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What is a high pressure water jetting unit, and how does it work?
A high pressure jetting unit pumps water at high pressure through a sewer hose with a specially designed nozzle attached to the end. The high pressure water blasts out of the inserts or jet holes in the nozzle to
cut through grease, sludge, scale, and roots inside pipes. The pressure and
water volume clean the inside of the pipe, while flushing debris downstream.
What water pressure and flow rate are best for different types of blockages?
- Grease and sludge: 2,000–3,000 psi, 12–18+ GPM
- Scale and mineral deposits: 4,000 psi+, 14-18 GPM
- Tree roots: 4,000 psi with a root-cutting nozzle, 12 GPM+
- Large rocks or debris: 2,000+ PSI, 25GPM+
Can these units be used for both residential and commercial drain cleaning?
Yes. The most popular model, 4000PSI at 18GPM is ideal for small residential lines all the way up to 18” culverts. Jetters with lower pressure and higher flow,
like 3000PSI at 30GPM, may be a better option if regularly jetting larger
commercial drains and municipal sewer lines.
What’s the difference between cold-water and hot-water jetting units?
There is a common misconception that jetting with hot water is necessary to clean grease filled pipes. However, “standard” cold water jetters are equally capable of tackling difficult grease jetting jobs and are much simpler and less expensive machines. Hot water jetters require burners which are costly and don’t guarantee the water temperature at the end of the jetting hose. Jetting with cold water cuts grease into tiny pieces which then can flow down the pipe, while hot water simply melts the grease only to have it reform a blockage further down the pipe. Hot water is only helpful when operating a jetter as a pressure washer, which is the minority of uses for a jetting machine. This is why cold water jetting is the industry standard.
Which hydro jetter model is the most popular?
The 4018 (4000PSI at 18GPM) is the most popular unit for its ability to handle a wide array of jetting jobs. This sewer jetter can clean pipes 4" - 18" with tough blockages ranging from roots and grease to culverts with rocks and sand.
