Best Jet Sewer and Drain Cleaners

A clogged drain can completely stop your daily activities. Plumbing problems such as overflowing sinks and gurgling toilets require strong solutions. Let me introduce you to jet sewer and drain cleaners, the ultimate toolkit for clearing tough blockages. Identifying the “best” jetter, however, requires navigating through an extensive list of features and specifications.

Having the proper tools is crucial for maintaining and cleaning your drainage system. A sewage jetter, sometimes referred to as a hydro-jetter or a water jetter, is a strong cleaning tool that clears buildup and obstructions from sewer lines and drains using high-pressure water.

In this guide, we’ll explore the features of the best sewer jetters on the market, different jetter types, and crucial factors for selection, empowering you to make an informed decision.

service worker cleaning blocked sewer line with hydro jetting

Understanding Sewer Jetters

Sewer jetters are made for a variety of cleaning jobs and are available in varying sizes and power capacities. For home usage, they might be small, portable devices, or big, truck-mounted systems for municipal use. A nozzle, a pressurized water machine, and a high-pressure hose are the main parts of a sewage jetter. Here’s a glimpse into their operation:

Water Supply: The jetter’s tank is filled with water, the volume varying depending on the model, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand gallons.
Pumping System: A powerful pump pressurizes the water, generating a forceful stream.
Jetting Nozzle: The pressurized water is channelled through a specialized nozzle attached to a long, flexible hose. This nozzle can be configured with forward and backward jets to optimize cleaning for various applications.
Clog Removal: The high-pressure water blasts through the clog, breaking it apart and flushing it away. Grease, soap scum, roots, and other debris are no match for the jetter’s powerful force.

A Spectrum of Jet Sewer and Drain Cleaners

Jet sewer and drain cleaners come in various configurations to cater to diverse needs and applications. Here’s a breakdown of the two main categories:

Trailer-Mounted Jetters: Perfect for professional use, these powerful machines are heavy-duty. Large water tanks allow for prolonged cleaning operations, and they are mounted on trailers for convenient towing. To clear even the most difficult blockages in big sewer lines, trailer-mounted jetters normally provide high water pressure (up to 4,000 psi) and flow rates (up to 80 gallons per minute).
Skid-mounted jetters: These are a fantastic choice for both home and commercial applications because they are more portable and compact than trailer-mounted models. Usually, they feature wheels to make them more portable. They may not have as much water volume or pressure as trailer-mounted jetters, but they still have enough power to take care of the majority of residential and light commercial drain cleaning jobs.

Additional Considerations for Jetter Types:

Gas-Powered vs. Electric: Although gas-powered jetters are more portable and powerful, they also need more maintenance. Although electric jetters are more convenient and quieter, their use is restricted by the availability of power outlets, so they might not be appropriate for intensive cleaning jobs.
Hot Water Jetters: These jetters utilize hot water for enhanced cleaning by melting grease and other stubborn buildup. However, they require additional heating elements and come with a higher price tag.

Selecting Best Jet Sewer and Drain Cleaner

Finding the “best” jet sewer and drain cleaner might be like going through a maze because there are so many options available. Here are a few crucial things to consider:

1. Application

Are you planning to use the jetter for residential or commercial purposes? The size and complexity of the drain lines you’ll be cleaning will significantly impact the required water pressure and flow rate.

2. Pressure and Flow Rate

A sewage jetter’s efficiency is primarily determined by its pressure (expressed in PSI) and flow rate (expressed in GPM). While debris is more efficiently cleared by a faster flow rate, stronger obstructions can be broken through with greater pressure.

3. Drain Line Size

Different drain line sizes are intended for different types of jetters. Make sure the jetter you select is able to handle the drain diameter.

4. Hose Length and Durability

How deep you can clean within a drain depends on the length of the hose. To sustain the tremendous pressure without leaking or breaking, a strong hose is essential.

5. Nozzle Types

Various cleaning chores require different types of nozzles. Some rotating nozzles are designed to lubricate or descale pipelines, while others are capable of cutting through roots.

6. Power Requirements

Take into account the water pressure and flow rate required for the particular cleaning jobs you have. Larger drain lines and more difficult obstructions require higher pressure and flow rates.

7. Portability

In your opinion, how significant is portability? A smaller, electronic type or even one that is skid-mounted would be a better option if you require a jetter for multiple places.

8. Budget

Basic domestic jetters cost a few hundred dollars, whereas professional jetters installed on trailers can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Give top priority to features that meet your needs while keeping an eye on your budget.

Top Picks for Best Sewer Jetters

The following are some of the best sewage jetters on the market, according to our research and user reviews:

Twinkle Star Sewer Jetter Kit: This kit comes with a 100-foot hose with a range of nozzles that are appropriate for clearing various obstructions, and it is highly regarded for its affordability.
Selkie Pressure Washer Sewer Jetter Kit: This kit is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a lightweight solution because of its mobility and simplicity of use.
Clog Hog Sewer Jetter: This effective cleaning tool is perfect for people who need to clear stubborn clogs in bigger pipes.

Recommended reading: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLUMBING FIXTURES FOR YOUR HOME

Here’s a brief guide to assist you in making your decision:

Residential Use: A compact, electric skid-mounted jetter with modest pressure (about 2,000 psi) might work well for occasional clearing of clogged drains or pipes.
Light Commercial Use: For cleaning drains in modestly sized restaurants, offices, or apartment complexes, take into account a more powerful gas-powered skid-mounted jetter that operates at 2,500 to 3,500 psi of pressure.
Heavy Commercial/Municipal Use: Invest in a high-capacity trailer-mounted jetter with pressures up to 4,000 psi and flow rates of 50–80 GPM for big sewer lines, regular heavy-duty cleaning, or emergency services.

Count on Vossler Plumbing Co.’s Experts.

With 35 years of expertise, Vossler Plumbing Co. provides clients in need of plumbing and drainage solutions with extensive industry knowledge, as well as access to the most cutting-edge resources and equipment. A hydro-jetting method should only be used by a licensed plumber, as opposed to drain snakes or chemicals. To put it another way, don’t try to buy a machine or build your own hydrojet system. Experts are aware of proper methodology and necessary safety measures. To do a video examination and select the appropriate specialized nozzle types, an experienced specialist is also required.

Contact us today at 713-688-2304 more information on hydrojet drain cleaning, the finest jet sewer and drain cleaners, and other drain repair services.