sewer jet from a pressure washer??

[harveymasons]

Hi guys,

If you read my previous thread on my main sewer line being backed up w/ grease/sludge you may find this thread interesting and informing hopefully.....

I was looking into getting my sewer jetted and when I saw the prices I started to think to myself that I already have a pressure washer capable of 3000 psi. IF I could somehow convert that into a sewer jet I would be golden!!

After speaking to the people @ general wire they informed me that all I would need is a 1/4 x 100 ft high pressure hose and then the sewer jet nozzle and I should be in good shape. Maybe some adapters as well.

So it looks like for under 200 bucks I can turn my pressure washer into a sewer jet that should take care of my situation. I got prices from 350.00 up to 675.00 to have a company come in and jet my line. Which I am pretty sure they would be doing the same thing that I can do if I buy these additional parts.

what do you guys think? I am pretty excited but want to make sure this will work for me.

regards,
harvey

 

[Gary Swart]

I don't know if this will work for sure, it sounds like it might. My city sewer department has a big water jet on a truck that they use to clear main sewage lines, it sounds like the same principle, just on a larger scale. If I'm not mistaken, they run this hose though the line before applying the water pressure. I think that's because if you applied the pressure going in, any foreign material would not wash out, but would make the clog worse.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Dubldare]

3000 psi at what volume?

Jetters differ from pressure washers in that jetters have a cylinder bypass, or 'pulsation' function. This allows the tubing and jetter head to 'vibrate' around fittings and obstacles.

 

[harveymasons]

3000 psi @ approx 3.5 gpm. When I ordered the nozzles they asked me the specs on my pressure washer so they can match the nozzles to the appropriate specs.

There will be no pulsing, I am hooking up a 100 ft x 1/4 high pressure hose righ to my A&R pump and putting the sewer jet nozzle on the other end.

Do you forsee any problem with this setup?

thanks in advance,
harvey

 

[Plumber1]

sewer

You can't compare a little jet set-up to what a "Vactor" truck can do.
It uses a much greater volume of water and is much more powerful.

It would be interesting to find out though. For $200. you might want to try it.

If it works clean someones and recoup some investment.

If you try it let us know......

 

[harveymasons]

thanks for the thoughts guys, I will let you know for sure.

regards,
harvey

 

[Shacko]

Sewer Jet

Most of the sewer cleaning companies that I've dealt with use a jet in combination with a video camera, if you use that kind of pressure without being able to direct it you have a good chance of destroying the sewer. I don't think this is a good idea without furture research.

 

[harveymasons]

Hi shacko,

The pipe is a 4 inch cast iron, I planon starting with very low pressure and testing in my backyard so see what I am dealing with.

My pressure washer has adjustable pressure regulator as well so I think if I procede with caution I should be ok.

I had a camera put into the line already so I know it is a 45 ft run straight to the street line.

I will keep everyone posted,

regards,
harvey