How to Convert a Pressure Washer Into an Efficient Sewer Jetter: A StepbyStep Guide

How to Convert a Pressure Washer Into a Sewer Jetter?

To convert a pressure washer into a sewer jetter, you will need a sewer jetter conversion kit.

This kit includes a sewer jet hose, button nose sewer jet nozzle, rotating sewer jetter nozzle, corner sewer nozzle, M22 14mm female to 1/4″ female NPT coupler, and a 1/4″ quick coupler plug.

You should have a pressure washer with a PSI of 1,500-4,400 and a GPM rating of at least 2.

The hose should be 50-100ft in length and attached to the pressure washer sprayer via couplings.

Different types of sewer jetter nozzles are available, such as laser, rotating, and button nose.

To use the sewer jetter, connect the hose to the pressure washer and attach the chosen nozzle.

Insert the hose about a foot into the drain, initiate pressure, and slowly move the hose down the drain while occasionally pulling it back to clean the sides.

Repeat this process until the end of the drain.

This cost-effective method provides a long-term solution for cleaning and opening clogged sewer lines.

Key Points:

Obtain a sewer jetter conversion kit

Kit includes various components such as hose, nozzles, and couplers
Pressure washer should have PSI of 1,500-4,400 and GPM rating of at least 2
Hose length should be 50-100ft and connected to sprayer via couplings

Different types of sewer jetter nozzles are available
Connect hose to pressure washer, attach chosen nozzle, insert into drain, move hose while occasionally pulling back to clean sides

Did You Know?

1. The earliest concept of a pressure washer can be traced back to the 18th century when English engineer John Whitehurst developed a steam-driven device to clean clothes in commercial laundries.

2. The term “sewer jetter” was first coined in the late 1960s when a group of Canadian plumbers invented a high-pressure water cleaning system specifically designed to unclog sewer lines and remove stubborn debris.

3. One popular homemade method to convert a pressure washer into a sewer jetter involves attaching a specialized sewer nozzle to the end of the pressure washer wand, allowing for more concentrated and targeted water pressure.

4. In some areas, residential pressure washers that are converted into sewer jetters are commonly used by professional plumbers to clear tree roots, grease, and other blockages in underground sewer lines before resorting to more invasive and costly repair methods.

5. The effectiveness of converting a pressure washer into a sewer jetter greatly depends on the pressure and flow rate of the original machine. Professional sewer jetters usually require a minimum pressure of 3,000 psi and a flow rate of 5 gallons per minute (GPM) to effectively clean and unclog sewer lines.

Necessary Equipment For Converting A Pressure Washer Into A Sewer Jetter

Converting a Pressure Washer into a Sewer Jetter

To turn your pressure washer into a sewer jetter, you’ll need a sewer jetter conversion kit. This kit contains all the necessary components to convert your pressure washer into an effective sewer cleaning machine. Here are the key pieces of equipment included in the kit:

Sewer Jet Hose: The hose should be between 50 and 100 feet in length to ensure you can effectively navigate through the sewer lines. This length provides sufficient reach for the job.

Button Nose Sewer Jet Nozzle: This specialized nozzle is designed for sewer jetting applications. It helps to create a powerful and focused jet of water.
Rotating Sewer Jetter Nozzle: This nozzle adds an additional level of cleaning power by spinning in a circular motion. It helps to remove tough dirt and clogs from the sewer lines.
Corner Sewer Nozzle: This nozzle is specifically designed to navigate through corners and bends in the sewer lines. It ensures thorough cleaning even in hard-to-reach areas.

M22 14mm Female to 1/4″ Female NPT Coupler: This coupler is used to connect the sewer jet hose to your pressure washer. It ensures a secure and leak-free connection.
1/4″ Quick Coupler Plug: This plug is used to seal the end of the sewer jet hose when it is not in use. It helps to prevent leaks and keep the system ready for future cleaning tasks.

When choosing a pressure washer for this conversion, make sure it has a PSI (pounds per square inch) rating of 1,500-4,400 and a GPM (gallons per minute) rating of at least 2. It’s important to note that sewer jetters typically have a higher GPM of 4-9 or more compared to regular pressure washers.

By following these guidelines and using the appropriate equipment, you can easily convert your pressure washer into an efficient sewer jetter. Happy cleaning!

Choosing The Right Pressure Washer Specifications For Sewer Jetting

Before beginning the conversion process, it is crucial to confirm that your pressure washer meets the minimum specifications necessary for sewer jetting. For this conversion, it is recommended to have a pressure washer with a PSI rating of 1,500-4,400 and a GPM rating of at least 2.

The PSI rating determines the amount of pressure the washer can generate, which directly affects its cleaning power. A higher PSI allows for more efficient cleaning by providing greater force to remove stubborn debris from sewer lines.

On the other hand, the GPM rating represents the flow rate of water. A higher GPM ensures a stronger water spray, which aids in flushing out debris and blockages from the sewer lines effectively.

To summarize the requirements for sewer jetting conversions:

PSI rating should be within the range of 1,500-4,400.
GPM rating should be at least 2.

Remember to double-check your pressure washer’s specifications before proceeding with the conversion process.

“A pressure washer with the right specifications— PSI rating of 1,500-4,400 and GPM rating of at least 2— is essential for a successful sewer jetting conversion.”

Indications That It’s Time To Use A Sewer Jetter

There are several signs which indicate that it may be time to use a sewer jetter to clean your drains. These signs include:

Slow draining pipes: often indicative of blockages in the sewer lines caused by debris, grease, or tree roots.

