Choosing the Right Hydro Jet Nozzle for Your Sewer Cleaning Needs

A crucial decision for jet operators is determining what nozzle is necessary for which jobs.

This guide will highlight the factors that go into selecting the proper jetting nozzle so professionals can be equipped with the best tools every time.

 Understanding the Types of Jet Nozzles

Hydro jet nozzle manufacturers such as US Jetting, Warthog, and Enz have meticulously crafted a wide range of accessories for plumbing professionals. These tools are created to address specific types of clogs, fit in certain pipe sizes, and adapt to bends and turns in various types of pipes. With so many nozzles available, it can be challenging to determine which one is suitable for your needs.

One way to find the right nozzle is to get familiar with some of the most common types and their uses. This section will define the different kinds of nozzles that are available:

• Rapid Power Delivery (RPD) Nozzles: These nozzles have a unique, two-component design that allows for easier cleaning and maintenance. They are ideal for general cleaning purposes in sewer systems.
• Ball or Rounded Jet Nozzles: If you’re cleaning residential or restaurant lines with numerous twists and turns, a round style nozzle such as a ball jet nozzle is a perfect choice. The spherical design easily allows the nozzle to maneuver around pipe bends.
• Chisel Nozzles: These nozzles are effective at removing hard blockages from sewer lines. Their sharp edged shape combined with multiple forward jets can ram through tough blockages while the rear jets thrust the nozzle through the line.
• Culvert Nozzles: When cleaning large pipe systems like storm sewers and culverts, a heavy-duty nozzle is needed. Culvert nozzles are weighted, allowing them to remain at the bottom of pipes while blasting away thick debris.
• Rotary Nozzles: Looking for a nozzle that provides a 360-degree cleaning? Look no further than rotary nozzles. These spinning nozzles offer a complete cleaning and play a key role in preventative pipe maintenance.

Why Use Sewer Cleaning Nozzles Rather than Snaking?

• Maximized Efficiency: One of the main advantages of hydro jetting over other methods, such as snaking and chemical cleaners, is the efficient and thorough cleaning it offers. With snaking, the tool simply punctures through the blockage rather than ensuring a full 360 degree cleaning of the pipe.
• Long-Lasting Clean: Hydro jetting plays an important role in preventative pipe maintenance. Sewer jetting nozzles have been engineered with precise jet configurations that target the sides of pipes, providing a 360-degree cleaning. The thorough cleaning increases the time between pipe build up.

The Importance of Selecting the Right Sewer Cleaning Nozzles

In addition to knowing about the different nozzle categories, there are other critical factors to consider. Be sure to take the following information into account before selecting a nozzle for a jetting job:

Pipe Size: Like selecting a high-pressure hose, operators must consider the pipe size they will be working on when determining which jet nozzle to use. Once the pipe and hose size have been confirmed, the corresponding nozzle size can be securely attached to the male end of the hose with a wrench.

This size chart explains what size nozzle is necessary for the pipe size and pressure/flow of the jetting machine.

Type of Debris: Many jet nozzles are designed to clear away specific types of debris, from tough mineral build-up to thick sludge to heavily compacted ice. Knowing what kind of debris you are trying to remove from the sewer system can help you decide which nozzle will be most effective for the job.

• Roots/Grease – these must be tackled with rotary nozzles since they need a full 360 degree blasting of the pipe walls.
• Hard blockages – concrete or grout build up may require turbine style nozzles that can blast through hard debris.
• Heavy debris – this issue is commonly found in culverts and storm drains, so the culvert style nozzles are necessary. These are heavy nozzles that use their weight to remain on the bottom of the pipe while blasting debris back.

Pressure and Flow Rate: Every high-pressure nozzle has a maximum pressure and flow rate at which it can be safely used. Be sure to verify these specifications when considering the different nozzle options that are available.

Exploring Nozzle Accessories

Besides using the right nozzle, numerous accessories are available to enhance the efficiency of these components. Learn more about these add-ons and their advantages here:

• Skids: These accessories are commonly used with rotary nozzles to centralize the nozzle to provide optimal positioning within a pipe. Skids elevate nozzles, placing them closer to the center of large pipes for a more thorough cleaning.
• Jet Extension: This accessory attaches to the end of the sewer hose with the nozzle affixed at the end. It prevents the nozzle from turning back on itself, which is particularly necessary in larger pipes.
• Dragon Jet Wing Extension: This extension is designed for 1/2”, 3/4” & 1” Dragon Jet Nozzles to give the nozzles more stability. They ensure the nozzle won’t flip over when cleaning larger culverts.

Maintaining Jet Nozzles for Optimal Performance

Once you have invested in nozzles, it is essential to care for them to keep them in good working order. Learn how to maintain these components properly below:

• Inspect Nozzles Before and After Every Job: Nozzles are the first piece of jetting equipment to enter a line and can come in contact with different types of dirt and debris. Before and after a job, check the jets of a nozzle thoroughly. If you discover anything lodged in the nozzle’s openings, remove it with a tip cleaner.
  • Standard tip cleaners can be used on all non-ceramic jets, but ceramic inserts require special ceramic cleaners.
• Lubricate Nozzles If Needed: Warthog brand nozzles must be filled with viscous liquid to retain optimal performance. To refill these tools, use a Warthog oil syringe and either fast or slow oil, depending on the nozzle’s needs. The oil for standard rotary nozzles should be refilled after 50 hours of operation.
• Ensure You’re Using the Correct Nozzle: By following the tips in this guide and ensuring you’re using the right nozzle for every job, you can improve the efficiency of all of your jet jobs. Selecting the correct nozzle can also reduce the risk of damaging hydro jetting equipment and sewer systems while maintaining a safe working environment.

Contact US Jetting for All Your Nozzle Requirements

Looking to boost your hydro jetting efficiency? Wondering about new nozzle innovations available to plumbing professionals? Need help finding the proper nozzle for your needs? The team at US Jetting is here to help you with all your questions.

With over 30 years of experience, US Jetting has become a leading manufacturer and seller of hydro jetting equipment. We understand the complex needs of our customers and actively work with them to develop products suitable for a diverse range of jobs. Whether you are cleaning residential drains or clearing out vast storm drains, we have the knowledge and equipment to tackle any job that comes your way.

To learn more about our selection of high-pressure nozzles, give us a call today to get started.