2024 Ford F550 4x4 equipped with 1200-gallon 2C (300 water/950 waste), with a Masport HD4 hydraulic drive with a cooler, dual-sided service, 50’ hose spring rewind DC 10 water pump, dual-side bucket fill, dual 36” toolboxes, dual-side 2” x 30’ Tigertail suction hose, dual-side bucket holder, chemical holder drivers-side, dual-side wand holders
$130,000.00
2024 Ford F550 4x4 equipped with a 999-gallon 2C (300 water/699 waste), with a Masport HD3 engine drive, dual-sided service, 50’ hose spring rewind 45 PSI water system, dual-side bucket fill, dual 48” toolboxes (not shown), dual-side 2” x 30’ Tigertail suction hose, dual-side bucket holder, chemical holder drivers-side, dual-side wand holders
$107,000.00 (Gas Models starting at 96,000.00 complete)
2025 Peterbilt 537 Paccar PX-7 equipped with with an Allison 2500 RDS-P Transmission Gen 6, a 2500-gallon 2C (200 freshwater/2300 waste), Masport Titan 407 CFM’s, Masport water system PTO driven with 50’ rewind garden hose, 48” Toolbox
The Guzzler Classic is the vacuum truck — the standard all others are measured against. Doing more in less time (and at less cost) defines this classic.
Safety-enhanced access to top of truck
Improved air routing and filtration
Easy maintenance with smart-design access points
Emergency stop and improved grounding
YOU JUST CAN T BEAT A CLASSIC Classic
Septic Tanks, Portable Restroom Service Tanks, Slide-In Units, Grease Units, Hydraulic Hoist Tanks to 407/412 DOT Tanks - We’re your trusted partner for comprehensive waste management solutions.
Whether you’re looking for a large septic or grease truck or portable restroom service unit, we’ve got you covered. We stock units that range from 2,500 - 5,000 gallons and with over 200 chassis on the ground, We will have you ready for any job!
With a focus on durability and quality, our products are built to last, ensuring long-term reliability and performance. Backed by exceptional customer support, we’re dedicated to exceeding your expectations every step of the way!
SIX SPRING UTILITY WORK TIPS
Concerns should be the last thing blooming during spring utility projects. As winter weather makes its way out, excess water and softening ground should not stand in the way of repairs.
Hydro excavation is a process of removing soil and debris in a variety of conditions. The process utilizes pressurized water and a powerful vacuum for precise digging without damage to underground utilities and natural elements.
TRUVAC is leading the way in hydro excavation for all seasons, so the TRUVAC team shared some reminders for springtime projects.
1. Form a plan. Soil type, along with debris and water content are always things to look out for before taking on a hydro excavation project. While heavy rain and flooding can cause sandy soil to become compacted making it easier to remove debris, springtime conditions can be
Know the debris capacity. As snow melts and rainfall increases, there may be more muddy or wet debris on a site.
Hydrovac trucks have a debris body capacity ranging from five to 15 cubic yards. unpredictable. Make a plan for steps to take in various potential situations.
2. Consider thawing grounds. Soft ground and flooding are common during spring jobs, however frozen conditions can be hidden below. As in winter weather, the hydrovac may still require heated water to get the job done.
3. Know the debris capacity. As snow melts and rainfall increases, there may be more muddy or wet
debris on a site. Hydrovac trucks have a debris body capacity ranging from five to 15 cubic yards.
4. Consider the vacuum source. There are two main options to choose from when considering the vacuum source for hydro excavation: a fan system or a positive displacement (PD) blower. For springtime projects, PD blowers can be beneficial due to their ability to pull heavy, wet material over long distances.
5. Follow safety protocols. Hydro excavation
Practice proper maintenance.
Debris can accumulate on hydrovac tanks and becomes difficult to remove.
6. Practice proper maintenance. Debris can accumulate on hydrovac tanks and becomes difficult to remove. Dry, sandy soil tends to create the most build-up, so spring conditions can lend a hand in reducing concerns. However, it is important to store hydrovacs in a clean dry environment during wet seasons to prevent buildup on the tank.
