Common Hydro Jetting Pump Issues and How to Troubleshoot Them

Hydro jetters are complex machines designed to deliver a powerful blast of water that can obliterate debris in pipes. These units are essential to quickly unclog plumbing lines and provide a thorough cleaning to prevent future issues.

Hydro jet operators must keep their machines in optimal condition to provide this critical service to homeowners, businesses, and municipalities. The pump is an integral component that requires routine maintenance and occasional troubleshooting.

Whether you’re wondering how to avoid serious pump repairs with preventative maintenance or need advice to repair a damaged pump, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will provide an overview of common pump problems and helpful solutions. Let’s dive in!

What is a Hydro Jetting Pump?

Many people are familiar with hydro jetting services, which clear pipes of built-up debris and dirt. Believe it or not, hydro jetting can blast through tree roots, grease, mud, and other substances that block critical sewer systems using only water. But how is this possible?

Hydro jetting pumps play an important role in this process. A diesel engine powers the pump; as the pump moves, it creates a high-pressure water system. Most operators use their machines at levels around 3000-4000 PSI, but some units have pumps that create intense water streams as high as 10,000 PSI.

Hydro Jetting Maintenance Tips and Tricks

The key to avoiding equipment damage and keeping a jetter in optimal operating condition is to follow all the recommended maintenance. This section outlines the crucial steps to follow to ensure a jetter’s performance stays at a high level.

Follow this hydro jetting machine checklist for your pump:

• Clean water filters after every job: It’s common for debris to become trapped in a unit’s water filters. Water filters must be cleaned daily to prevent severe pump damage caused by this debris.
• Check pump oil levels before operating the jetter: Use a pump site gauge to confirm the pump’s oil levels are topped up so the equipment can run smoothly.
• Inspect the pump mounting: Once a month, or approximately every 30 working hours, check the mounting and tighten the adjustment bolts. Doing so will prevent the belt from becoming loose and shredded.

Preparing For Frigid Temperatures: How to Winterize Pumps

If you live in an area where temperatures regularly dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it is essential to prepare your jetter for these cold conditions. Doing so will allow jetting companies to continue their services throughout the winter months — when ice and frozen debris can block pipes — and ensure equipment remains operational.

An enclosed unit, such as inside a truck or a van, is an easy solution for operators living in areas with harsh winters.

However, if you don’t have an enclosed unit, follow these hydro jetting tips to winterize the pump:

• Using the antifreeze kit provided by US Jetting, antifreeze the pump, hose reel, and hose every time the temperature is below freezing.
• Create an antifreeze solution that is 50 percent water and 50 percent antifreeze, such as All Makes/All Models Service Pro Antifreeze Coolant.
• Be sure to check the strength of the antifreeze solution because it can become diluted over time.

If the pump does become frozen, follow the instructions below:

• Do not start the pump: If the pump is frozen, it is critical not to start it to avoid severe and permanent damage.
• Allow the pump to thaw: Bring the pump indoors and allow it to thaw completely.
• Keep spare parts in stock for the winter months: If you have a Radial Piston Diaphragm Pump (RPD) or Harben-style pump, it is recommended to keep extra diaphragms on hand; these parts are sold in a set of eight. For standard pumps, having an O-ring kit or a 911 repair kit, which includes an O-ring kit, pressure discs, water filter bowl, and more, are wise investments. These parts are commonly damaged when a pump freezes, so having backups on hand will get the jetter up and running quickly, minimizing the impact on your business.

Identifying and Troubleshooting Pump Leaks

Leaking water or oil is another issue that hydro jetter operators encounter from time to time. Pump leaks can severely impact the performance of a jetter. This issue must be addressed quickly to return to the field and complete the next job safely.

If you are unsure how to diagnose a leaking pump or what to do when the source of the leak has been identified, this section provides an in-depth guide on troubleshooting pump leaks.

Before you can fix a leaking pump, it is essential to confirm the pump is the root of the problem. Signs of a leaking pump include:

• Water or oil visibly leaks from various locations on the pump.
• Water is dripping or pouring from the unit.
• The jetter is only able to operate at 2000 PSI or less.
• The pump is cavitating (pulsing or shaking) when turned on.
• Only some water is entering the pump. If no water can get into the pump, the issue is likely a blockage in the plumbing and not in the pump itself.
• No water is coming out of the pump.

Once you have confirmed that water or oil is leaking from the pump, these steps can help you solve the issue and get back in the field quickly:

• Tighten Bolts and Check Plugs: If water is leaking from the bottom plugs, they must be replaced. Hex heads and Allen heads require an O-ring, while square heads have a different plug model. In addition to the plugs, be sure to check that the bolts are torqued properly at 60 ft/lbs.
• Use an O-Ring Kit: An O-ring kit can solve a leaking pump if the unit is less than three years old and the pump is dripping water. When water pours from the pump, this indicates that something is damaged inside the pump and will require opening the part for further investigation.
• Use a Valve Kit or Pump Seal Kit: If the pump is cavitating (or shaking) in addition to leaking water or oil then a valve kit or pump seal kit is necessary. If oil is leaking at the water inlet manifold, use a pump seal kit. The parts for this fix are also included in the valve kit, so verify if there are any other leaks before ordering these parts. These kits are more likely to be used on units over three years old or have accumulated over 800 working hours.
• Ensure the Mesh Filter is in Place: Always use a mesh filter in the pump to stop debris from entering and jamming it. If the mesh filter hasn’t been used properly, open the pump to determine if any obstructions have entered it.

Need Reliable Hydro Jetter Repairs?

Troubleshooting a broken pump can be frustrating, confusing, and eat into your business’s profits, but you’re not alone. US Jetting is here and ready to assist you with any questions related to hydro jet pumps. From regular maintenance to emergency repairs, our experts handle every concern with professionalism and unmatched skill.

Not only do we have over 30 years of industry experience engineering hydro jetting equipment, but we also work with plumbing professionals to create custom units tailored to their needs.

Give us a call today to learn more about our hydro jetting parts and services.