Whoever comes up with the idea of converting the pressure washer into a sewer Jetter is just so brilliant. This little trick can save you a tremendous amount of money from the maintenance costs.
Getting a professional to Jetter the sewer may cost up to hundreds, or more of dollars. This post will show you how to convert a pressure washer into a sewer Jetter. The method is actually simpler than you think.
As long as you follow the instructions carefully, it should be a piece of cake.
Now let’s see what I have to offer!
What is a Sewer Jetter?
Sewer jetting is a prevalent sewer cleaning method using the water flow under high pressure. To produce this powerful water flow, you will need a special water pumping device called the sewer Jetter.
This method is commonly used for cleaning and maintenance of sewers and constructions. If you don’t perform sewer jetting, the sewers will get clogged with built-up sewage and dirty water.
In the long run, the clogged water stream and sewage will slowly weaken and damage the sewers, which also hinder their capacity.
There are various devices used for cleaning the sewers, but the most common and effective method is using a sewer, Jetter.
This device may come in many names, such as sewer cleaners or hydro Jetters.
The sewer Jetters have an integrated engine that pumps a high-pressure water flow via the containment gadget. The power of these devices is measured using GPM (water flow) and PSI (pressure).
The Jetters used for cleaning the sewers commonly have a jet or forward jet.
Depending on the size of clogs and type of sewage in the sewers, you can flexibly change between these two types to achieve the best cleaning result.
When Do You Need a Hydro Jetter?
Using a hydro Jetter is the best solution when the sewer system is clogged with dirt, water, and materials like oil, tree roots, and paper. These cloggings will slowly build up to the point that they hinder the water flow in the sewer.
As a result, the sewers can back up and bring dirty materials or liquid back to your house. However, reaching the sewer and removing these clogs is very hard. Therefore, the most effective method is using a high-pressure water flow.
The powerful force and gravity of this water flow will effectively wipe out all the clogs and dirt inside the sewers. How do you know when your sewer is clogged?
The most apparent sign should be the bad odor emitting from your house’s sewer system. Meanwhile, the water drains into the pipe at a very low speed and can sometimes even move back up.
If the monthly water bill suddenly increases, it’s also a sign that your sewer system is clogged. The pipes may have weakened down and led out water.
Is It Possible To Convert A Pressure Washer Into a Sewer Jetter?
The answer is yes, though it will not always work out as efficiently as using a real sewer Jetter. The easiest way to transform a pressure washer into a sewer Jetter is using the conversion kit.
These conversion kits are commonly sold in online retail stores and shops, which you can find at a very affordable price. However, for your pressure washer to work, it cannot be either too weak or too strong.
The ideal PSI or power range of the pressure washer should be between 1500 to 4400 PSI. The core difference between a real Jetter and a pressure washer lies in their water capacity and design.
The lightweight hoses of the sewer Jetters can be inserted into small types to clean easily. They also come with a nozzle, allowing users to pump the device into the pipe to clean thoroughly.
In addition, the sewer Jetter also features a higher water pressure of at least 4 GPM. Therefore, a pressure washer only works when it can meet these basic demands in design and power.
How To Convert A Pressure Washer Into A Sewer Jetter?
Let’s jump into the steps to convert your pressure washer into the sewer Jetter. As mentioned above, you first need to purchase a conversion kit for this task.
Recommended Sewer Jetter Kits
There are 5 main components in a sewer Jetter kit: the nozzles, hose, ball valves, and hose reel. Yet, not all conversion kits feature the same connecting type.
The most important parts are the nozzle and hose. The hose comes in 50-100ft length with an attached slick cover that helps it move in the pipe smoother.
If possible, I recommend you choose a 100-ft hose as it can fit in most sewer pipe lengths and water pressure.
Converting the Pressure Washer
After getting a high-quality conversion kit, all you have to do is to connect it with the pressure washer. Start with pairing the kit’s hose with the pressure washer before removing the spray gun.
Then, connect the ball valve in the kit into the former spray’s gun position on your pressure washer before fastening it to the hose. Ensure that the hose reel is fully covered by the hose after fastening.
Now you have got a complete and converted sewer Jetter from the pressure washer. Just put it into the sewer pipe and start pulling the trigger to clean.
However, not all conversion kits can be connected using a similar method. You should check the product’s description and guides carefully before converting.
How Do You Use a Sewer Jetter?
Before you do the cleaning, ensure that the nozzle’s body is intact without any cracks, small holes, or external damages. If you identify even a small hole, just replace it immediately.
Another critical thing is to ensure that the nozzle is fully wrapped in the line.
Lastly, don’t forget to depressurize your pressure washer system to avoid any unwanted damage when cleaning.
Do you still need more in-depth instructions on using the sewer Jetters? This video will show you more details.
The Potential Risks Of Hydro Jetting
Though the hydro jetting method is very efficient in cleaning and maintaining the sewer pipe, it’s not a task for amateurs. Also, this method may not work in some special situations, so these are some risks you need to consider:
Since hydro jetting uses a massive amount of water under high pressure, inexperienced cleaning may lead to internal damage or wear down the sewer system.
If you haven’t done this task before, ensure to watch the instructions carefully before cleaning. If possible, I recommend you hire a professional plumber with experience to carry out the job.
In addition, ensure that there is no sharp object or tree root inside the pipe, or the water flow will damage your plumber.
Final Thoughts
That’s how to convert a pressure washer into a sewer Jetter. You can take advantage of the tiny pressure washer at home and save hundreds of dollars on a cleaning machine.
I hope that the instructions provided can help you out with this task.
Thank you for reading!
Read more: Pressure Washer Loses Pressure – Why?