Welcome warm weather and make projects faster and safer with hydro excavation. TRUVAC hydro excavators are available near you. Visit TRUVAC.com to learn more.
promotes worker safety by minimizing the need for manual labor. However, proper personal protective equipment such as hard hats, long sleeves, and gloves are necessary for operators regardless of site conditions and temperature.
A WINNING LINEUP
Multiple products & configurations technology all cleaning functions are in a single control panel
Comprehensive Service Support
National authorized dealer network
OEM parts and options available
For Any Application. Municipalities and contractors, stormwater management, treatment plants, lift stations, underground utilities— there’s a Vactor for your job. And over 100 years of engineering, manufacturing and technical know-how go into each vehicle. Backed by service excellence and the support of the industry’s strongest dealer network, we uphold the Vactor promise every day — to be there for the life of your machine.
Have questions on equipment or applications?
ASK OUR EXPERTS
THE IMPORTANCE OF CUSTOMER EDUCATION IN THE WASTEWATER INDUSTRY
MANY CUSTOMERS DON’T UNDERSTAND HOW THEIR SEPTIC, SEWER OR PORTABLE RESTROOM SYSTEMS WORK. THIS LACK OF KNOWLEDGE LEADS TO EXPENSIVE MISTAKES, SYSTEM FAILURES AND UNNECESSARY SERVICE CALLS. FOR CONTRACTORS IN THE WASTEWATER INDUSTRY, EDUCATING CUSTOMERS IS BOTH HELPFUL AND A SMART BUSINESS MOVE.
WHY CUSTOMER EDUCATION MATTERS
Septic and sewer systems work behind the scenes. Most people don’t think about them — until something goes wrong. When customers don’t know how to care for their systems, they make choices that lead to breakdowns. They might flush the wrong items, skip maintenance or overload their tanks. The result? Emergency calls, expensive repairs and frustration for both the customer and the contractor. Educating customers helps prevent these problems.
That
When people understand how their systems work, they
take better care of them.
means fewer emergencies and a longer lifespan for their equipment.
When people understand how their systems work, they take better care of them. That means fewer emergencies and a longer lifespan for their equipment. For contractors, it also means fewer repeat issues and more time for planned, profitable jobs instead of lastminute fixes.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS THAT LEAD TO PROBLEMS
Many customers believe myths about wastewater systems. Here are some of the biggest ones:
4 “Flushable” wipes are safe – These products don’t break down like toilet paper. They clog pipes and damage pumps.
continued on page 14
B1100 SPARTAN PUMP PACK
POWERED BY BATTIONI
Our new B1100 Spartan Pump Pack is built around the Battioni Ballast 11000 rotary vacuum pump. This pump is an absolute beast. The Ballast Pump is the perfect choice for heavy-duty applications, thanks to its innovative Crash Protection System. Featuring a sliding flange protection mechanism, this system prevents housing or rotor breakage in the event of vanes crashing. This ensures reliable and efficient operation, even in the toughest conditions.
JETTER POWER WASHER
With 3000 PSI of pressure and our premium aluminum cam-over box, our American made Jetter unit is reliable and tough enough for any job, including washing decking, driveways, or jetting out the toughest clogged pipes and drains.
FEATURES:
• USA Made 24”x24”x48” Aluminum Box
• Stainless Steel Cam Over Latch with Padlock
• One Piece Gasket with Rain Gutter
• Jetter Stand with Anti-Vibration Pads
• Honda GX390 Gas Engine with Electric Start
• Rear Access Removable Panel with Vents
• Hannay Electric Reel with 200ft of Hose
• Guide Rollers and Electric Rewind Reel
• Wash Down Gun with Quick Connect Tips
PART NUMBER: 5000-8000
3,000 PSI
BUSINESS CORNER
HOW TO EDUCATE CUSTOMERS WITHOUT WASTING TIME
Contractors don’t have hours to spend explaining wastewater basics to every customer. But a few simple steps can make a big difference.
4 Septic tanks don’t need regular pumping – Some homeowners think bacteria alone will break down waste. In reality, solids build up over time and need to be removed.
4 Portable restrooms don’t need servicing if they don’t look full – Waste levels may not be obvious, but waiting too long creates sanitation and odor problems.
