Choosing A Water Truck
When working on an exposed pipeline, you should put a considerable amount of time and effort into choosing the proper construction equipment. It may seem tedious, but many in our industry often overlook it. Having the right construction equipment on hand when working on an exposed pipeline could prevent serious injuries or death to the crew. A critical piece of equipment to consider is a water truck. These tips can help you choose a water truck for your next exposed pipeline project.
Why Selecting the Right Water Truck Is Important
Our industry uses water trucks for the following:
- Compaction
- Fire Prevention
- Dust Control and Prevention
- Protection
The trucks remove dust from the air and are a very effective tool to keep both your job site and crew safe. However, purchasing and traveling a water truck can be expensive. If you are working on a massive national project, you may find it more feasible to rent a water truck for each job site. Before renting, you should ensure that the vehicle is in good working condition. We have seen clients suffer too many costly delays at the hands of equipment malfunction.
Tips for Choosing the Right Truck
Before going to look at a truck, you should have a sound understanding of the technical components of your project. Know how much water you will need for the project. You should not even begin to consider any truck that won’t meet your water needs. You should also know the expected timeline for your project.
The most important part of choosing a water truck is the inspection process. We recommend inspecting the truck during the daylight, where it’s easier to see wear and tear. You should be careful to evaluate the tires and the frame of the truck, looking for any cracks. You’ll also want to make sure that the engine functions properly and that there are no leaks.
After a physical inspection, you should secure the serial number of the truck to conduct further research. Check the serial number on your own to make sure that the year of manufacturing is consistent with the information you’ve been given. Additionally, you should examine the truck’s logs and maintenance records thoroughly. If the truck’s owner is unwilling to let you see the files, that should be considered a red flag.
When negotiating a rental price, you should first find out who will supply the water for the truck. If you have to provide the water, it will increase your costs significantly. You’ll likely also have to negotiate fees if you keep the truck for longer than stated in the lease. Find out if it’s possible to extend the rental agreement and what the penalties are for returning the truck late.
Additionally, you should determine who will be responsible for delivering and returning the truck to the job site.
You’ll also want to specify who is responsible for operating the truck while it’s in your possession. You will likely be responsible for providing fuel and paying the wages of the truck’s operator.
