Jetters—which are also referred to as water jetters or hydro-jetters—are important tools for any independent plumber or professional plumbing company to have on hand. These plumbing tools are designed to clear clogs and blockages in sewers and other drain lines—which are some of the most common plumbing problems for both residential and commercial customers—by spraying water at high pressure through the clogged or blocked lines. This technique is known as hydro-jetting and is an extremely effective and efficient way to clear blockages in drain lines.
It is also important to note that hydro-jetting is a complex and potentially dangerous technique that should only be attempted by professional plumbers who have the proper plumbing skills, training, and experience to use a jetter safely and effectively.
Not having a jetter as part of your plumbing toolkit puts you at a significant disadvantage as a professional plumber. It is important to invest in a jetter for your professional plumbing endeavors in order to keep up with the competition in your area, but purchasing a jetter can also be very expensive.
It is important to make sure that the jetter you buy is a high-quality jetter that will function effectively and help you assist your residential and/or commercial plumbing customers with drain and sewer line clogs and blockages. If you don’t have much experience purchasing a jetter of your own, making a decision on which jetter to buy can be a difficult choice. Keep reading to learn more about 5 key things you should consider when shopping for a jetter.
1. Design
The design of the jetter you purchase is one of the most important things to consider when you are in the process of shopping for a jetter.
A modular design is a good sign for jetters. Jetters that are engineered on modular platforms tend to be easier to operate than jetters that are built on other types of platforms. Modular jetters are also more energy-efficient than their non-modular counterparts and their main components can be replaced more quickly and easily as well.
2. Components
The components of a jetter are very important to consider when shopping for a jetter. The hose is one of the most important components of any jetter, so it is important to make sure that the hose of any jetter you’re considering purchasing is high-quality and will last you a long time without needing to be serviced or replaced.
Also, try to find a jetter that is built with name-brand parts that can easily be serviced locally. Jetters with imported foreign components are more difficult and more expensive to get serviced, and you might end up having to send your jetter away somewhere to get serviced—which can force you to decline work and cut into your profits while your jetter is being repaired.
3. Specialization
When searching for sources from which to buy a jetter, try to find a company that specializes in jetters and other hydro-jetting equipment.
Companies that specialize specifically in hydro-jetting equipment are more likely to sell higher-performing jetters and offer better after-purchase service and support for your jetter than plumbing equipment companies that operate on a broader scale.
4. Trailer Systems
Jetters are generally mounted on trailers. When shopping for a jetter, it is important to keep that in mind and only purchase a jetter that will function well with the trailer system you already have or the one you plan to buy to help you transport your jetter and other necessary hydro-jetting equipment.
If you do not yet have a trailer system, consider purchasing a tandem-axle trailer to transport your hydro-jetting equipment. Tandem-axle trailers are able to transport more equipment and water than single-axle trailers, and they tend to be more durable as well. It is also safer to transport your jetter on a tandem-axle trailer than it is to transport this equipment on a single-axle trailer.
5. Warranty
No matter how much research you do to find the perfect jetter for you, jetters can still malfunction and require repairs or component replacements. That is why it is important to make sure that any jetter you purchase comes with a high-quality warranty.
It is possible to find jetters that come with lifetime warranties. If the jetter you want to purchase does not come with a lifetime warranty, make sure that it is attached to a warranty that covers the key components of the jetter for at least a few years. It is also important to ensure that the trailer on which you will mount your hydro-jetting equipment comes with a good warranty as well.