4 Chemical drain cleaners fix everything – These products can kill helpful bacteria in septic tanks and corrode pipes.
4 Grease and food scraps won’t hurt a septic system – In truth, they can cause major blockages and reduce system efficiency.
When customers understand these risks and misconceptions, they can make better choices. That means fewer backups, fewer emergency calls and better working relationships with their service providers.
Contractors don’t have hours to spend explaining wastewater basics to every customer. But a few simple steps can make a big difference.
1. Use Clear, Simple Language
Most customers aren’t wastewater experts. Avoid technical jargon. Instead of saying “hydraulic overloading,” say “too much water at once can flood your system.” Keep it short and direct.
2. Provide Quick, Easy-to-Find
Information
Customers don’t want to read long manuals. Offer simple handouts, email tips or a FAQ page on your website. A short checklist can help customers remember key maintenance steps.
3. Post Educational Content Online
A blog or social media post about common septic mistakes can save contractors time in the long run. Answering common questions before they become problems helps both customers and service providers.
4. Add Reminders to Service Calls
A quick reminder during a service visit can go a long way. “Remember, flushing wipes can clog your system” takes seconds to say but can prevent future problems.
5. Encourage Questions
Some customers won’t ask unless they’re invited to.
A simple “Do you have any questions about how this works?” can open the door to helpful conversations.
THE BUSINESS BENEFITS OF CUSTOMER EDUCATION
Educated customers are easier to work with but also more loyal. When people understand the value of regular maintenance, they’re more likely to schedule service instead of waiting for a problem. That means
continued on page 16
■ Straight Tri–Lobe
■ Performace: Vacuum up to 18 inHg; Flow up to 4805 cfm
■ Flexible Options & Installation
■ Coolest Blower Temperatures in it’s Class
■ More Energy Efficient vs. Other Straight Lobe Blowers Ideal for:
more steady, planned work instead of last-minute emergencies.
Customer education also builds trust. When people see their contractor as a knowledgeable, helpful expert, they’re more likely to call back for future needs. Word-of-mouth referrals increase, and your business grows stronger.
Education shouldn’t be an extra step for septic, sewer and portable restroom contractors — it should be part of the job. A little time spent teaching customers today can save time, money and headaches for everyone down the road.
STAY AHEAD IN THE WASTEWATER INDUSTRY; SUBSCRIBE TO AMERICAN LIQUID WASTE MAGAZINE FOR MORE INSIGHTS!
6 PRODUCTIVITY TIPS for a Plant Shutdown
When a plant shuts down, efficiency is critical. These planned shutdowns are a time for key maintenance work and cleaning, but they are costly as daily operations are at a halt. Whether it’s a cement plant, chemical plant, aluminum plant, material processing plant, phosphate plant, paper plant or many other various plants in a variety of industries, these full or
partial shutdowns are times where productivity is of the utmost importance.
That includes cleaning, which is why Guzzler’s industrial vacuum trucks handle these tough jobs with greater efficiency and productivity. Downtime affects each plant’s bottom line, so cutting that downtime is Guzzler’s job day after day.
Considering the Guzzler team’s extensive experience supporting plants and contractors in a wide variety of industries, the team is offering tips for increasing productivity during the critical time of a plant shutdown.
Considering the Guzzler team’s extensive experience supporting plants and contractors in a wide variety of industries, the team is offering tips for increasing productivity during the critical time of a plant shutdown.
4 Determine the plan well in advance. Whether your plant owns vacuum truck equipment,
rents it or works with contractors for support, a carefully considered plan will help ensure the right equipment is onsite and ready to get the job done during the full or partial shutdown. Likewise, make a complete list of tasks that need to be completed. These are items that can’t be done during daily operations, and they should be organized by
For many industries, extensive cleaning can be the main task to complete during the shutdown.
importance of what will make the largest impact on the plant’s daily operations.
4 Clean as you go. As each task is completed, ensure contamination, waste and buildup aren’t allowed by cleaning efficiently. Guzzler’s industrial vacuum
loader trucks clean, remove, recover and recycle materials such as cement, chemicals, grains, industrial spills, thick sludge and more. For many industries, extensive cleaning can be the main task to complete during the shutdown. For example, when a pulp and paper mill halts production, industrial vacuum trucks help remove residue and debris from key areas at the mill.
