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Dec 5, 2025|Vacuum Trucks

Types of Vacuum Trucks

Everything You Need to Know About Vacuum Trucks

Vacuum trucks are critical assets in environmental services, industrial cleanup, and waste management operations. They are specially designed to extract, transport, and dispose of a variety of materials—from wastewater and sludge to hazardous liquids and dry solids. Choosing the right type of vacuum truck depends on the nature of the job, the material being handled, and the environment in which the work takes place. Below is a breakdown of the most common types of vacuum trucks and what makes each suited for specific tasks.

Vacuum truck used for industrial cleaning and waste removal

Liquid Vacuum Trucks

Liquid vacuum trucks are commonly used in commercial and municipal applications where large volumes of fluid must be removed, transported, or disposed of. These trucks use powerful pumps and sealed tanks to safely manage liquid waste.

  • Safely extract and transport non-hazardous and hazardous liquids
  • Handle septic tank cleanouts, grease trap maintenance, and sump pump failures
  • Remove contaminated stormwater, wastewater, or industrial runoff
  • Aid in emergency spill response involving chemicals or biohazards

Combination Vacuum Trucks

Combination vacuum trucks—often referred to as “combo units”—offer dual functionality by combining vacuum extraction and high-pressure water jetting. This allows crews to dislodge, break up, and then remove debris in a single pass.

  • Clear clogged sewer and storm drains with pressurized water jetting
  • Vacuum out sludge, gravel, roots, and grease from pipes or catch basins
  • Perform hydro excavation for daylighting or digging around sensitive underground utilities
  • Manage both liquid and solid waste materials without switching equipment

Industrial Vacuum Trucks

For heavy-duty operations and complex job sites, industrial vacuum trucks (also called air movers) provide the extra power and capacity required for demanding applications. These trucks are often used in energy, chemical, or manufacturing sectors.

  • Suction dry bulk materials such as cement powder, sand, or metal shavings
  • Remove dense sludge or abrasive debris from production lines or processing tanks
  • Support confined space entry cleaning in silos, kilns, and hoppers
  • Handle both wet and dry materials with high airflow and vacuum strength

Vacuum Tanker Trucks

Vacuum tanker trucks are designed to haul large volumes of liquid waste over long distances. Their primary function is transport, though many units also feature onboard pumping systems for collection and offloading.

  • Collect and haul municipal or industrial wastewater across sites
  • Transport leachate from landfills or contaminated surface water from construction zones
  • Remove drilling fluids and chemicals from oilfield or mining operations
  • Support dewatering projects by hauling away collected liquids

Specialty Vacuum Equipment

Some environments call for specialized vacuum equipment to meet unique safety, performance, or space limitations. These advanced systems can be configured for niche industries or high-risk job sites.

  • Use explosion-proof or intrinsically safe systems in flammable or hazardous environments
  • Deploy remote-operated vacuum trucks in tight spaces or dangerous terrain
  • Operate trailer-mounted or skid-mounted vacuum units where space is limited
  • Employ HEPA or multi-stage filtration systems for asbestos, mold, or toxic dusts

Choosing the Right Vacuum Truck for the Job

With so many options available, selecting the right vacuum truck requires an understanding of your site conditions, regulatory requirements, and the nature of the material involved. Matching equipment capabilities to your operational needs will improve efficiency, minimize risk, and support compliance.

  • Consider whether you’re handling liquids, solids, sludge, or a mix of materials
  • Evaluate the required vacuum power, tank capacity, and accessibility of the site
  • Factor in disposal protocols, transportation distances, and local regulations
  • Choose a unit designed to handle hazardous waste if toxic or corrosive substances are involved

Partner With EnviroBEE for Professional Vacuum Truck Services

EnviroBEE proudly serves the Milwaukee area and beyond with a modern fleet of vacuum trucks built to handle the toughest industrial and environmental challenges. Whether you need a liquid vacuum truck, a combination vacuum truck, or a specialized industrial vacuum truck, we have the tools and expertise to get the job done safely and efficiently. We also offer vacuum tanker truck services for high-volume hauling and custom solutions for unique projects. Contact EnviroBEE today to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation. Our team is ready to deliver the right vacuum truck solutions for your next project.

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