Gurgling or noisy pipes: can be a result of air trapped in the drain or obstacles obstructing proper water flow.
Smelly drains: usually caused by stagnant water or buildup of waste materials.
Increased water bills: may indicate leaks or blockages in the sewer system, leading to wastage of water.

Old or deteriorating pipes: can be prone to clogs and require regular maintenance to prevent further damage.

It is important to address these signs promptly to avoid more serious plumbing issues.

Components Of A Sewer Jetting Kit

When converting a pressure washer into a sewer jetter, a sewer jetting kit is an essential component. This kit includes a variety of necessary items to effectively clean clogged drain lines. The components of a sewer jetting kit include:

Sewer Jet Hose: The hose, typically 50-100 feet long, is designed to provide the necessary reach to navigate through sewer lines and remove blockages.
Button Nose Sewer Jet Nozzle: This nozzle is specifically designed to provide a concentrated spray pattern, allowing for deep penetration into clogs and removal of debris.
Rotating Sewer Jetter Nozzle: The rotating nozzle uses a spinning jet of water to effectively clean the sewer lines and remove stubborn blockages and build-up.

Corner Sewer Nozzle: This nozzle allows for easy maneuvering around bends and tight corners in the sewer lines.
M22 14mm Female to 1/4″ Female NPT Coupler: This coupler is used to attach the jet hose to the pressure washer sprayer for a secure connection.
1/4″ Quick Coupler Plug: A quick coupler plug is used to connect the selected sewer jetter nozzle to the other end of the jetter hose.

With these components, you will have everything you need to convert your pressure washer into a highly effective sewer jetter.

Step-By-Step Guide To Connecting The Sewer Jetter To The Pressure Washer

To convert your pressure washer into a sewer jetter, simply follow these step-by-step instructions:

Connect the water line to the pressure washer in the usual manner.

Attach the quick connect coupler from the sewer jetting kit to the pressure washer’s spray wand.
Connect the selected sewer jetter nozzle to the other end of the jetter hose using a quick connector.
Ensure all connections are secure and tightened to prevent any leaks during operation.
Make sure to connect the water line properly.

Use the quick connect coupler from the sewer jetting kit when attaching to the pressure washer’s spray wand.
Attach the selected sewer jetter nozzle securely to the end of the jetter hose using a quick connector.
Check all connections for any potential leaks before starting the operation.

It’s important to follow these steps carefully to convert your pressure washer into a sewer jetter efficiently and effectively.

Proper Usage Of The Sewer Jetter In Cleaning Clogged Drain Lines

To clean your clogged drain lines using a converted pressure washer as a sewer jetter, follow these steps:

Turn on the pressure washer and let it build up the necessary pressure.
Insert the jetter hose into the drain, making sure it goes in about a foot into the pipe.

Press the spray wand handle to start the flow of water at high pressure.
Move the hose slowly down the drain, allowing the high-pressure water to eliminate any debris or blockages in its path.
Occasionally pull the hose back to thoroughly clean the sides of the pipe.

Repeat the process until you reach the end of the drain, ensuring a thorough cleaning of the entire pipe length.

Using a sewer jetter is a cost-effective and efficient way to clean clogged sewer lines. By following this step-by-step guide and having the right equipment, you can convert your pressure washer into an effective sewer cleaning machine. This will save you money on professional services and provide a long-term solution for maintaining clean and clear sewer lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pressure washer as sewer jetter?

While a pressure washer can be effective for clearing soft clogs in sewers caused by grease, soap, hair, or sludge, it may not be the most suitable tool for clogs caused by tree roots. In such cases, it is advisable to first conduct a pipe inspection and use a plumbing auger to address the root infiltration before resorting to a pressure washer. The combination of these methods will ensure a more thorough and efficient cleaning of your sewer system, allowing for optimal functionality and preventing further blockages.

How much pressure do you need for a sewer jetter?

The ideal pressure for a sewer jetter typically ranges from around 1500 psi to 5000 psi, depending on the level of blockage. This is equivalent to approximately 20 gallons of water per minute. While the average household may require the lower end of this range, restaurants with extensive grease buildup may need the higher pressure to effectively clear their sewer lines. The severity of the blockage determines the appropriate amount of force needed to ensure thorough cleaning and restore proper flow.

How much pressure does it take to jet a sewer line?

Hydro jet sewer cleaning operates by harnessing the force of highly pressurized water to clear sewer lines. Unlike other industries that require significantly higher pressure, such as cutting steel at a minimum of 20,000 psi, sewer water jet machines operate at 3,500 to 4,000 psi. This controlled pressure is specifically designed to efficiently remove blockages and debris without causing damage to the sewer lines. By utilizing the power of pressurized water, hydro jetting ensures effective sewer line maintenance without the need for harsh chemicals or disruptive invasive methods.

What is the difference between a jetter and a pressure washer?

While both jetters and pressure washers involve the use of hoses and water pressure, the main difference lies in their purpose and design. Jetters, also known as sewer jetters, are specifically designed to tackle blockages and buildup in pipes, utilizing a lightweight and flexible hose. They are equipped with custom-made nozzles that aid in directing the hose through the pipe, effectively removing any obstructions. In contrast, pressure washers have a broader application and are not designed with the sole purpose of clearing pipes. They typically lack the specialized features of jetters and may have less flexibility in their hoses.

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