4 Decrease offloading downtime. With new regulations making dumping more challenging, figuring out offloading is essential. Guzzler vacuum trucks’ continuous systems enable simultaneous vacuuming and offloading, effectively slashing the downtime. For example, the patented XCR Swing-Out Loading Cyclone is the only system that
continued on page 22
Conduct maintenance prior to shutdown. Having the vacuum truck up and running is critical to the shutdown’s productivity.
delivers simultaneous vacuuming and offloading capability for no wasted time on trips to a dumpsite. Offering true continuous production capability, the XCR is available on the Guzzler Classic (CL) and is ideal for catalyst recovery applications.
4 Conduct maintenance prior to shutdown. Having the vacuum truck up and running is critical to the shutdown’s productivity. Part of that uptime is regular maintenance as directed by the manufacturer, and that maintenance should be handled prior to the planned shutdown. Some vacuum trucks such as the Guzzler Liquid Ring (LR) help speed up maintenance time with components that are placed for simplified maintenance processes. For example. the Liquid Ring’s intuitive, simple controls and easy accessibility to all working components help simplify maintenance and operation.
4 Make an emergency plan. If operations cease unexpectedly, how does the plant team react?
continued on page 24
Companies For Sale
Advisors is currently offering the following businesses for sale:
• West Coast portable sanitation & VIP trailers, $30mm revenue - under LOI
• Southeast portable sanitation, $1mm revenue – under LOI
• More coming soon!
Conduct maintenance prior to shutdown. Having the vacuum truck up and running is critical to the shutdown’s productivity. Part of that uptime is regular maintenance as directed by the manufacturer, and that maintenance should be handled prior to the planned shutdown.
The best reaction is a proactive action. While these unplanned shutdowns can cause stress, with a plan in place, the team can understand how to handle the emergency as calmly as possible. Emergency plans should include a communication flow, designated decision-makers, list of contacts with their contact information and potential situation instructions. Likewise, if your plant rents its vac truck equipment, understand the turnaround time for renting a vac truck in an emergency situation.
4 Evaluate previous shutdowns. Whether they were planned shutdowns or emergency ones, your team likely had key takeaways of what went well and what needs improvement. Gather feedback
continued on page 26
and participants after
BUILT FOR THE REAL WORLD
The Vac•Con family of hydro excavators are designed for powerful, effective, and safe operation — no matter how tough the job.
Contractors and municipalities alike will discover that the X•Cavator family of products by Vac•Con are built to exceed their demands.
THE GEAR BOX
WHY GPS AND ROUTE OPTIMIZATION ARE GAME CHANGERS FOR PORTABLE RESTROOM AND SEPTIC COMPANIES
PORTABLE RESTROOM AND SEPTIC SERVICE COMPANIES
HAVE A LOT TO MANAGE. ROUTES ARE UNPREDICTABLE, TRAFFIC CAN CAUSE DELAYS AND LAST-MINUTE SERVICE CALLS ARE COMMON. GPS TRACKING AND ROUTE OPTIMIZATION SOLVE
MANY OF THESE PROBLEMS, MAKING YOUR OPERATIONS SMOOTHER AND MORE EFFICIENT.
FASTER RESPONSE TIMES
Time matters in this business. Whether it’s a scheduled septic tank pump-out or an emergency portable restroom service, customers expect fast service. GPS tracking lets dispatchers see exactly where trucks are and send the closest one to the job. No more calling drivers for updates or guessing arrival times! With route optimization, drivers take the fastest, most efficient path, meaning fewer delays, lower fuel costs and happier customers.
Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for any fleet. Inefficient routes waste fuel and wear down vehicles faster. GPS systems track fuel use and highlight inefficient driving habits like excessive idling.
FUEL AND MAINTENANCE SAVINGS
Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for any fleet. Inefficient routes waste fuel and wear down vehicles faster. GPS systems track fuel use and highlight inefficient driving habits like excessive idling. Route optimization cuts unnecessary miles, reducing fuel costs and keeping vehicles on the road longer. Better routing also means fewer repairs. Less time stuck in traffic and fewer miles on the road mean brakes, tires and engines last longer. That adds up to big savings over time.
