Starter kit: what the first paid job needs
Septic pumping is a vacuum truck business. Installs add excavation equipment, and most states license both.
| Item | Why you need it | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum pump truck | Pumping tanks | Varies by brand |
| Hoses and fittings | Reaching the tank | Varies by brand |
| Probe rod and a metal detector or locator | Finding lids | Varies by brand |
| Shovels and a lid lifter | Opening tanks | Varies by brand |
| Muck rake | Breaking up the scum layer | Varies by brand |
| PPE: gloves, boots, eye protection | Sewage exposure | Varies by brand |
| Hand wash station and disinfectant | Hygiene | Varies by brand |
Pro kit: what a busy shop adds
Add these when the calendar is full and the starter kit is slowing you down. Most septic companies buy them one at a time, when a job pays for one.
| Item | Why it pays | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Sewer camera and locator | Line inspections | Varies by brand |
| Jetter | Line cleaning | Varies by brand |
| Mini excavator | Risers, repairs and installs | Varies by brand |
| Riser and lid stock | Add-on sales | Varies by brand |
Van stock: what you restock every week
Parts and supplies that let you finish on the first visit. Keep a short list on your phone and restock on the same day each week.
- Effluent filters. Swaps.
- Risers and lids. Upgrades.
- Pipe and fittings. Repairs.
- Bacteria treatments. Add-on sales.
What a septic kit costs
None of the 7 starter kit items has one maker's list price we could check, because brands and sizes vary so much. Price them with your supplier.
None of the 4 pro kit items has one maker's list price we could check, because brands and sizes vary so much. Price them with your supplier.
The vacuum truck is most of the starting cost. Install work adds excavation equipment and licensing.
Prices are the ones shown on each maker's own site on the date in the sources. Dealers and sales change them, so treat them as a starting point.
Where to buy it
Most septic companies buy hand tools and small parts wherever is closest, and set up a trade account for the items they buy every week. Our septic suppliers list names the distributors and pro programs for this trade, and the Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro page compares the two big-box programs row by row.
With Koira: the office side of the kit
The kit gets you to the job. Koira runs the rest: estimates with signing and deposits, invoices and card payments and your day plan, all on the free Office plan. Start with the septic services list to set your prices.
Sources
- Insureon: Insurance cost for contractors as a group, checked October 9, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.