Can a service truck pump a unit placed on a wooden deck?

Question

I have a standard portable toilet on a residential jobsite that's been running for two months. The ground is sloped, so the GC built a temporary wooden deck to set the unit on level ground. The deck is about 3 feet high. The vacuum truck can pull right up to the edge of the deck, but I'm wondering if the hose on the truck is long enough to reach down into the holding tank. I don't want the driver to show up and not be able to service it, because a missed service gets billed and the crew complains. Has anyone had a unit on a raised platform like this? Did the operator need a special hose, or is this a common setup they can handle?

Owen G. · Answer

A vacuum truck can pump a standard portable toilet on a 3-foot deck with its standard hose. The hose on a vacuum truck is typically 10 to 15 feet long, which is more than enough to reach down into the holding tank from that height. This setup is common on construction sites with uneven terrain.

Ensure the deck is stable and the unit is securely placed to prevent tipping during service. The driver will need clear access to the side of the unit where the service port is located. Communicate the deck height to your rental company before the next service visit so they can confirm with their driver. A missed service occurs if the unit is blocked or inaccessible, and most companies bill for the trip.

Can a service truck pump a unit placed on a wooden deck?

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