Every pressure washer can be converted into a hydro jetter using a simple conversion kit. Let's begin with all the accessories you'll need for the best jetting kit possible.
If you have a pressure washer you can buy a jetter attachment. I use it at the school district I work at. Works excellent.
Experience has shown that a 3,500 to 4,000 psi jetter with 6 or more gpm and the right nozzle or tool will cut out root masses, chop up hard grease, and carve out hard settled dirt. We've shipped dozens of jetters that do 9 gpm/4,000 psi for cutting out this kind of crud from 3- to 8-inch drains and sewers.
The Difference Between Pressure Washers & Sewer Jetters
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.
Hydro Jetting or Hydro Blasting is a method of cleaning out pipes, tanks, and surfaces (power washing) that involve pumping high-pressure water over the pipe. Using 4,000psi water sprays, this process will blast through any blockages that are in the drainpipe.
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: cost. Hydro jetting can be pricier than traditional methods due to the equipment and expertise required, with average hydro jetting costs ranging anywhere from $800 to $2,500 depending on the scope and complexity of the piping system.
Around 1500 psi is normal, but it may go up to 5000 psi (or around 20 gallons of water per minute), depending on the severity of the blockage. For example, restaurants with years' worth of grease buildup typically require much more force than the average household.
Remember that the right balance of pressure (psi) and flow rate (gpm) depends on pipe diameter and specific cleaning requirements. By selecting the appropriate accessories, you can transform your pressure washer into an effective hydro jetter for tackling clogged drains or rinsing sewers.
Of course, hydro-jetting will cost a little more than your regular drain cleaning services. Yet, in the long term, it will save you money. This method clears the entire pipe, eliminating problems for years into the future, and that saves you time and money without a doubt.
These machines offer higher flow rates, suitable for larger pipes. A residential gas pressure washer with 2.5 to 2.9 GPM and close to 3,000 PSI can effectively clean drains up to 4 inches in diameter. For commercial-grade cleaning, look for units delivering around 3.5 GPM and rated at least 3,000 PSI.
How Often Do You Need To Use Hydrojetting For Your Pipes? Whether your drainage system gets clogged easily or not, hydrojetting is recommended every 18 to 22 months to prevent clogs.
However, if done improperly or in the wrong circumstances, it can cause burst pipes. This is rare. But you want to avoid hydro jetting if: Your Pipes Are Old: Even durable clay, copper, cast iron, and polymer composite pipes like PVC and ABS water lines can become vulnerable as they age.
The best way to tackle roots in a pipe is with a hydro jetting machine. These jetters use high pressure water to cut through the roots and flushing power to push the debris back and open up the line. It's important to use the right nozzle to tackle these jobs to make the most efficient jetting work.
Typically, professional plumbers will start with a snake, since most clogs are relatively minor. But hydro jetting may be the best option for clogs in multiple drains or severe clogs that continue to recur.
A sewer camera inspection costs $125 to $500 if you hire a local plumber or $295 to $350 from Roto-Rooter. Cleaning a main sewer line costs $150 to $500 for snaking or $250 to $800 for hydro jetting, depending on the individual plumber's rates.
Other hazards associated with high pressure water jetting include working in confined spaces, fall hazards, respiratory and eye hazards, electric shock and potential exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Roto-Rooter's hydro jetting service is the most effective solution for unclogging and cleaning commercial, industrial, and municipal sewers and drainpipes containing grease, sludge, sediment, or mud. Conventional mechanical drain cleaning machines can only poke holes through these...
A pressure washer is a great tool to unclog drains. It has a long, thin hose that can easily feed down narrow gaps. It is also flexible, allowing it to bend around tight corners and unclog sewer drains. Pressure washers can be gas or electric powered and are an affordable way to unclog drains.
High Pressure Flexible Lance
✓ Mainly used in hydro jetting applications of pressure up to 1400 bar.
At 60,000psi the water will be ejected at over Mach 3 (1020m/s) to cut the material.
“Thinner” high-pressure waterjet streams from a good jetting nozzle will have the most 'cutting' power if the PSI is adequate; experience has shown that a 3500-4000psi jetter with 6 or more GPM and the right Warthog nozzle/tool WILL cut out root masses, chop up hard grease, and carve out hard settled dirt.