Sewer Cleaning Truck Market Size, Growth

Sewer Cleaning Truck Market Overview

The Sewer Cleaning Truck Market size was valued at USD 564.86 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 670.88 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2025 to 2033.

The sewer cleaning truck market has emerged as a vital segment in urban sanitation, driven by the increasing demand for efficient waste management solutions. Globally, over 150,000 sewer cleaning trucks are estimated to be operational, with more than 25,000 newly manufactured units deployed each year. Municipalities in developed nations are investing heavily in advanced sewer vacuum systems, jetting equipment, and hybrid cleaning trucks to tackle aging sewer infrastructures. In the U.S. alone, around 18,000 sewer trucks are actively maintained for municipal and industrial applications. Asia-Pacific contributes to over 30% of global unit sales, propelled by rapid urbanization in China and India. Demand for high-pressure sewer jetting vehicles has increased by 27% in the past four years, particularly in metro areas dealing with frequent drain blockages and flood risks. The market is shifting toward combination trucks that feature vacuum and jetting capabilities, representing over 45% of new sales globally. The introduction of electric and low-emission models is gradually transforming procurement strategies in Europe and North America. Advancements in nozzle technology and real-time monitoring sensors have also enabled operators to boost productivity by nearly 40% while reducing water consumption.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Increasing urban population and deteriorating sewer infrastructure are fueling demand for sewer cleaning trucks globally.

Top Country/Region: The United States leads in adoption, with over 18,000 active sewer cleaning trucks deployed across states.

Top Segment: Combination sewer cleaning trucks dominate with over 45% share due to dual functionality and operational efficiency.

Sewer Cleaning Truck Market Trends

The sewer cleaning truck market is witnessing transformative trends that are reshaping procurement, usage, and regulatory compliance. Among the dominant trends is the surge in demand for combination trucks, which integrate both high-pressure water jetting and vacuum suction. These vehicles now account for nearly 47% of new global purchases, up from 38% in 2019. They offer superior efficiency for tackling blocked sewers and storm drains, particularly in densely populated urban areas. In North America, combination units are now standard in over 65% of municipal fleet upgrades.

The electrification of sewer cleaning trucks is also gaining traction. As of 2024, over 800 electric or hybrid sewer cleaning trucks are operational across Europe, with the Netherlands and Germany leading adoption. Electric variants have been shown to reduce carbon emissions by over 60% and offer operating cost reductions of up to 25%. Additionally, IoT-enabled sewer trucks with telematics and GPS-based diagnostics are revolutionizing fleet management, now integrated into 28% of trucks deployed since 2022.

Another notable trend is the implementation of water recycling systems within trucks, which can recycle up to 85% of the water used during sewer jetting. This not only improves environmental sustainability but also reduces operating costs for municipalities and private contractors. Furthermore, compact and trailer-mounted sewer jetting systems are becoming increasingly popular in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, where narrow urban streets and cost-sensitive markets drive innovation. In China alone, over 3,000 trailer-mounted sewer jetting units were sold in 2023, marking a 20% increase from 2022.

Sewer Cleaning Truck Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for municipal sanitation infrastructure upgrades.

The aging urban sewage networks in major metropolitan regions are prompting an accelerated investment in sanitation vehicles. Over 70% of North American sewer lines are more than 50 years old, requiring frequent cleaning and maintenance. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that sewer overflows occur over 23,000 times annually in the U.S., emphasizing the need for robust sewer cleaning systems. In India, over 5,000 cities now mandate mechanized sewer cleaning to reduce manual scavenging, creating growing demand for compact and automated trucks. The introduction of smart cities in over 100 Indian urban centers includes allocation for sewer cleaning vehicles with smart monitoring. Similarly, Europe is investing in green sewer infrastructure, where Germany and France allocated over 180 million euros for modern sewer trucks in 2023 alone.

RESTRAINT

High procurement and maintenance costs.

