What exactly can (and what can't) a ‘sucker’ truck do?
January 23, 2023
Offering safe, efficient removal of all wet and dry waste products
There’s no doubt you’ve seen them on building, construction and industrial development sites around Australia, but one question we’re constantly asked is; what exactly can - and can’t - a vacuum (or sucker) truck do?
Naturally, it’s important to have informed and measured expectations to ensure you have the right equipment and labour on your building site so that things move along quickly and efficiently.
Essentially designed for suctioning various liquids into a tank for removal and safe disposal, a well-equipped and versatile sucker truck can be deployed in a wide range of industries and sectors.
Builders and site owners are normally required by a development consent to have adequate erosion control measures in place at construction sites, meaning there are mandatory regulations for controlling soil erosion including removing accidental spills of soil onto roadways, gutters and public thoroughfares.
This is where sucker trucks come into their own, providing a fast and safe method to get the job done without fuss, making professionally built and operated units a staple for the industry.
Used extensively in the construction sector, sucker trucks are also engaged in the petroleum, gas and mining industry for cleaning of storage tanks and spills along with removal of most wet material including drillers mud.
Sucker trucks can also be used for sewer pipe cleaning and septic emptying, clearing of storm drains, sewer lines and catch basins as well as just most projects requiring the removal of debris or liquids.
They’re equally at home when it comes to horizonal directional digging (ie: the installation of underground cables and pipes), utility location servicing and pot hole/post hole digging where safe and secure foundations are needed.
However, there are some areas where vacuum trucks may not be suitable, such as the clean-up of contaminant spills such as oil, petrol and other flammable fuels.
Similarly, when it comes to jobs such as pool excavations our advice is to explore your options. While vacuum trucks can certainly handle the job, normally the scope and extent of the work means manual methods may be more effective.
Excavac’s modern fleet of vac loading and vac excavation sucker trucks offer safe, efficient removal of all wet and dry waste products.
Our highly versatile units, hold 8,000 litres of spoil and 3,000 litres of fresh water each - plus we're Australian owned and operated.
Servicing Sydney, The Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands and the Illawarra, Excavac is a full-service, fully insured contractor, available 24/7.
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Beyond non-destructive digging, vacuum trucks are also widely used for sewer and storm drain cleaning, septic tank emptying, and catch basin maintenance. Their versatility makes them indispensable for various site management tasks.
Environmental degradation is a growing concern, and improper waste disposal doesn't just harm ecosystems — it also poses significant risks to workers and the public. When waste is not managed correctly, the concentration and total mass of discharged substances can create serious health and safety hazards. Beyond the environmental and personal impacts, operators risk substantial fines for non-compliance with waste disposal regulations. High-performance, non-destructive equipment like hydro vacuum trucks makes pit cleaning quick, efficient, and thorough. Hydro vacuum cleaning of electrical and communication pits is widely regarded as the most practical method for ensuring these areas are properly maintained. This innovative technique is incredibly versatile and offers solutions for a wide range of applications, including: Removing waste Cleaning sewer systems, stormwater drains, and pipes Electrical and communication pit cleaning Liquid waste removal Tank and vessel cleaning Emergency spill response Scheduled maintenance shutdowns Hydro vacuum cleaning also plays a critical role in the petroleum industry, where it is used to clean storage tanks, manage spills, and remove drilling mud, cuttings, cement, and brine water from production tanks. In fact, these services have become virtually mandatory in modern industrial and commercial operations due to their efficiency and safety. Whether dealing with public facilities, shopping centres, large industrial sites, rental properties, or renovation projects, programmed maintenance involving hydro vacuum cleaning can prevent minor waste issues from becoming major, complex problems. By addressing waste removal and cleaning needs proactively, businesses can ensure compliance, improve safety, and minimise environmental impact. Beyond its practical benefits, hydro vacuum cleaning is also cost-effective. It reduces downtime, limits labour-intensive processes, and ensures thorough results. These features make it an attractive choice for industries aiming to improve their environmental footprint without compromising operational efficiency. Sustainability starts with rethinking how we treat waste. Employing advanced cleaning techniques like hydro vacuum cleaning helps preserve our environment by delivering efficient, safe, and technologically responsible solutions for water, waste, and energy management. For more information about how vacuum and pit clearing trucks can support your operations, contact us today by phone or email. Let’s work together for a cleaner, safer future.
Excavac has been a leader in non-destructive excavation and vacuum truck services, offering a modern fleet that ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective management of both wet and dry waste. Call today for more information.
