Combination Sewer Cleaners (Combo Sewer Trucks)

Combination Sewer Cleaners, also known as combo sewer trucks, are specialized vehicles designed for cleaning, maintaining, and clearing sewer and storm-drain systems. These trucks integrate high-pressure water jetting and vacuum suction into a single unit, providing safe and efficient cleaning solutions for municipalities, contractors, and industrial service providers.

Note: Every combination sewer truck is different depending on how it is built. Not all trucks include the same features, components, or configurations.

Core Functions

Jetting

High-pressure water jets (typically 2,000–3,000 psi) are used to loosen and remove debris, grease, roots, and sludge inside sewer lines. A jet hose with specialized nozzles is inserted into the pipe to clean interior surfaces and restore proper flow.

Vacuuming

A vacuum system, powered by either a positive-displacement blower or a fan system, removes loosened debris, water, and sludge from the sewer or catch basin. Collected material is stored in a debris tank for transport and safe disposal.

Main Components

• Water Tank: Holds clean water for jetting, typically 1,000–1,500 gallons.
• High-Pressure Water Pump: Delivers pressurized water for jetting operations.
• Vacuum System: Creates suction with airflow capacities up to 6,000 CFM or more.
• Debris Tank: Stores removed solids, liquids, and sludge.
• Hose Reel: Holds the jetting hose, which can extend several hundred feet.
• Boom Arm: Positions the suction hose accurately over manholes or catch basins.
• Control Panel: Operates water pressure, vacuum power, and boom movement.

Vacuum System Types

• Positive-Displacement (PD) Blower Systems: Maintain consistent airflow and vacuum pressure at greater depths or longer hose lengths, reaching vacuum levels of 25–30 inches of mercury (Hg).
• Fan (Centrifugal) Systems: Move higher volumes of air at faster flow rates, often exceeding 6,000 CFM. Ideal for shallower work or high-airflow applications.

Applications

• Cleaning municipal sewer lines, storm drains, and culverts
• Removing sand, grit, grease, and sludge buildup
• Performing hydro-excavation for non-destructive digging of buried utilities
• Providing emergency cleaning during sewer backups or flooding
• Maintaining catch basins, lift stations, and industrial sumps

Types of Combination Units

• Single-Engine Units: One engine powers both the truck chassis and cleaning system. Compact and suited for lighter municipal operations.
• Dual-Engine Units: Separate engines power the chassis and cleaning system. Designed for heavy-duty or continuous operations.

Hydro Excavation Package

A Hydro Excavation Package is an optional feature that can be added to a combination sewer cleaner to enable non-destructive digging alongside standard sewer and storm drain cleaning. This feature allows precise excavation without damaging underground utilities, pipes, or infrastructure, enhancing the truck’s versatility for a wide range of utility, construction, and industrial applications.

Disclaimer: Specifications, features, and configurations may vary by manufacturer and model.