Despite their benefits, sewer cleaning trucks come with substantial upfront and lifecycle costs. A new combination sewer cleaning truck with vacuum and hydro-jetting capabilities can cost between USD 350,000 to USD 500,000. In addition, maintenance expenses, including filter replacements, water pump servicing, and hydraulic repairs, contribute to total ownership costs that exceed USD 50,000 annually per unit. For municipalities with budget constraints, especially in developing countries, such costs act as a significant barrier to adoption. Moreover, lack of trained operators leads to inefficient utilization and downtime. Countries like Nigeria and Kenya, for instance, have fewer than 1,000 trained operators for over 10,000 sewer cleaning units, resulting in poor maintenance and equipment underuse.

OPPORTUNITY

Integration of automation and AI-based monitoring.

Emerging technologies such as AI-enabled sensors, predictive diagnostics, and automated jetting sequences offer significant market opportunities. Advanced AI systems are now being used to predict blockages based on historical sewer usage and rainfall data, improving operational planning by 35%. Companies are integrating high-resolution cameras with 360-degree sewer line inspections, reducing the need for repeated manual interventions. More than 400 smart sewer cleaning units with AI diagnostics have been deployed in Japan and South Korea since 2023. These innovations are helping reduce water wastage, optimize route planning, and lower the average sewer cleaning time by 45%. The availability of remote-control features in robotic nozzle arms is also attracting investments from high-tech infrastructure companies in North America and Asia.

CHALLENGE

Rising costs and expenditures due to regulatory mandates.

Tightening environmental regulations regarding noise levels, emissions, and wastewater discharge are increasing the compliance burden for manufacturers. Euro VI standards, for example, necessitate the use of costly exhaust treatment systems that add over USD 15,000 to each unit. In California, sewer trucks must meet CARB emission standards, requiring either retrofitting or replacement of over 2,000 older units. Moreover, operators in developing nations face challenges with spare part availability and after-sales service, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. In regions like sub-Saharan Africa, fewer than 10% of cities have access to authorized service centers for sewer truck maintenance, leading to operational inefficiencies and increased downtime.

Sewer Cleaning Truck Market Segmentation

The sewer cleaning truck market is segmented based on type and application. The market by type includes below 8 Yard, 8-12 Yard, and Above 12 Yard capacities, each serving different levels of cleaning operations. By application, the two key segments are Municipal and Industrial, with Municipal applications contributing a larger portion due to infrastructure projects and government mandates.

By Type

Below 8 Yard: These trucks are primarily used in urban centers with narrow roads and limited access. They make up about 22% of global units. In Southeast Asia, where alleyway access is restricted, over 3,500 units of below 8-yard trucks were deployed in 2023. These trucks typically handle short-range operations and require less water and energy, making them suitable for city blocks and small-scale sanitation zones.
8–12 Yard: The mid-range segment is the most versatile, used in both medium and large cities. They represent approximately 41% of global units. With a balanced tank capacity and maneuverability, these trucks are common in municipal fleets across Europe and the Americas. Over 7,000 units were sold in this category globally in 2023, with Brazil, Mexico, and Germany showing increased adoption.
Above 12 Yard: These trucks are mainly used in large-scale industrial and municipal cleaning tasks. They account for nearly 37% of the market and are favored for their capacity to handle long operations without refueling or refilling. In the U.S. alone, over 5,000 trucks above 12 yards are in active use for municipal waste and storm drain management.

By Application

Municipal: This segment dominates the market, accounting for nearly 68% of total demand. Municipalities use sewer cleaning trucks for routine maintenance, flood prevention, and emergency responses. In China, over 12,000 units are designated for municipal operations. The U.S. Department of Transportation allocates funds for nearly 1,500 truck replacements annually to modernize aging fleets.
Industrial: The industrial sector uses sewer cleaning trucks for facilities with heavy discharge, such as oil refineries, chemical plants, and food processing units. This segment accounts for around 32% of the market. In Canada, over 2,300 units are deployed for industrial maintenance. These trucks are often equipped with higher pressure jetting systems and custom nozzles to handle complex sludge removal tasks.