THE GEAR BOX
FEWER MISSED OR LATE APPOINTMENTS
Missed stops hurt business. Customers rely on septic and portable restroom services to keep their homes, businesses and events running smoothly. If a driver is running late or misses a stop, it can cause serious problems.
GPS tracking lets managers monitor routes in real time. If a truck is behind schedule, adjustments can be made immediately. Customers get accurate ETAs, and no one is left wondering when their service will arrive.
MORE JOBS IN A DAY
A well-planned route means drivers can complete more jobs in less time. Instead of spending hours in traffic or doubling back due to poor scheduling, they move efficiently from one stop to the next. This directly impacts revenue. The more jobs a company completes each day, the more profitable the business becomes. Route optimization helps eliminate wasted time, allowing teams to serve more customers without adding extra trucks or drivers.
BETTER COMMUNICATION WITH CUSTOMERS
Customers don’t want vague time windows. They want to know when a truck will arrive. GPS tracking allows companies to send real-time updates. Many systems can send automated texts or emails when a driver is on the way.
continued on page 32
THE GEAR BOX
Speeding, harsh braking and unnecessary
detours can all be monitored by GPS.
This reduces complaints and improves customer satisfaction. When people know when to expect service, they’re less likely to call for updates.
EASIER COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS
Septic and portable restroom companies deal with strict regulations. GPS tracking helps you comply
with these regulations by providing accurate records of where trucks have been and when services were performed.
This is especially useful for government contracts, which often require proof of service. Companies can instantly pull up digital records instead of relying on paper logs.
IMPROVED DRIVER ACCOUNTABILITY
GPS tracking also helps with driver performance.
Speeding, harsh braking and unnecessary detours can all be monitored by GPS. If a driver is taking inefficient routes or wasting time, management can address it. This saves money but also helps with safety. Fewer accidents and less wear on vehicles mean fewer unexpected costs. Drivers also know they’re being
continued on page 34
THE GEAR BOX
monitored, which encourages better behavior on the road.
BETTER PLANNING AND SCALABILITY
Growing a business means adding more trucks and servicing more customers. Without the right tools, this can lead to chaos. GPS and route optimization provide the data needed to plan efficiently.
Managers can track service history, see which areas need more coverage and adjust schedules to meet demand. As the business grows, GPS technology keeps everything running smoothly.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Portable restroom and septic service companies can’t afford wasted time or missed stops. GPS tracking and route optimization make it easier to run an efficient,
cost-effective operation. Trucks spend less time on the road, fuel costs go down and customers get better service.
With the right tools in place, businesses can handle more jobs, keep driv ers accountable and plan for long-term growth. In a competitive industry, efficiency is what keeps companies profitable.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WHAT
THESE “RIGHT TOOLS” ARE FOR YOUR PORTABLE RESTROOM OR SEPTIC SERVICE BUSINESS? SUBSCRIBE TO AMERICAN LIQUID WASTE MAGAZINE
5 TIPS FOR SEPTIC SERVICE BUSINESS SUCCESS
THE NATIONAL SEPTIC TANK CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE MARKET IS BOOMING. WHILE MANY RETAILERS AND OTHER BUSINESS TYPES ACROSS THE PRIVATE SECTOR OF THE US ECONOMY ARE STRUGGLING, THE SEPTIC SYSTEMS SERVICE INDUSTRY IS PROJECTED TO REACH AROUND $1.4 BILLION BY 2032. THAT STAGGERING NUMBER REPRESENTS A VAST WEALTH OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR STARTUPS AND THE GROWTH OF EXISTING INSTALLATION, TANK PUMPING, SYSTEMS INSPECTION, AND REPAIR SERVICES. THIS APPLIES TO EVEN THE MOST FIERCELY COMPETITIVE RURAL RESIDENTIAL AREAS. OPERATORS WHO ADOPT NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND OTHER IDEAS FOR IMPROVING SERVICE AND MINIMIZING COSTS CAN GAIN ADVANTAGES FOR INCREASING MARKET SHARE.
Homeowners increasingly seek ways to reduce their carbon footprint. So, predictably, new solar pump technologies with applications for septic systems are now gaining sales traction.
