The vacuum pump is the heart of the portable sanitation industry. In fact, it made portability possible by making it convenient, easy to manage and cost-effective. The best pumps deliver ever-steady service that is a model of reliable performance. They’re rugged for years and even decades of regular use.
But there may be times when you want or need to replace a pump, upgrade your equipment, or build your inventory. You should become familiar with pump models, performance, and features that deliver power, efficiency, and dependability. For example, when you’re buying a new pumper truck or slide-in unit, some manufacturers will let you choose the pump options and sizes.
What is the best pump for your business? The key is to recognize that you don’t necessarily need the most expensive, most powerful vacuum pump. You need the pump that best meets your needs.
Our experts offer a few common-sense recommendations to put the power in your pump purchases.
Buy your pumps from the same manufacturer. Maintenance and repair are easier when you consistently work with the same brand. Choose a manufacturer that supports its pumps with solid after-sales service. Do any of your current vendors sell parts for certain brands? Are any supported locally?
Don’t buy more or less than you need. PROmonthly.com offers guidelines for pump/tank combinations (CFM is cubic feet per minute):
CFM (pump size) Gallons (tank size)
20-40 80-200
50-90 150-500
100-120 400-800
130-150 700-1,200
160-200 1,000-1,800
210-240 1,700-2,500
250-280 2,400-3,000
290-340 3,100-3,600
350-400 3,500-4,200
Choose features that protect your pump and make it easier to maintain, such as:
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There are many top-quality vacuum pumps on the market today. These brands have well-established, and well-deserved, reputations for high quality. Major manufacturers and distributors include:
If you have questions, you can always contact the manufacturers directly. They can give you specific pump recommendations.
Prices for new pumps range in the thousands of dollars. Compare the costs of models that fit your tank and offer the features you want. Used vacuum pumps can provide dependable service at an economical price.
For the latest information, websites such as PRO Monthly and Pumper Magazine devote entire sections to pump reviews. Check the supplier directory provided by Portable Sanitation Association International (PSAI). The JohnTalk Classifieds, Craigslist, and Facebook pages dedicated to portable sanitation are excellent sources for used vacuum pumps. The WWETT Show is a great place to glean information on pumps. All the major manufacturers are on display there, and they can walk you through what sets their pumps apart from the rest.
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1 Comment
I appreciated it when you shared that your vacuum pump can be broken and even destroyed if liquid gets into it. It is important to ensure that you are not adding too much liquid into the system. I would like to think if a vacuum pump owner needs to get rid of the used fluid, he should consider selling it to the right place.