Sewer Cleaning Truck Market Regional Outlook

The global sewer cleaning truck market is geographically segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa, each contributing distinct growth patterns based on infrastructure spending, regulations, and technological adoption.

North America

The United States leads the market with over 18,000 active sewer cleaning trucks, and Canada follows with more than 3,000 operational units. Investment in smart infrastructure and the replacement of legacy vehicles have driven unit sales upward by 14% in 2023. Additionally, government incentives for low-emission trucks have encouraged adoption of hybrid units, especially in California and New York.

Europe

continues to emphasize sustainability, and over 800 electric or hybrid sewer cleaning trucks are operating in Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands as of 2024. European cities are adopting water-recycling jetting systems to minimize freshwater usage, leading to a 32% increase in eco-friendly trucks over the past two years. France deployed over 1,100 new sewer trucks in 2023 as part of its green sanitation initiative.

Asia-Pacific

is growing rapidly, with China and India at the forefront. China has more than 20,000 sewer cleaning trucks in service, with an additional 6,000 units added in 2023 alone. India's Swachh Bharat Mission funded 1,800 trucks in 2023 across tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The region is also a manufacturing hub, exporting more than 3,500 sewer trucks globally in 2024.

Middle East & Africa

region is seeing steady growth, especially in urbanizing nations like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. Dubai alone added 220 new trucks in 2023 to handle infrastructure for Expo City. In Africa, Kenya and Nigeria are expanding mechanized cleaning fleets, with over 1,200 trucks deployed in 2023 across public-private partnerships.

List of Top Sewer Cleaning Truck Companies

Federal Signal
Cappellotto
Vac-Con
Sewer Equipment Co. of America
Heli
Rivard
K&E
Aerosun
GapVax
Hi-Vac
Vacall Industries
Supervac
KOKS
Chengli
Super Products
Kroll Fahrzeugbau
Dongzheng
XZL
Keith Huber

Top Two Companies with the Highest Share

Federal Signal: holds a dominant position, with over 12,000 sewer cleaning trucks deployed globally and strong distribution networks in North America and Europe.

Cappel lotto: follows closely, with over 8,500 units across Europe, Asia, and South America, and leads in high-capacity and electric-powered combination trucks.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Global investments in sewer cleaning infrastructure are accelerating, with municipalities, private contractors, and sanitation boards allocating larger budgets. In the U.S., more than USD 2.5 billion was allocated in 2023 under urban infrastructure plans, including nearly 1,700 new sewer cleaning trucks. Similarly, Europe is offering subsidies and tax benefits for low-emission sanitation vehicles, with Germany providing up to USD 25,000 in incentives per electric unit.

Asia-Pacific remains a high-growth investment region. China’s National Development and Reform Commission allocated over USD 400 million in 2023 for smart sewer cleaning equipment across 20 provinces. In India, public-private partnerships facilitated the procurement of over 1,200 sewer trucks in 2024 for urban rejuvenation programs.

Investors are also targeting technology startups that develop AI and IoT-based sanitation systems. Venture funding of over USD 150 million went into smart sewer management companies globally in 2023. Private equity firms in North America and the Middle East have shown increased interest in manufacturers that offer data-driven cleaning vehicles and energy-efficient systems.

New Product Development

The sewer cleaning truck market is experiencing a wave of innovation, driven by the demand for efficiency, sustainability, and automation. Manufacturers are introducing electric and hybrid sewer trucks, advanced water recycling systems, and IoT-enabled diagnostics. In 2023, more than 25 new models were launched globally, emphasizing compact design and energy efficiency.

