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We’ve all heard it a hundred times: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  At the end of a long, physically-intense workday, none of us want to spend more time with our equipment, but when you put off regular maintenance, you set yourself up for expensive, time-consuming repairs later.  Fortunately, maintaining your hydrovac is relatively simple, and by investing some time in service, you’ll save time and money in the long run!

We’ve put together a quick list of our top tips and tricks for maintaining the functionality and performance of your hydrovac:

1. Clean The Tank and Components

• Empty the tank
• Clean it out — a pressure washer can help to remove any remaining debris or soil

• This is especially important to do when working with sandy soil, as fine grains clog filters faster than loamy dirt. 

• Use a mild detergent or disinfectant to make sure no algae or bacteria builds up in the water tank
• Check the tank for any damage

2. Inspect the Vacuum System

• Disconnect the hose 
• Inspect it for leaks and check the fittings
• Scrub it out with mild detergent and a flexible, long-handled hose brush

3. Take Care of the Engine, Blower and Water Pump

• Every 24 hours:
  • Check the oil level
  • Clean the inline water supply filters
• Every 500 hours:
  • Check & change the oil level
    • When changing the oil, be sure to use manufacturer-approved products
  • Check the valves, valve seats, valve guides, H.P. and L.P seals
• Every 1000 hours:
  • Change the oil 
  • Replace the valves, valve seats, valve guides, H.P. and L.P. seals
• Every 3000 hours:
  • Change all valves

Small Investment = Big Payoff

Your hydrovac equipment is more than your livelihood — it’s your reputation, profit, and quality of life.  By keeping your unit well-maintained, you avoid preventable delays, demonstrate your expertise and professionalism, and save valuable time and money.  Spending a little time on minor repairs now avoids big headaches later, and if you need help troubleshooting, let us know!  Our products all come with a 1-year warranty, so if you have questions, give us a call — we’ll keep you out of the shop and on the site.