The Power of a Combo Vac Truck: What It Is and Why It Matters

Keeping industrial sites, construction areas, and oilfields clean and safe takes powerful tools. One of the most important tools for this job is the combo vac truck. These trucks are not only strong but also smart—they can clean, transport, and handle both liquid and solid waste safely.

Whether you are working in oilfields, municipal services, or construction, combo vac trucks make the job faster and safer. In this post, we’ll explore what a combo vac truck is, how it works, its main uses, and why it’s a smart investment for many industries.

What Is a Combo Vac Truck?

A combo vac truck is a special type of industrial vehicle that combines the functions of a vacuum truck and a high-pressure water jetting system.

In simple words, it can suck up waste materials and clean using powerful water jets—all from one truck. This “combo” feature is what makes it stand out from regular vacuum trucks.

These trucks come with a large debris tank, high-pressure water system, and strong suction hose. They are designed to handle tough cleaning jobs in oilfields, sewers, and industrial plants.

According to the Vacuum Truck Association of Canada, combo vac trucks help reduce downtime by handling multiple cleaning tasks at once. This saves both time and labor costs.

How Does a Combo Vac Truck Work?

The process is simple but powerful. A combo vac truck uses two main systems:

• Vacuum system – This system creates strong suction to pull up liquid and solid waste. It can remove sludge, mud, or water from tanks and pits.

• High-pressure water jet system – This system sprays water at high pressure to clean pipes, tanks, and surfaces. It helps loosen dirt, grease, and blockages before they are vacuumed up.

Together, these systems make cleaning safer and more effective. The operator can control the pressure level, suction power, and even the water flow, depending on the job.

For example, in an oilfield, a combo vac truck can clean up drilling mud or oil spills quickly without harming the environment. In city work, it can unclog sewer lines and wash them clean at the same time.

Main Uses of a Combo Vac Truck

Combo vac trucks are used in many industries. Here are some of the most common uses:

1. Oilfield Cleaning and Maintenance

Oilfields create a lot of waste, including drilling mud, water, and oil residue. A combo vac truck can remove this waste safely and efficiently.

According to Alberta Energy Regulator data, proper waste handling helps reduce environmental risks during oil production. Combo vac trucks make it easier to keep work areas clean while meeting safety standards.

These trucks also handle tank cleaning, spill recovery, and site dewatering—tasks that help prevent costly downtime.

2. Municipal Sewer and Drain Cleaning

Cities and towns use combo vac trucks to clean and maintain sewer systems. The high-pressure water jet breaks up blockages like grease, roots, and dirt, while the vacuum system removes the debris.

This process prevents backups and flooding. The Canadian Public Works Association notes that regular sewer cleaning helps extend pipe life and prevent expensive repairs.

Combo vac trucks make this process faster and cleaner than traditional methods, keeping communities safe from wastewater issues.

3. Industrial Cleaning and Waste Removal

Factories, refineries, and power plants all need regular cleaning to keep equipment running smoothly. Combo vac trucks are perfect for cleaning tanks, pits, and drains filled with thick sludge or chemicals.

Because they can both wash and vacuum, they reduce the need for multiple machines. This not only saves time but also improves worker safety by reducing contact with harmful materials.

A 2024 Industrial Cleaning Journal report found that companies using combo vac trucks reduced their maintenance downtime by up to 35%.

4. Emergency Spill Response

Accidents can happen anytime, especially in industries that handle oil or chemicals. Combo vac trucks are often the first line of defense during a spill.

They can quickly suck up liquids, mud, or sludge, keeping the spill from spreading. The water jet can also wash contaminated areas safely.

Many environmental response teams across Alberta rely on combo vac trucks because they can act fast and handle different kinds of materials at once.

Benefits of Using a Combo Vac Truck

Using a combo vac truck comes with many benefits that make it worth the investment.

1. Saves Time and Money

Because it combines two systems—vacuum and water jet—one truck can do the job of two. That means fewer trips, lower fuel costs, and less labor.

2. Improves Safety

Workers stay safer since they don’t have to manually clean or enter dangerous spaces. The truck handles waste removal and cleaning from a safe distance.

3. Environmentally Friendly

These trucks are designed to collect and dispose of waste properly, keeping harmful materials out of the soil and water.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, proper waste handling helps reduce pollution and protect local wildlife.

4. Versatile for Many Jobs

Whether it’s an oilfield, sewer, or industrial plant, the combo vac truck can handle it. This versatility makes it a great choice for many industries.

Choosing the Right Combo Vac Truck

When selecting a combo vac truck, consider the following:

• Tank capacity – A larger tank is better for heavy jobs.

• Water pressure – Higher pressure cleans faster but needs careful control.

• Pump power – Strong suction makes waste removal easier.

• Safety features – Look for systems that prevent leaks and pressure issues.

• Maintenance support – Choose a provider that offers regular maintenance and parts.

Companies like Fluidpro Oilfield Service Ltd. in Alberta offer well-maintained combo vac trucks that meet industrial safety standards. They also provide trained operators who know how to handle each job efficiently.

Expert Insights

Experts agree that the demand for combo vac trucks is rising.

According to a 2025 report by Global Market Insights, the industrial vacuum truck market is expected to grow by over 6% annually through 2030.

This growth is driven by stricter environmental rules and the need for safe waste disposal.

“Combo vac trucks have become essential for modern industries,” says Mark Dalton, a senior engineer at Alberta Industrial Services. “Their dual system helps companies save costs while meeting safety and environmental goals.”

Why Combo Vac Trucks Are the Future of Industrial Cleaning

Modern industries need tools that are fast, safe, and eco-friendly. Combo vac trucks fit this need perfectly. They replace multiple machines, reduce human risk, and get the job done in less time.

As technology improves, newer combo vac trucks are becoming more efficient. Some even use digital controls to monitor pressure and suction for better accuracy.

In short, combo vac trucks are not just a trend—they’re the future of industrial cleaning and waste management.

Conclusion: A Smarter Way to Clean and Manage Waste

From oilfields to city sewers, combo vac trucks make tough cleaning jobs easier, faster, and safer. They combine power and precision to handle almost any type of waste. With the increasing need for efficiency and safety, more industries are turning to combo vac trucks as their preferred solution.

If you’re seeking reliable and professional services, you can also check out the top vac truck services in Alberta at Fluidpro Oilfield Service Ltd. We simply guide our visitors to this trusted provider, known for quality service and dependable equipment.

Contact them today to learn more about how a combo vac truck can make your next project safer and more efficient.