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Glossary

Combination (Combo) Truck

What is Combination (Combo) Truck?

A combination (combo) truck is a vacuum truck that pairs a high-pressure water jetting system with a powerful vacuum, used mainly to clean and clear sewers, catch basins, and wet wells and to recover the debris.

A combination truck (combo truck) combines sewer jetting, spraying high-pressure water down a line to dislodge blockages, with vacuum recovery that sucks the loosened sludge and water back into the debris body. Many units include a water recycling system that filters and reuses recovered water to extend runtime between fills.

Combo trucks are the workhorses of municipal sewer and stormwater maintenance, handling catch basin cleanout, wet well pumping, and pipe flushing. Some are also configured for hydro excavation. See combo trucks for rent on Vac4Rent; submit a free request and rental companies respond directly with no booking fees.

Guides that cover Combination (Combo) Truck

Related terms

Sewer JettingCatch BasinWet WellWater Recycling System

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Combination (Combo) Truck: common questions

What is Combination (Combo) Truck?+

A combination (combo) truck is a vacuum truck that pairs a high-pressure water jetting system with a powerful vacuum, used mainly to clean and clear sewers, catch basins, and wet wells and to recover the debris.

What is the difference between a combo truck and a hydrovac truck?+

Both carry a vacuum system and a debris body, but they are built for different primary jobs. A combo truck pairs vacuum recovery with a sewer jetting pump and hose reel for cleaning pipes, catch basins, and wet wells. A hydrovac truck pairs vacuum with a handheld water wand and boom for digging and exposing buried utilities. Some combo trucks can dig, but a dedicated hydrovac is usually set up better for excavation work.

What should I ask a rental company before renting a combo truck for sewer cleaning?+

Ask about jetting hose length and diameter, which nozzles are included, water tank and debris body capacity, and whether the recycling system is working and suited to your material. Confirm whether the truck comes with a trained operator or is a bare rental, and who is responsible for hauling and disposing of the recovered sludge. Also ask whether the vacuum tube and boom can reach the manholes, catch basins, or wet wells on your specific site.

Do I need a CDL to drive a rented combo truck?+

Often, yes. Combo trucks are heavy straight trucks, and many have gross vehicle weight ratings above the federal threshold that requires a commercial driver's license. Trucks with air brakes also require the driver to be qualified for air brakes, and hauling liquids can raise endorsement questions. Requirements depend on the specific vehicle and on federal and state rules, so check the truck's ratings with your state licensing agency. Renting the truck with an experienced operator is a common alternative.