline is intended for septic pumping tank truck operators and as general information for homeowners or septic service companies concerned with septic system care.

The steps in servicing a septic tank are listed below, accompanied by photographs that show each of the critical steps in pumping, cleaning, and inspecting a septic tank. Readers should see Septic Tank Pumping Frequency Guide for a table explaining when to schedule a septic cleanout. Citation of this article by reference to this website and brief quotation for the sole purpose of review are permitted. Use of this information at other websites, in books or pamphlets for sale is reserved to the author. Technical reviewers are welcome and are listed at "References." This is a chapter of Inspecting, Testing, & Maintaining Residential Septic Systems an online book on septic systems.


PHOTO of operator breaking up septic tank sludge layer

Before placing the septic tank pumping lines or performing any other steps with the septic pumping truck the operator locates the septic tank and removes its cover (discussed above.)

With the septic tank opened the operator performs an initial action to begin breaking up the septic tank floating scum layer and settled sludge layer as shown in the photo here.


PHOTO of septic tank pumping vacuum hoses placed at the site

The septic pumper operator lays out the pumping vacuum lines from the tank to the septic tank.

The vacuum lines are not yet connected to the pumper truck nor has the vacuum pump been turned on.


PHOTO of opening the septic pumper truck vacuum pump motor and controls PHOTO of the septic pumper vacuum pump gauge


These photographs show the septic pumper truck's vacuum pump assembly. The second photo of the vacuum pump gauge indicates that the pump is running at about -6" of mercury. In preparing to connect the pumper hose to the truck's transport tank, the operator must first turn on the vacuum pump.

You will only forget to do this once, as opening the valve at the bottom of the pumper tank without first turning on the vacuum pump can permit sewage to flow back out of the tank onto the operator!


PHOTO of opening the septic pumper truck vacuum pump motor and controls

The operator listens to the truck's vacuum pump motor to assure that the vacuum pump is operating correctly.

If the pump is blocked or jammed it will need to be cleared or repaired.


PHOTO of opening the septic pumper truck tank valve cover. PHOTO of connecting the septic pumper truck vacuum line.

Once the vacuum pump is operating satisfactorily we're ready to remove the pumper truck tank valve cover and to attach the vacuum line to the pumper truck. In the first photo at left the operator is holding a bucket under the tank valve to catch the small amount of effluent that may fall out of the valve body when the valve cap is removed in order to attach the pumping hose.

The second photo shows the operator attaching the first length of septic tank pumping hose to the tank truck.


PHOTO of the operator connecting sections of septic tank cleanout vacuum hose.

With the pumper truck's vacuum pump operating properly and the septic pumping hoses laid in place, and with the first hose section already connected to the pumper truck, the operator connects the remaining sections of the vacuum line.

Watch out: the operator in these photos is not wearing personal eye protection equipment nor an apron. Those are recommended to protect from hazards of sewage contaminant splash-back.

Where to Buy Septic Pumper Trucks, Vacuum Pumping Trucks, other Septic System Service & Installation Equipment & Supplies

  • KeevAC, run by Kevin Keegan, 866-789-9440, is a producer of new vacuum service trucks for servicing septic systems or portable toilets. The company also provides vacuum pumps, hoses, and other sanitation accessories.
  • Sanitation Journal is an industry publication that lists portable restroom and septic pumper trucks for sale. Vacuum trucks and portable toilet/restroom service trucks are listed and described.
  • SewerShopper.com website lists septic pumper trucks for sale under "Vacuum Equipment Septic" as well as vacuum excavators, jetters, and portable toilet service equipment.
  • Wastequip provides vacuum trucks and vacuum equipment as well as hydro trenchers and portable toilet trucks.
  • Check your local telephone listings of other septic service companies to see if they have equipment to sell.
  • Listing submissions are welcome from websites whose content, services, or products are appropriate for our readers. To provide your link exchange information and our link exchange policy see InspectAPedia.com - Directory Listing & Link Exchange Instructions There are no listing fees & no conflicts of interest. We reserve the right to list or not list individuals or companies and to provide notice of consumer compliments or complaints. The design and content found at InspectAPedia.com® are © Copyright protected, All Rights Reserved. Contents of this website may not be copied in any form. Our main website topics listed at page top or at Related Topics provide in-depth, un-biased, expert information on building defect inspection, diagnosis, & repair.

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Technical Reviewers & References

