The Ultimate Guide to Sewer Jetters

What is a Sewer Jetter?

Sewer jetters are high-pressure machines used to clear blockages, obstacles, and buildup from the insides of pipes, sewers, and drains. Reliable hydro jetters from a trustworthy manufacturer will be designed with ease of use, safe operations, and efficient clearing in mind. These features make sewer jetters the top choice for many plumbers, drain-cleaning professionals, and other industries.

How do Hydro Jetters Work?

A high-pressure sewer jetter consists of a pump, a motor or engine, a hose reel, a given length of hose, various assortments of nozzles, and a portable water source. The hydro jetter cleaning tool’s pump is key to delivering powerful jets of water to clean drain and sewer pipes. The high-pressure hose is then wound on a powered or manual reel. Powered reels enable the operator to retract the hose easily.
Pipes are cleaned by directing water in a high-pressure jet through a nozzle. Controlled water pressure and flow propel the hose and nozzle through the pipe, removing and washing away the obstruction. 

The Difference Between Pressure Washers & Sewer Jetters

Pressure washers and sewer jetters for commercial or industrial use both come with a pump, engine, pressure control, and are used to clear grit, grime, and messes. Unlike pressure washers, sewer jetters are explicitly designed to remove blockages or buildup. They feature a lightweight, abrasion-resistant hose with more flexibility than pressure washers. They also use custom-made nozzles to pull the hose through the pipe. Sewer jetters may also include other useful features, such as a pressure gauge, pulsation valve, or other accessories.

Is GPM or PSI More Important for Hydro Jetter Uses?

Two measurements are used when discussing the capabilities of a sewer jetter: GPM And PSI. GPM, or gallons per minute, pertains to the amount of water that passes through your sewer jetter. PSI, or pounds per square inch, refers to the intensity of pressure at which the water leaves the sewer jetter.
Which specification matters more will depend on your application. A sewer jetter with an adequate PSI will cut through settled masses such as dirt, tree roots, hard grease, etc. Sewer jetters with a higher GPM are better at flushing out debris, rocks, grease logs, and more.

How to Choose a Sewer Jetter

Before purchasing sewer jetters for your industrial or commercial projects, make sure you understand the conditions under which the equipment will be operating. Ensure your jetter machine meets your unique criteria by answering these questions:

• What levels of GPM and/or PSI do you require?
• Does your application need hot water, or will cold water suffice?
• Do you have budget restrictions?
• How often do you plan to use the sewer jetter?

The answers to these questions and other sewer jetter use considerations will determine which type of sewer jetter is best for you. 

Hydro Jetter Industries & Uses

Hydro jetters are a critical inclusion for any job site involving pipes, drains, sewers, and similar infrastructure. From agriculture to plumbing, pork production to janitorial work, virtually every sector benefits from having a high-pressure industrial sewer jetter on hand. A few examples of sewer jetter uses for industries include:

• Pipe cleaning
• Culvert cleaning
• Relining pipes
• Pressure washing
• Clearing grease
• Flushing out significantly blocked pipes
• Blasting tree root clogs
• And much, much more!

Industrial & Commercial Sewer Jetter Types

Once you’ve determined your sewer jetter needs, you can choose the best hydro jetter type for your industry. There are many types of jetters available on the market. For instance, Cam Spray offers cold water sewer jetters powered by electric motors or gas or diesel engines. We also manufacture equipment with hot water capabilities.

Hot Water Sewer Jetters

Hot water quickly breaks down grease, oils, ice, and other obstructive substances. Hot water sewer jetters are equipped with a burner and coil that can reach temperatures up to 160°F or be disabled to provide cold water. While hot water sewer jetters cost more to operate than cold water hydro jetters, their enhanced capabilities and flexibility make up for the price.

Cold Water Hydro Jetters

Cold water sewer jetters are economical, popular, and versatile. They provide similar clearing capabilities as hot water sewer jetters on 95% of tough cleaning operations. Cold water sewer jetters are also available with a variety of power options to meet your exact needs:

• Electric-Powered Drain Jetters minimize disruptions on job sites to provide quiet, dependable clearing. They are economical and portable with extremely low-maintenance motors. These models are suitable for indoor use with adequate electrical service.
• Gas-Powered Hydro Jetters are the most used sewer jetter type. Portable and easily mounted to a trailer or skid, these sewer jetters can go wherever blockages occur. They are not recommended for indoor use.
• Diesel-Powered Jetter Machines are ideal for outdoor applications in demanding or rugged environments. They are not recommended for indoor use.

Custom Sewer Jetter Machines

You may find that an off-the-shelf design doesn’t match your requirements for precise PSI abilities, non-standard hydro jetter sizes, and more. Cam Spray is your go-to manufacturer for custom pressurized cleaning equipment. We can help create the sewer jetter that fits your exact specifications and planned hydro jetter use. 

Your Expert Guide to Hydro Jetters & Other High-Pressure Solutions

Since we first opened our doors in 1971, Cam Spray has sought to be fair and honest while positively impacting your life and business. That’s why we created this guide to sewer jetters as well as providing you with technical information, training services, and other unparalleled resources.

Contact us today with more questions or for help selecting the best hydro jetter for your industry. Request a quote to start your order. Our highly trained customer service team is standing by to assist you.