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All you need to know about high pressure jetting & vacuum pumps

There are many different uses for high pressure jetting and vacuum pump vehicles so we take a look at the many jobs these industrial beasts can do.

The main job of vacuum trucks is to efficiently pump water and collect a range of materials from pipes, sewers, tanks and more.

What is high pressure jetting?


High pressure jetting systems work by forcing a stream of water down a pipe to loosen any materials that might be blocking or clogging the area requiring cleaning. It’s a bit like the high pressure hose you would use to clean your car or your driveway but on an industrial scale. Like your home unit, high-pressure jetting from a truck also uses a range of nozzles specific to each job. It forms part of the same vacuum truck that is used to suck up the waste generated with a pumping system.

How does a vacuum truck work?

Vacuums create negative air pressure which provides the suction for removal of waste from a space. Vacuums need to be able to perform in a variety of situations with a combination of materials. Understanding what types of materials will be vacuumed out can affect the performance if the machine isn’t right for the job. Will the vacuum be pumping chemicals? Will the material be abrasive or corrosive? The suction hose is connected to a tank which is controlled by a worker as another operator drives the high pressure jetting hose.

Common vacuum truck jobs


In addition to the cleaning of pipes or sewage tank systems, vacuum trucks can also perform hydro excavation jobs. Hydro excavation is the removal of soil using high pressure jetting which creates a slurry that is then sucked up by the vacuum truck. It can be a preferred method because it doesn’t disturb surrounding areas as much as a machine excavator would. Vacuum trucks can also help in emergency situations such as recovery missions where people may be trapped.

Vacuum truck servicing and maintenance


Like all professional machines, it’s important to have your high pressure jetting and vacuum pump system regularly serviced and inspected. The truck driving the machinery should also be regularly serviced. Hoses need to be inspected to ensure there is no cracking or leakage because general wear and tear on hoses are common as they are made from plastic, rubber or textiles. Hoses and tanks should also be cleaned out after each use so they don’t get a build-up of materials themselves. The electrical systems should be checked to make sure all the wiring remains in place and safe. Most vehicles have fluid levels, filters and tyres checked often and safety equipment must meet accreditation if applicable.

Fleet-Pro offers a range of speciality services for trucks of all sizes. We are proud to be the NSW service agent for Spoutvac trucks. So if you would like to book your vehicle in for a service in the Greater Western Sydney area or you just have any questions, give us a call today on (02) 9731 7300.

Give us a call

Fleet-Pro Mechanical are your diesel mechanic specialists, providing heavy vehicle mechanical services to businesses in Sydney and the surrounding areas. Give us a call today on (02) 9731 7300 to discuss how we can best serve you.

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