Are you thinking about purchasing a dental vacuum pump as a replacement or backup option for your office? Like any equipment investment, a vac pump requires planning and preparation. Here are 4 things to consider when buying and installing your vacuum pump system.

1. Space and Plumbing Requirements

One of the biggest concerns when installing a vacuum pump system is how the unit physically configures into the space.

If you are installing a pump for the first time, carefully measure and plan out the space for your pump. Also take into account the piping that will carry water, air, and debris removed by the pump system. Avoid overhead piping if you can: Vacuum pumps function better when working with gravity.

If your practice is growing and you need to replace your current vac pump with a more powerful setup, consider whether you have room for a second pump. If you don’t, think about replacing the unit with a more powerful single pump, such as a PowerVac or Ramvac system.

2. Extra Costs

In addition to the cost of preparing your operatory space, purchasing your vacuum pump, and installation, there are extra costs you’ll want to take into account.

Wet vacuums, for example, can require backflow preventers and staff maintenance to refill oil and empty the tank to prevent bacterial growth.

Wet vacuum pumps also require thousands of gallons of water, and many municipalities charge more for heavy water use. Consider buying a water recycler for your pump to reduce expenses long-term.

Dry vacuums usually need amalgam and fluid separators to keep moisture and condensation from accumulating in the piping and contaminating the system.

3. Patient Experience

How close to the work area will your vacuum pump be installed?

Vacuum pumps can be loud and, let’s be honest, they aren’t designed to be aesthetically pleasing. They are meant to be the hidden powerhouses of your practice, chugging along unnoticed by your patients.

You can also buy a sound cover to reduce noise from your pump.

4. User Support and Service

The most important consideration when buying a vacuum pump is whether or not the unit will support the number of simultaneous users your practice requires.

The number of users a vacuum pump will support is usually provided by the manufacturer.

As a loose guideline, most units support a number of users equal to half the Hg rating.

If the vacuum pump’s ability to support your staff is questionable, it's always best to buy a more powerful unit.

Many doctors find it worthwhile to buy a dual pump system. Most of these systems allow the operator to use a single pump and save the second as a backup option. If anything happens to the first pump, or if the office expands and needs more suction, the unit is ready to handle the increased traffic.

Take the Next Step

Once you’re ready to purchase your pump, check out our top 5 used dental vacuum pumps.