Use just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

  Pumper Truck Operation

  • Special thanks to M & O Sanitation, Dutchess County NY (845) 471-0308 for permitting us to photograph steps during septic system service at our demonstration property.
  • [3] Battoni & Pagani vacuum pumps, Battioni Pagani Pompe S.p.A. - Via Cav. Enzo Ferrari n. 2 RAMOSCELLO di SORBOLO Parma (Italy), Email: info@battionipaganipompe.it, Website: http://www.battionipaganipompe.it/bp/default.asp?sLang=PT
    U.S. distributor, NVE National Vacuum Equipment, Inc., PO Box 685 Traverse City, MI 49685 USA, Website: http://www.natvac.com/products/battioni.html
  • [4] Conde vacuum pumps, Westmoor Ltd. P.O. Box 99 906 West Hamilton Avenue Sherrill, New York 13461 (800) 367-0972 Pumps@WestmoorLtd.com, Website: http://www.westmoorltd.com/
  • [5] Hertell KD vacuum pumps, Industrialdea 2, 20267 Ikaztegieta, Spain (Espana) +34-943-643-240, Email: info@hertell.net Website: http://www.hertell.net/en/products/vacuum-pumps
    /serie-KD/index.html
  • [6] Juro vacuum pumps,
  • [7] Masport Vacuum Pumps,Masport Inc., 6140 McCormick Dr. Lincoln, NE 68507 Website: http://www.morousa.com/, Tel: 800-228-4510
  • [8] Moro Vacuum Pumps, Moro USA, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, Website: http://www.morousa.com/, Email: sales@morousa.com, Tel: 800-383-6304
  • [9] NVE Vacuum pumps, NVE National Vacuum Equipment, Inc., PO Box 685 Traverse City, MI 49685 USA
  • [10] PB Vacuum pumps, PB Pumps PO Box 142 - 1230 SE 2nd Street Galva, IL 61434 Phone: 309-932-3311 Fax: 309-932-3155 info@pbpumps.com, Website: http://pbpumps.com/
  • [11] "International Private Sewage Disposal Code," 1995, BOCA-708-799-2300, ICBO-310-699-0541, SBCCI 205-591-1853, available from those code associations.
  • [12] "Manual of Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines for Onsite Sewage Systems," Ontario Reg. 374/81, Part VII of the Environmental Protection Act (Canada), ISBN 0-7743-7303-2, Ministry of the Environment,135 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto Ontario M4V 1P5 Canada $24. CDN.
  • [13] Manual of Septic Tank Practice, US Public Health Service's 1959.
  • The Septic System Information Website home page for this topic
  • Septic Systems Inspection, Testing, & Maintenance- online textbook. Detailed how to inspect, maintain, repair information
  • Septic Tank Pumping Guide: When, Why, How to pump the septic tank
  • Septic Tank Capacity vs Usage in Daily Gallons of Wastewater Flow, calculating required septic tank size, calculating septic tank volume from size measurements
  • Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf.
  • How Big Should the Leach Field Be? - table of soil percolation rate vs. field size
  • Septic System Drainfield Absorption System Biomat Formation - what leads to drain field clogging and expensive drainfield repairs
  • Table of Required Septic & Well Clearances: Distances Between Septic System & Wells, Streams, Trees, etc.
  • Ten Steps to Keeping a Septic System Working, suggestions from the U.S. EPA, edits and additions by DJF
  • Pennsylvania State Fact Sheets relating to domestic wastewater treatment systems include
    • Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-161, Septic System Failure: Diagnosis and Treatment
    • Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-162, The Soil Media and the Percolation Test
    • Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-l64, Mound Systems for Wastewater Treatment
    • Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-165, Septic Tank-Soil Absorption Systems
    • Document Sources used for this web page include but are not limited to: Agricultural Fact Sheet #SW-161 "Septic Tank Pumping," by Paul D. Robillard and Kelli S. Martin. Penn State College of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension, edited and annotated by Dan Friedman (Thanks: to Bob Mackey for proofreading the original source material.)
  • ...

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

  • Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
  • Home Reference Book - Carson DunlopThe Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.

    Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.

  • GO TO Carson Dunlop's Home Study Course Information - How to Become a Home Inspector: Carson Dunlop's nationally recognized Home Study Course, selected by ASHI the American Society of Home Inspectors and other professionals and associations. This website author is a contributor to this course.
  • GO TO Carson Dunlop's Home Study Course Information - How to Become a Home Inspector: Carson Dunlop's nationally recognized Home Study Course, selected by ASHI the American Society of Home Inspectors and other professionals and associations. This website author is a contributor to this course.
  • GO TO Carson Dunlop's Home Study Course Information - How to Become a Home Inspector: Carson Dunlop's nationally recognized Home Study Course, selected by ASHI the American Society of Home Inspectors and other professionals and associations. This website author is a contributor to this course.
    Building inspection education & report writing systems from Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd
  • Advanced Onsite Wastewater Systems Technologies, Anish R. Jantrania, Mark A. Gross. Anish Jantrania, Ph.D., P.E., M.B.A., is a Consulting Engineer, in Mechanicsville VA, 804-550-0389 (2006). Outstanding technical reference especially on alternative septic system design alternatives. Written for designers and engineers, this book is not at all easy going for homeowners but is a text I recommend for professionals--DF.
  • Builder's Guide to Wells and Septic Systems, Woodson, R. Dodge: $ 24.95; MCGRAW HILL B; TP; Quoting from Amazon's description: For the homebuilder, one mistake in estimating or installing wells and septic systems can cost thousands of dollars. This comprehensive guide filled with case studies can prevent that. Master plumber R. Dodge Woodson packs this reader-friendly guide with guidance and information, including details on new techniques and materials that can economize and expedite jobs and advice on how to avoid mistakes in both estimating and construction. Chapters cover virtually every aspect of wells and septic systems, including on-site evaluations; site limitations; bidding; soil studies, septic designs, and code-related issues; drilled and dug wells, gravel and pipe, chamber-type, and gravity septic systems; pump stations; common problems with well installation; and remedies for poor septic situations. Woodson also discusses ways to increase profits by avoiding cost overruns.
  • Country Plumbing: Living with a Septic System, Hartigan, Gerry: $ 9.95; ALAN C HOOD & TP; Quoting an Amazon reviewer's comment, with which we agree--DF:This book is informative as far as it goes and might be most useful for someone with an older system. But it was written in the early 1980s. A lot has changed since then. In particular, the book doesn't cover any of the newer systems that are used more and more nowadays in some parts of the country -- sand mounds, aeration systems, lagoons, etc.

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