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Must-Have Tools and Accessories on Your Septic Pumping Truck


Most homeowners have a septic tank that is an underground chamber made of either fiberglass, concrete, or plastic. Wastewater from their home flows to the septic tank for basic sewage treatment. In short, septic tank systems are a type of simple onsite sewage facility.

When servicing a septic tank, to ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently, a septic tank technician needs the following tools on their pumping truck:

  1. • Septic Locators
  2. • Septic Probes
  3. • Septic Inspection Tools
  4. • Septic Maintenance Products

Septic Locators

Although most homeowners know where their septic tank is generally located in their yard, many do not. Therefore, the first step is finding the septic tank by using at least one of the following locator tools:

  1. • Flushable Septic Tank Locator: Flush an electronic locator down the toilet and track it with a receiver.
  2. • Metal Detector: Finds metal tanks or metal septic tank covers.
  3. • Plumbing Cleanout Snake: Locate the septic tank by running the snake down the sewer line until it stops at the tank, then use a metal detector to locate the snake's end.

Metal Soil Probes

Both the Mighty Probe and Smart Stick are steel soil probes that are great for locating underground items like septic tanks. They provide the rigidity of a steel probe, and the insulated probes provide you with that extra layer of protection from the potential of electric shock.

Analog Receivers

Ardy and Ferris analog receivers are sophisticated tools used for detecting underground septic tanks, cast iron, and non-metallic lines. These receivers detect the signal output by the flushable transmitter as it travels from the outlet into the septic tank.

Septic Inspection Tools

To properly inspect a septic tank, a technician will use a variety of tools. For instance, in order to measure liquid levels in the tank, they may use:

  1. • Safely inspect septic tanks using inspection mirrors. These lightweight devices are easy to use and provide quick visibility into tank interiors, filters, screens, baffles, and fixtures.
  2. • Video inspection equipment can thoroughly inspect the tank and system components, inspecting the baffles and tees, as well as for cracks in the tank walls.
  3. • A sludge sampler is a device that takes samples of wastewater from septic tanks. The sampler's design allows fluid to flow freely into the sampling tube without creating turbulence, which helps to produce an accurate core sample of the tank's contents.

Septic Tank Cleaning Tools

  1. • Muck-Rake: Breaks up scum and sludge during pumping.
  2. • Pry Bar: Opens septic tank covers.
  3. • Pressure Washer: Cleans the tank, hoses, and other equipment.
  4. • PPE: Includes gloves, boots, coveralls, and eye protection.
  5. • Manhole Hook or Lid Lifter: Lifts heavy septic tank lids safely.
  6. • First Aid Kit: For handling minor injuries.
  7. • Lights and Flashlights: For visibility during early morning or late evening jobs.
  8. • Septic Tank Risers: Provides easier access for pumping tools.

Septic Maintenance Products

  1. • Odor filters for vent pipes: These are carbon filters used to block septic tank odors.
  2. • Control panels and alarms: A control panel is used to monitor a septic system. Should the water get too high or either an air or submersible pump fails, it will trigger an alarm to the homeowner.
  3. • Effluent filters: Is a cylindrical device installed on the outlet baffle of a septic tank that assists in the removal of solids from wastewater before it enters a drain field.

Varco Supply has the tools you need to ensure your service team is well-equipped to handle your septic jobs effectively and safely, providing quality service to customers. Visit us online or give us a call at (866) 872-1224.