What Is a Vactor Truck Used For?

A vactor truck uses a high-powered vacuum and water jetting system to remove debris, sludge, and blockages from storm drains, sewers, and catch basins. It’s also used for hydro excavation when digging around sensitive underground utilities.

How Often Should Catch Basins Be Cleaned?

Catch basins should be cleaned at least once a year or more frequently in high-traffic or debris-heavy areas. Regular cleaning helps prevent flooding, backups, and costly infrastructure damage.

Is Hydro Excavation Safer Than Traditional Digging?

Yes. Hydro excavation is a non-destructive and highly accurate digging method that reduces the risk of damaging underground pipes, electrical lines, and cables. It’s faster, cleaner, and safer than conventional excavation techniques.

Vactor Truck & Hydro Excavation | Portsmouth, RI

Keeping your community’s drainage and sewer systems clean and functional is essential for public health and safety. At Travers Plumbing & Heating Inc., we provide expert vactor truck services in Portsmouth, RI, and throughout Aquidneck Island. Our specialized vacuum and hydro-jetting equipment allows us to handle complex municipal, commercial, and residential projects safely and efficiently.

Whether you need catch basin cleaning, hydro excavation, or storm drain maintenance, our highly trained operators deliver precision and reliability every time. Call (401) 683-0370 today to schedule your vac truck service or municipal maintenance project.

Catch basins collect runoff, dirt, and debris that can build up over time and restrict water flow. If neglected, this buildup can lead to flooding, erosion, and contamination issues.

Our technicians use powerful vacuum and hydro-jetting technology to thoroughly clean and maintain catch basins, ensuring efficient drainage and compliance with environmental regulations. We also dispose of collected materials properly at approved waste treatment facilities—protecting both your property and the environment.

When it comes to excavation around buried utilities or delicate infrastructure, hydro excavation is the safest and most precise method available. Instead of using heavy machinery like backhoes, our Hydrovac technology uses pressurized water and vacuum suction to remove soil and expose pipelines, cables, and utilities without damaging them.

This method is ideal for:

Pipeline and utility exposure.
Trenching for electrical systems.
Potholing and daylighting buried utilities.
Cold-weather excavation projects.

Hydro excavation minimizes risk, reduces restoration costs, and provides a cleaner, faster, and safer alternative to traditional digging methods.

While our vac trucks are commonly used for municipal infrastructure, we also serve residential developers, contractors, industrial sites, and commercial facilities. Whether you need a one-time cleanup or scheduled maintenance, Travers Plumbing & Heating Inc. can tailor a service plan to fit your needs.

We take pride in providing:

Safe, nondestructive cleaning and excavation.
Rapid emergency response.
Environmentally responsible waste disposal.
Licensed and experienced operators.
Reliable scheduling for municipalities and contractors.

What Is a Vactor Truck Used For?
A vactor truck uses a high-powered vacuum and water jetting system to remove debris, sludge, and blockages from storm drains, sewers, and catch basins. It’s also used for hydro excavation when digging around sensitive underground utilities.
How Often Should Catch Basins Be Cleaned?
Catch basins should be cleaned at least once a year or more frequently in high-traffic or debris-heavy areas. Regular cleaning helps prevent flooding, backups, and costly infrastructure damage.
Is Hydro Excavation Safer Than Traditional Digging?
Yes. Hydro excavation is a non-destructive and highly accurate digging method that reduces the risk of damaging underground pipes, electrical lines, and cables. It’s faster, cleaner, and safer than conventional excavation techniques.

★★★★★

The staff was incredibly helpful and responsive. Very friendly and completed the work in great time. Communication has been excellent. I will definitely be using Travers again in the future.

-Chris S.

★★★★★

This was my third time using Travers to pump and service my septic tank. Definitely a five-star experience. My technician, Butch, called an hour prior to arrival as promised. He was professional, knowledgeable, and personable. Butch did a quality job both pumping out my tank and cleaning the filter. After the job was complete he reviewed the work done and recommended a future maintenance schedule based on the status of the filter. I will request Butch service my system again next year.

-Mark K.

★★★★★

As in a previous review I posted a number of years ago, things have not changed. From a familiar person answering the phone, to a very well trained technician performing the needed repairs. Sometimes things not changing is a good thing. I did before and still highly recommend Travers.

-Islander 1

★★★★★

Travers Plumbing & Heating is very professional, responsive and reliable. The person who arrived at our home took the time to help explain the procedure and the next steps. For sure, I will use Travers not only as-needed but as a reliable plumbing company to do annual scheduled tasks.

-Dallas O.

★★★★★

I was very pleased with the quick service and knowledgeable technician that Travers sent to my home. I had an unexpected plumbing emergency and I’m sooooo glad I called them. Jim knew what he was doing and fixed the problem quickly. Five stars!! I’ll be calling Travers again for my next plumbing repair.

-Kelly R.