How to Maintain a Clear View While Cleaning Your Hydrovac or Sewer Combo Tank in Winter Conditions.

Winter brings unique challenges for operators of hydrovacs and sewer cleaning equipment, especially when it comes to maintaining visibility during tank cleaning. One of the most common issues faced during winter cleaning operations is steam buildup. This steam can fog up the tank and your saftey glasses and make it nearly impossible to see what’s happening inside. Whether you’re cleaning out a hydrovac or sewer cleaner, having a clear view of the tank’s interior is crucial for effective and safe maintenance. But don’t worry—there’s a simple solution to this frustrating issue: use your vacuum system to suck the steam out.

The Problem: Steam Buildup During Winter Cleaning
 
When working in cold conditions, the temperature difference between the air and the contents of your vacuum tank can quickly lead to condensation and steam. This is especially true if you’ve recently used hot water or a heated fluid for cleaning or thawing purposes. As the steam rises inside the tank, it creates a thick fog that clouds your ability to see clearly, making the job much harder and more dangerous. Without visibility, operators are left working in the dark, risking mistakes, inefficiencies, and potentially hazardous situations.
This is a common problem in the hydrovac and sewer industries during the colder months, and it can add time and complexity to an already challenging task.

The Simple Solution: Turn on Your Vacuum and Suck the Steam Out
Here’s where a clever and simple solution comes into play. If you’re unable to see inside your tank because of steam buildup, the best option is to use the very equipment designed to keep things clean—the vacuum system itself.
By turning on your vacuum, you can suck the steam out of the tank. This works because the vacuum will draw the humid, warm air and steam from inside the tank, creating a dry environment that improves visibility. The powerful suction system of your hydrovac or sewer combo is more than capable of pulling out the steam, allowing you to continue cleaning or inspecting the tank without the hindrance of condensation or fogging.
This process works especially well when you’re cleaning out the interior or inspecting the tank for any remaining debris, so you can do your job more effectively without having to guess what’s going on inside. With the steam removed, you’ll be able to see exactly what you’re working with, making your job safer and more efficient.

How to Do It:
  1. Start the Vacuum system when you engage your hydraulics: Activate the vacuum system in your unit. Make sure it’s running properly and ready to create the suction needed.
  2. Make sure vacuum is disengaged till after rear dump door is open: No need for the vacuum to be Engaged, until after the dump door is open.
  3. Open rear dump door: Open rear door safely, And proceed to elevate/hoist tank if equipped.
  4. Engage your vacuum: This will suck the steam out of the tank that was gathering inside the tank. The goal is to remove the moisture-laden air.
  5. Allow the Vacuum to Clear the Steam: Let the vacuum run for a few minutes, allowing the suction system to pull out the steam and humid air from the tank. You should notice the fog clearing, giving you a better view of the inside.
  6. Proceed with Cleaning: Once the steam is cleared, you can continue your tank cleaning task with improved visibility and more confidence in the process.
Why This Is Important

  1. Improved Visibility: The primary benefit of using your vacuum to remove steam is simple—clear visibility. Whether you’re cleaning, inspecting, or troubleshooting, having a clear view inside the tank is essential for ensuring the job is done correctly.
  2. Safety: This added visibility significantly enhances safety. In steamy conditions, it can be difficult to see clearly inside the tank, which could lead to larger debris chunks falling towards your legs or feet. Not being able to see what’s falling or where you’re stepping can be dangerous, increasing the risk of injury. By using the vacuum to remove the steam, you mitigate this risk and make it safer for yourself and your crew to work in the tank.
  3. Increased Efficiency: Trying to clean or inspect your tank without being able to see clearly could waste some extra of your time and efforts. With the steam cleared, your work becomes more efficient, which ultimately saves time and reduces unnecessary delays.
  4. Cost-Effective: Using your vacuum system to remove steam is a low-cost, quick fix. There’s no need for special equipment or additional resources—just use what you already have. This makes it a cost-effective solution to a common problem.
Conclusion
Winter conditions present a unique set of challenges when cleaning out your hydrovac or sewer combo units, but with a little creativity, they can be overcome. Using your vacuum system to suck the steam out of the tank is a simple yet effective solution to ensure you maintain visibility and efficiency. By turning on the vacuum and allowing it to clear the steam, you’ll improve both safety and productivity, making winter cleaning tasks much easier to handle.
So, the next time you find yourself cleaning your unit in freezing conditions and the steam is starting to obscure your view, remember: your vacuum system is more than just for sucking dirt or water —it’s a solution to help keep things running smoothly, even in the harshest of environments. Plus, it adds an extra layer of safety, allowing you to avoid accidents caused by unseen debris and ensuring you can focus on the task at hand with confidence.
 
 
“Thinking smarter is the first step in thinking safer.” – Terry Rawn
 
 
Terry Rawn
Hydrovac Nation/ Dig Pig Products Inc
Translate »