Beginners Guide to Hydro Jetting

Getting into Jetting

If you’re just getting started in the jetting industry, it’s important to know the basics about any job you want to tackle.

• Understand your application
• Determine the diameter of the pipes you’re working in
• Know what’s in the pipe
• Verify if you are cleaning the pipe, descaling, or quickly unclogging the pipe.

Don’t Underestimate a Camera

Most jet operators rely heavily on their camera system in order to fully view the pipe. By camming the line prior to jetting, you know exactly what you’re up against and where the blockage is in the pipe. It’s also extremely useful to camera the line after jetting to use as proof for your customers to know that their pipe was entirely cleaned.

Quick Tips from the Experts

• Whenever possible, jet with the flow of the water in the pipe (not against the water stream)
• Use as many access points as possible (clean outs in residential cases, grease traps in restaurants, manholes along streets, etc.)
• Generally, start your jet job with your more economically priced nozzle first. Once you have run that nozzle up and back the line then you can use your more expensive nozzles with less risk of getting it stuck.
• Know your government requirements regarding manhole access points
• When in doubt, jet it out! Your jetter machine should replace all cable and snake machines. They will do the job better, make your customers happier, and make you more money.

What to Take on Jet Jobs:

• 911 Kit – this kit covers most wear and tire items that can cause your hydro jetter to go down in the field and result in costly delays. These parts are easy replacements to get your hydro jetting machine back up and running.
• Safety Gloves–never underestimate the power of jetters. Safety gear that can withstand high-pressure water strikes is imperative to keep all of your jet operators safe.
• Protective Eye Wear
• Safety Cones (if working in the street)
• High visibility clothing (if working at night – plus use your beacon light)

Ready – Set – Jet

Before Operation:

1. Fill your water tank by attaching the hydrant hose or garden hose attachment
2. Close your water valve so you can check your water filter to ensure it’s not clogged.
   • Be careful of losing your water filter gasket while doing this!
3. Re-open the water valve
4. Turn your primer valve to prime your pump
5. Put on all required safety gear

Now you’re ready to jet!

Operating Machine:

1. Attach the nozzle to the end of your leader hose which should be attached to your high-pressure hose.
2. Insert your nozzle through the tiger tail and a few feet securely into the pipe
3. Tie your tiger tail to the boat hook located on the back of your machine to keep the tiger tail from going down the pipe.
4. Turn on your machine.
5. Turn on your water (using either the water selector if operating a manual machine or the water button on your remote handheld)
6. Throttle up your machine (using your remote or throttle toggle) to the pressure you like.
7. If using any of your smaller hoses, open up your bypass to reduce the flow to accommodate the smaller hoses

For more information, reach out to your US Jetting representative or watch any jet operational videos (such as Jetting Basics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjZoHJz7_zE&t=1s) on our Youtube channel.