NEW SEPTIC SERVICES OPERATIONS TECHNOLOGIES
Before we suggest that you update your septic service technology, here are some examples of what we're talking about. The few most impactful technologies rolling out now in the US septic services industry right now include the new state-of-the-art septic tank cleaning technology from Canadian inventors at Omega LWS in Ontario. Their sewage water filtration truck replaces the now unnecessary, cumbersome and costly approach of hauling all the sewage water away from each customer’s property, along with the solid waste matter, for dumping elsewhere.
This new process enables pumpers to finely filter the septic tank water at the customer’s property and then leave it in their tank, instead of loading it up and hauling the massive weight and volume of wastewater away. The advantages of using this advanced technology are enormous for septic service business operators and their customers. Homeowners increasingly seek ways to reduce their carbon footprint. So, predictably, new solar pump technologies with applications for septic systems are now gaining sales traction. For a couple of examples, solar-powered transfer pumps are moving wastewater from the tank to the leach field, and air replacement pumps are now being used to aerate the tank and thereby promote the bacterial process of breaking down waste.
Another transformative new technology class in the industry is the new comprehensive service business operations platforms that integrate all of your company’s functions, from communications to field services documentation, to invoicing, to payment processing, quality process tracking, expense logging, customer relationship management (CRM), payroll, interactive vendor transactions, and much more.
5 TIPS FOR INCREASING PROFITS IN SEPTIC SERVICES
Consider these systemic upgrades to set your business apart in your market and maximize your small business profits, build your local brand, and simplify your operations in scalable ways that have inherently high competitive appeal and are conducive to replication:
BUSINESS CORNER
1. Set Prices Competitively.
Attractive pricing that does not undercut your ability to profit is essential to short- and long-term success. So, conduct a competitive market analysis to determine where your business currently fits in local comparative pricing for its major services. Also, locate your business operations to create a service radius nearest to the heart of the area you want to serve, to reduce travel costs and related expenses.
2. Invest in Training.
Advertising your service team’s industry certifications promotes customer confidence and trust as you work to build a local brand on your expertise and reliability. InterNACHI, with over 24,000 members, offers Septic Tank Inspector certification and over 60
TACKLE THE TOUGHEST JOBS
other professional certifications for septic tank services business operators and their employees.
3. Update Technology and Processes.
As you well know, neighbors talk, and so do friends, family members, and coworkers. The word spreads quickly about which services are best and worst in an area, for example, which offers the most advanced technology, highest quality processes, etc. Your septic service technicians also want to work with equipment that enables them to perform their best quality work most safely and conveniently.
4. Promote Your Environmental Practices.
Explain to your customers how your company’s equipment, knowledgeable professionals, and management processes all together provide more
continued on page 40
BUSINESS CORNER
...now is the time to position your business more strategically by implementing some of the above tips...
efficient and greener outcomes for them than old, outmoded equipment, septic system cleaning and maintenance processes, and service management tools can deliver.
5. Increase Digital Marketing.
People look online first for services these days. That makes your website (and your Facebook page) critical for easy introduction to your company. Make sure your site includes some compelling images and is complete with interactive links that enable customers and prospects to communicate with you.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SEPTIC SERVICE BUSINESS OWNERS
Based on the industry’s financial performance year over year, significant profit and growth opportunities are indicated by the current industry data noted above. So, if your goal is to grow through this year and the next several, now is the time to position your business more strategically by implementing some of the above tips and others.
Aggressive competitors who pull out all the stops discussed above to provide customers with the best service by using the best equipment, technical processes, and operations management systems tend to render the most outstanding overall results and customer experience.
Therefore, whether you’re aiming to scale your small septic service business rapidly over the next few years or to nurture it toward organic growth through word-ofmouth from one satisfied customer at a time, consider implementing one or more of the tips offered above this year. Those actions will help improve service quality and the competitive edge that that will naturally give your business.
Additional Information Resources
Septic Tank Market Key Business Strategies, Demand (Dec 30, 2024)
Are Septic Pumper Trucks in High Demand? (Nov 21, 2024) Growth for the Septic, Drain, and Sewer Cleaning Industry According to Fortune Business Insights, from Beacon Funding