One notable innovation is the integration of electric propulsion systems. Cappellotto and Federal Signal introduced all-electric models with ranges exceeding 150 kilometers per charge, aimed at urban deployments with strict emission regulations. These electric models reduce noise pollution by over 70% and cut fuel expenses by 30%, benefiting city governments and private contractors alike. In the Netherlands, over 200 electric sewer trucks were ordered in 2023 for deployment by 2025.

Another advancement is the introduction of water recycling modules within trucks. These systems recycle up to 85% of the water used in jetting operations, reducing freshwater dependency. Over 1,500 such water-reuse-enabled trucks were sold globally in 2023. Rivard and KOKS have pioneered modular attachments for legacy trucks, converting conventional models into water-efficient variants within 48 hours.

Telematics and AI integration have become standard in new product lines. Trucks launched in 2024 include real-time blockage detection, predictive maintenance alerts, and GPS-based optimization systems. These systems can reduce average sewer cleaning times from 3.5 hours to 1.8 hours per operation. Over 3,000 trucks equipped with smart modules were deployed globally in the past 18 months.

Moreover, lightweight and trailer-mounted sewer jetting systems are increasingly being introduced in emerging markets. These models, manufactured predominantly in China and South Korea, cater to narrow streets and budget-conscious municipalities. Over 4,000 units were exported to Africa and Southeast Asia in 2023.

Five Recent Developments

Federal Signal launched its Vactor 2100i Eco Series in mid-2023, featuring enhanced water recycling capabilities and a fully electric powertrain with a range of 170 kilometres.
Cappel lotto introduced its C140E electric combination truck in 2023, which reduces emissions by 65% and includes a 1000-liter recycled water tank for eco-efficient operations.
Vac-Con signed a multi-year contract in early 2024 to supply over 500 smart sewer cleaning trucks to U.S. municipalities, integrating AI diagnostics and autonomous jetting arms.
KOKS developed a robotic nozzle arm with 360-degree rotation and automatic pressure adjustments in 2023, increasing cleaning accuracy by 35%.
GapVax expanded its Pennsylvania facility in 2024 to double production capacity to 1,200 units per year, focusing on combination units with modular water systems.

Report Coverage of Sewer Cleaning Truck Market

The sewer cleaning truck market report provides an extensive evaluation of the global, regional, and segment-wise performance of the industry. Covering over 20 leading manufacturers and assessing trends across 30+ countries, the report reflects deep insights into market shifts, emerging technologies, investment flows, and customer behavior.

The report analyzes key product types, including below 8-yard, 8–12-yard, and above 12-yard trucks, with data-supported commentary on their usage trends across municipal and industrial sectors. Market penetration in over 100 major cities has been assessed, showing a correlation between urban density and the preference for compact or combination models. It also highlights technological integrations such as AI diagnostics, water recycling units, electric drivetrains, and GPS-enabled performance management systems, which are reshaping the competitive landscape.

Furthermore, the report examines the evolving regulatory standards across the U.S., EU, and Asia-Pacific, outlining how emission restrictions and water management mandates are influencing procurement decisions. For example, Germany’s environmental compliance rules have led to a 28% increase in electric truck adoption since 2022. Similarly, Indian municipal tenders now mandate non-manual, machine-based sewer cleaning across 500+ urban local bodies.

The regional breakdown reveals key growth hotspots. Asia-Pacific leads in unit volume, driven by infrastructure programs in India and China, while Europe leads in sustainability-driven innovation. North America focuses on fleet modernization and operator training, while the Middle East & Africa see increased public-private partnerships for urban sanitation upgrades.

The report also incorporates insights from procurement agencies, sanitation boards, and urban development ministries, supplemented with fleet size trends, truck life cycles, operator behavior, and price sensitivity data. By offering a 360-degree view of market forces, regulatory influences, technological changes, and competitive benchmarks, the report serves as a valuable tool for industry stakeholders, equipment suppliers, municipal procurement heads, and sanitation service providers to shape future investment and operational strategies.