JETTERS BUYING GUIDE
1. JETTING PERFORMANCE
Jetting performance is determined by 3 main components – size of machine, proper nozzle, and operator. The power of the machine (PSI and GPM), your elevation, experience of the operator, nozzle selection, hose size, condition of the nozzle, the length of the hose (due to hose friction loss) and number of turns in the line will impact your jetting quality. As a general rule, hot water jetter units will clean at nearly double the output compared to a cold water jetter unit of the same size.
2. EVALUATE THE SIZE OF TRANSPORT LINES
Look over (sewer, lateral, storm drain, etc) that you are looking to clean or potentially need to clean in the future. With 100′ – 300′ runs – you will be fine with smaller diameter hose. Runs longer than 300′ will require consideration of 1/2″ to 3/4″ and potential 1″ runs due to hose friction loss.
Typical Flow Rates and Pipe Sizes
(This is a general guideline)
Hose Size Pipe Diameter Flow Rate
3. EVALUATE JETTER CAPACITY / PERFORMANCE.
4. DETERMINE WHICH NOZZLE(S) TO USE.
This is super critical to jetter operation! Check out our Nozzle guide!
5. GAS OR DIESEL POWER SOURCE?
Lower output units mainly use gas engines – they are more reasonably priced and for the 1st time jetter buyer, it is usually the best package. Gasoline engine trailer jetter units usually run from $10K to $30K depending upon the options and diesel power from $25K to $75K . . . . We love both the gasoline and diesel power units. We have specialized mainly in gas power for a couple of reasons:
- Price: Given the current economy – their performance vs. cost is great!
- Overall reliability – the new Vanguard V-Twins start easier in cold weather and are a proven – reliable power plant and they are easy to service through the Briggs and Stratton Dealer network (they are made by Daihatsu which Toyota owns).
6. WHAT’S YOUR BUDGET?
Ask yourself – Do I need to spend $35K to $60K on a “start up” jetter operation??? If that unit sits idle – do I want the large payments? Will I achieve my R.O.I. faster with the expensive unit or the reasonably priced unit?
7. COLD OR HOT WATER?
Cold water units are less expensive in our product line, but not as effective for cleaning grease, grime, or ice build ups. Many pros love cold water units and we build tons – hot water jetters are unique and we also build tons of these so the answer to this is to determine your goals, current operations and your budget.
8. HOW OFTEN WILL YOU USE THE MACHINE?
Buying the right jetter designed to withstand everyday use will increase your effectiveness. Buying an undersized unit can cost you expensive downtime and will be slow finishing the job. Buy the right machine to fit your application compared to a larger machine. Again – think about gas vs. diesel. Diesel units are ideal to run continuously and have the torque to deliver extreme outputs. Gas engines are best in application of constant on / off operations like sewer drains.
9. HOW DO I KNOW IF MY JETTER MANUFACTURER IS BEING HONEST ON OUTPUT PERFORMANCE?
To evaluate the actual performance capability on the jetter system, here is the engine capacity formula. This is the bare minimum – you need to also factor elevation, and frictions loss on the unloader.
WE CONSTANTLY SEE MANUFACTURERS OVERSTATING THEIR OUTPUTS.
How well do you know the manufacturers of sewer jetter trailers and trailer mounted drain line jetters? For over 25 years, HotJet USA has specialized in hydro jetters and diesel sewer jetters. We specialize in hot water sewer jetter systems and have a new line of cart drain jetters and propane jetters. Call today for expert sewer jetter equipment advice!
