The Ultimate Guide to Hose Repair: Tips and Techniques for Maintaining Your Equipment

Every jet operator knows the importance of equipping their business with the correct hoses. From mini jet reels designed to flush out residential lines to inlet garden hoses for easy water tank filling, having a wide range of accessories in your jetting arsenal allows you to expand the versatility of your jetting units.

However, while having the right tools is critical, maintaining them is equally important. Following the correct care and repair procedures ensures their functionality and longevity.

If you’ve ever wondered how to maintain and repair your hoses properly, this guide will provide the tips and techniques necessary to keep these components in working order.

An Overview of Jetting Hoses

Hoses are an essential part of every jetting unit. This essential tool is specially developed to withstand the intense pressures created by a jetter, which are necessary to clear blockages and thoroughly clean pipes. High-pressure hoses are available in many lengths and sizes, allowing operators to select the specific hose they need for various pipe sizes and cleaning purposes.

The Importance of Maintaining Equipment

While there isn’t a specific jetter hose repair kit or hydraulic hose repair kit, most hoses can easily be cut off, mended, and/or have new ends put on to get the hose functional again. Since sewer hoses are generally operating at 4000PSI and higher, it’s imperative to keep them in good condition for the safety of the operator.

Jet operators often opt for hose repair for a variety of reasons.

• Minimize Equipment Expenses: Depending on the size and manufacturer, high-pressure hoses are generally upwards of $1500. While hoses are considered wear and tear items that are expected to need replacing at some point, repairing hoses can extend the expected lifespan of the hose. procedures can help plumbing businesses accelerate their revenue goals.
• Ensure a Safe Job Site: Operating with a sewer hose in good condition is one of the most important safety rules to follow. Hoses should be inspected regularly for damage; if any damage is found, they cannot be used. If there are areas of the hose that are worn or torn, they could result in a puncture which can cause a high pressure water strike. Preserving jetting hoses is an essential first step in eliminating job-related injuries or equipment damage.
• Lost Nozzle: In the event that a nozzle gets caught in a pipe and is irretrievable, it may be necessary to cut the hose to release it. A hose end can then be swaged on the end to utilize the remaining section of the high pressure hose.

Prevent Hose Damage with the Right Gear

The first and most important tip for caring for hoses is preventing damage.

• Tiger Tail Holder: A tiger tail holder is an affordable and effective tool that has been proven to protect hoses from damage during jetting jobs. These tough polyethylene copolymer tubes act as a protective sleeve from abrasive edges of the pipe. Simply feed the hose through the tube or tie it to the boathook of a jetter as the hose enters the line so it doesn’t come in contact with sharp pipe edges.
• Manhole Protector Ring: Sharp edges at manhole openings are one of the most common causes of hose damage. These rings, made from durable ABS plastic, fit securely into the opening to provide a smooth, safe surface for hoses.
• Leader Hose: These hoses attach to the main jetter hose. They are color-coded to signal to the operator that the hose is approaching the end of the line.
• Manhole Roller: Manhole rollers have a 3” roller that is placed over manhole entry points. They smoothly lower the hose into the line so that it doesn’t encounter any jagged edges.

Identifying Hose Damage

High-pressure hoses should be inspected before and after every jetting job. When examining a hose, be sure to look for the following signs of damage:

• Holes
• Kinks
• Tears
• Water leaks
• Reduced jetter performance, such as difficulty reaching the desired pressure level.

If you discover any of these issues, do not attempt to use the hose. These are signs that the hose is damaged and sewer cleaning cannot be performed safely.

Hose Repair: What Are Your Options?

Once you have determined that your hose is damaged, the next step is to understand the choices available to correct the issue. Refer to these options and the pros and cons associated with them:

Purchase a New Hose

• While expensive, this solution is the most straightforward to immediately get the hose that you need for your jetting jobs.

Seek a Reputable Repair Service

• With this option, jetting operators are satisfied knowing a knowledgeable professional will repair their hose. Depending on the extent of the damage, the repair service cost can vary but is typically less expensive than replacing a hose outright.
• Keep in mind if there is wear and tear on one portion of the hose, it’s likely there is other areas of concern within the 500’ length. Fixing one section may only resolve one issue of several, so go through the full length before determining if you want to swage or mend your hose.

Jetter Hose Repair 101

The most common type of hose repair includes swaging and mending.

Step 1:

The first step in any hose repair is to check the manufacturer. Each manufacturer has its own ends and menders. Piranha brand hoses must use their own ends and menders. US Jetting and Parker brand components are compatible across these brands.

Step 2:

Once you have determined the manufacturer and secured the correct parts, the hose repair shop will mend the hose by cutting the damaged section from the hose to create a gap.

Step 3:

The hose repair shop will bridge the gap with a mender using a swage to make a secure connection.

Repairing a Hose End

To repair a hose end, cut off the damaged end and affix a male or female fitting in its place. Be sure that the mender and hose end match the original PSI and GPM of the hose.

Need High-Pressure Hose Repairs?

Whether you need last-minute repairs or are ready to invest in safety equipment to protect your hoses, US Jetting can help.

For decades, the experts at US Jetting have been at the forefront of innovation in the sewer jetting industry. Not only do we design and manufacture powerful jetting units and accessories, but we are also pride ourselves on our customer service. From helping our customers find the correct components to collaborating on custom designs, our knowledge of high-pressure jetters is unmatched.

Give us a call today to speak to a representative for all your hose needs.