High-pressure water jetters are the tool of choice for many drain cleaning professionals when clearing stubborn stoppages like grease, sludge, and sediment buildup, as well as ice clogs. They also can be used with pipe inspection cameras to improve the visibility in the pipe.  Water jetters work alongside pipe inspection cameras to help plumbers diagnose problems in the line and help the contractor clear blockages more efficiently and effectively. From small mini-jets that specialize in cleaning kitchen sink lines to large trailer-mounted jetters able to scour 12″ mains, these drain cleaning machines are used daily by plumbers and drain cleaning contractors. However, before you fire up your jetter, there are three things you should consider.

What is down there?

Water jetters do a great job on soft stoppages like grease, sand, sludge and even ice. However, when it comes to tree roots or heavy obstructions, they are not the preferred tool for the job. If you’re not sure what is happening in the drain and are unsure of the blockage, you can send a pipe inspection camera down to take a look, but if the drain is blocked with debris or muddy water, you won’t be able to see much.

Remember, cameras can’t see underwater any better than you can! So, how can you tell what the blockage is?

How to Identify the Type of Blockage:

• If the drain is connected to a food service establishment, grease buildup is the likely culprit.
• Industrial facilities that dispose of lubricants, solvents, or organic materials may also experience sludge accumulation.
• In coastal or desert regions, sand intrusion can be a common issue.
• If roots are suspected, it’s best to start with a cable drain cleaning machine, follow up with a water jetter, and then inspect the results using a pipe inspection camera.

Vibra-Pulse®

Does your water jetter have a way to vibrate the hose while it’s in the pipe? At General Pipe Cleaners, we call this feature “Vibra-Pulse®,” and its function is to break the initial surface friction between the jetter hose and the pipe so that you don’t get stuck!

Why Vibra-Pulse® Matters:

• Reduces hose friction inside the pipe
• Prevents the hose from getting stuck during jetting
• Improves efficiency when working with longer or narrower lines with lots of twists and turns

One of the first things that contractors noticed when high pressure water jet drain cleaning machines were introduced over 40 years ago was that when you connect a hydraulic hose and rear facing nozzle to a pressure washer and shove it down a drain, there is a chance of getting the hose stuck in the pipe. That’s why most reputable manufacturers of high-pressure water jetters in the industry today have a feature that allows you to vibrate the hose while in use.

Hose sizes

Are you using the correct size hose for the drain pipes that you are trying to clear? Another excellent way of getting your hose stuck in the pipe is by using the wrong size, which is surprisingly easy to do! When working with high-pressure water, the philosophy is to use the largest hose that will fit down the drains. This is because a hose with a larger inside diameter (ID) doesn’t have as much pressure loss due to water friction.

Hose Size and Pressure Loss Comparison:

Best Practice:

All things being equal, the larger the hose, the more pressure at the nozzle. The more pressure you have at the nozzle, the easier it is to do the job. However, remember that there is a balance between size and flexibility. Bigger, thicker hoses tend to be less flexible. Smaller, thinner hoses tend to be more flexible. If you decide to use a larger hose in a small pipe to reap the benefits of higher PSI at the nozzle, make sure you don’t go too far. If you use too large a hose, there is a chance that you will never reach the clog to do your work. Or worse, you will get the hose caught in the drain.

Why Professionals Trust General Pipe Cleaners

For nearly a century, General Pipe Cleaners has been an industry leader in drain cleaning equipment, offering professional-grade water jetters, sewer cameras, and cable drain machines built for the toughest jobs. Our products are designed with plumbing professionals in mind, ensuring performance, durability, and reliability in every tool.

Need expert advice? Contact the Drain Brains® at General Pipe Cleaners at 800-245-6200 or email [email protected] for personalized recommendations on the best water jetting solutions for your needs.