Vacuum Truck Buying Guide: Used Septic and Vac Trucks

What should you look for when buying a used vacuum truck?

Look for a truck that fits your work and has records to back up its condition. The tank, the pump or blower and the chassis each wear differently, so ask for service history on all three, see the truck operate under load, and have a mechanic who knows vacuum trucks inspect it before you commit.

• Volume and frequency. How many stops a day and how much material per stop.
• Material. What you pump or clean affects the tank, pump and wear you should expect.
• Condition records. Tank, pump or blower and chassis records matter as much as the asking price.
• Service support. Whether you can get parts and qualified repair work near where you operate.
• Local requirements. Any inspection, permit or certification records your state or customers require.

Which type of vacuum truck do you need?

The right type depends on what you pump, clean or haul. Septic pump trucks, combination sewer cleaners and industrial vacuum trucks all use a vacuum system but are built for different jobs, so compare each unit against the tasks you run most often rather than against the lowest asking price.

Septic pump trucks

Commonly used for pumping septic tanks and similar liquid waste. Compare the tank size you need, the pump setup and how you will get to and from disposal sites during a working day.

Combination sewer cleaners

Pair high-pressure water jetting with vacuum to clean sewer and storm lines. Both systems need to be evaluated, along with the water tank, hose reel and controls.

Other vacuum trucks

Liquid vacuum trucks and industrial vacuum units serve cleaning, hauling and cleanup work. Configurations vary widely, so compare each unit against your specific tasks.

If the job is digging to expose utilities or excavate soil, you are likely looking for a hydrovac truck instead. See the hydrovac truck buying guide.

How much does a vacuum truck cost?

The price of a vacuum truck depends on its age, configuration, condition and seller. Tank size and material, the pump or blower, a jetter package and chassis miles all move the number, so the only reliable figure is a written quote for the exact unit that lists everything the price includes.

Budget for the costs around the truck as well:

• Delivery, taxes, title and registration
• A pre-purchase inspection and any repairs it turns up
• Hoses, tools and accessories not included in the quote
• Any permits or tank inspections your state or customers require

How do you inspect a vacuum truck before buying?

Inspect a vacuum truck in three parts: the tank and body, the pump or blower, and the chassis. Ask to see it pump under load, compare what you see with the service records, and check the title and any liens. The checklist below lists what to review on each part, including combination units.

Questions to ask the seller

1. What work did this truck do, and why is it being sold?
2. Can I see the service records for the tank, pump and chassis?
3. Are there any known issues or pending repairs?
4. Can my mechanic inspect it before I commit?
5. What exactly is included in the price, and can you deliver it?

What to have ready for a quote

• The listing link or written quote
• Who is selling it: a dealer, a private seller or an auction
• Year, make, model and hours or miles, if known
• The price and exactly what it includes
• When you need the equipment working

Share the listing or quote and your timing. Options for new and used vacuum trucks depend on your business, the truck and the financing provider's review. See vacuum truck financing for what lenders commonly look at.

Frequently asked questions

What is a vac truck used for?

Vac trucks pump and haul liquids, sludge and debris. Common uses include septic tank pumping, sewer and storm line cleaning with combination units, portable restroom service, grease trap service and industrial cleanup. The work you do decides which type and configuration make sense.

How does a vacuum truck work?

A pump or blower removes air from a sealed tank, creating a vacuum that draws material up through a hose and into the tank. The truck then hauls the load to an approved disposal site, where the tank is emptied. Combination units add a high-pressure water system for jetting lines.

Is owning a septic truck profitable?

It can be, but it depends on local demand, your routes, disposal costs, fuel, insurance and how well the truck is maintained. Before buying, map the work you already have or can win, and price every cost of running the truck, not only the purchase itself.

Can you finance a used vacuum truck?

Used vacuum and septic trucks are commonly financed through third-party lenders, who look at the truck's age, miles and condition along with your business. Requirements vary by lender. See vacuum truck financing for what lenders look at and how to request a quote.

Can you lease a septic truck?

Some lenders offer leases on septic and vacuum trucks as well as loans. The better fit depends on how long you plan to keep the truck and what you want at the end of the term. Compare the two in equipment leasing vs financing.

Take this to the seller. Ask to see the truck operate, and leave any unknowns marked so you can follow up.

Vacuum and septic trucks financing

Read: Vacuum Truck Financing