Sewer Jetting: An Ultimate Guide

Sewer Jetting: An Ultimate Guide 

Sewer jetters are an essential tool for anyone looking to clean drains, sewers, or other types of piping systems. These powerful machines use high-pressure water to clear blockages, remove debris, and flush out pipes.

What is a Sewer Jetter?

A sewer jetter, also known as a jetter machine, is designed to clean and clear pipes using a high-pressure water stream. These machines effectively remove obstructions like grease, sludge, tree roots, and other debris that can accumulate in pipes over time.

Unlike traditional snaking methods, which use a metal cable to remove blockages manually, sewer jetters rely on the sheer force of water to break down and flush away clogs. This makes jetters particularly effective for large-scale jobs or tough blockages.

How Do Sewer Jetters Work?

Sewer jetters function by directing high-pressure water through a hose and specialized nozzle, which is then inserted into the clogged pipe. The water pressure, which can range anywhere from 1,500 PSI to over 4,000 PSI depending on the machine, blasts away debris inside the pipe. As the hose moves deeper into the system, the nozzle continues to propel the water backward, helping to move the jetter through the pipe while simultaneously cleaning it.

Jetters come equipped with different nozzle types that cater to specific cleaning tasks:

• Penetrating Nozzles: These are used to break through stubborn clogs like tree roots or solid waste.
• Flushing Nozzles: These are designed to clear out sludge and grease, ensuring the pipe is thoroughly cleaned.
• Rotating Nozzles: These provide 360-degree cleaning action, ensuring every part of the pipe is scrubbed clean.

Pressure Washer vs. Sewer Jetter: What's the Difference?

At first glance, pressure washers and sewer jetters may seem similar. Both use high-pressure water to clean surfaces, and they often look alike. However, while they share similarities, their functions are quite different—especially when it comes to clearing pipes and drains.

Why Not Just Use a Pressure Washer?

Pressure washers are fantastic for cleaning driveways, sidewalks, decks, and other hard surfaces. They are designed to blast away dirt, grime, and surface stains with high-pressure water. However, when clearing a clogged pipe, pressure washers fall short.

• Surface Cleaning vs. Pipe Cleaning: Pressure washers are designed for open surfaces. They can't easily reach into a pipe's tight, enclosed space, nor can they navigate around corners or through long, curved piping systems. While they deliver powerful water pressure, this force is not directed in a way that effectively clears clogs deep inside pipes.

• Limited Nozzle Options: Most pressure washers have nozzles designed for surface cleaning, like fan or pinpoint nozzles. These nozzles are not built to break up tough clogs like grease, sludge, or roots inside a pipe. A standard pressure washer simply isn't equipped to do the job effectively.

Why a Sewer Jetter Is the Better Tool

A sewer jetter, on the other hand, is specifically designed for clearing pipes and drains. The key difference lies in how it works and the tools it uses.

• Precision in Tight Spaces: Sewer jetters are designed to fit inside a pipe's small, enclosed space. They use specialized nozzles that spray high-pressure water both forward and backward, propelling the hose through the pipe while simultaneously breaking up blockages. This design makes it easier for jetters to navigate through bends and long runs of pipe, something a pressure washer cannot do effectively.

• Specialized Nozzles: Jetters come equipped with various nozzle types to tackle specific blockages. For example, penetrating nozzles are used for breaking through tough clogs, while flushing nozzles push debris down the pipe. This targeted cleaning action is far more efficient for drain cleaning than the surface-focused spray patterns of a pressure washer.

• Consistent Water Flow: Sewer jetters provide a continuous and controlled flow of high-pressure water, making it easier to dislodge and flush away debris. Pressure washers may lack this precision and control, leading to inconsistent results when used in pipe cleaning.

While a pressure washer is excellent for cleaning large, flat surfaces, it's not suited for the confined, complex environment of a pipe or drain. Sewer jetters are the ideal tool for the job because they are designed specifically for pipe cleaning, offering precision, power, and the right nozzles to handle tough clogs efficiently. Investing in a proper sewer jetter will save you time, effort, and frustration if you're dealing with a blocked pipe.

How to Choose the Right Sewer Jetter for Your Needs

When selecting a sewer jetter, several factors should be considered to ensure you get the right system for your application.

1. Type of Blockages. Understanding the type of clogs you're likely to encounter will help you choose the right jetter machine. If you frequently deal with tough clogs like tree roots, you'll need a jetter with higher PSI and specialized nozzles for cutting through dense material. For lighter blockages like grease buildup, a lower PSI machine with flushing nozzles may suffice.
   
   
2. Portability. Portability is an important factor if you're a plumber or contractor who regularly works on-site. A compact box jetter mounted on a truck or trailer allows you to move between job sites easily. On the other hand, if you are working from a fixed location, a larger stationary unit may provide more power and durability for long-term use.
   
   
3. Water Supply. Some jetters come with built-in water tanks, while others require access to a water source. If you often work in areas without easy access to water, a box jetter with its own water supply can save you time and hassle. However, a portable jetter that connects to an existing water source may be more practical for smaller or one-off jobs.
   
   
4. Budget. Finally, consider your budget. While a power washer jetter is an affordable way to expand the capabilities of an existing pressure washer, a dedicated jetter machine offers far more precision and power. If you frequently need to clean or clear drains, investing in a more robust system like a box jetter will pay off in the long run.

Sewer jetters are a highly effective tool for clearing clogs, cleaning pipes, and maintaining drainage systems. By considering the type of blockages you face, the diameter of your pipes, and your portability needs, you can select the best jetter machine for your business or home. Chandler Vac carries a range of sewer jetters, and our team of experts will help you find the right machine for your job. Give us a call today to learn more.