This feature in Cleaner reports noteworthy conversations that take place in Cleaner Discussion, an e-mail based forum for industry professionals sponsored by COLE Publishing. Cleaner Discussion provides for the exchange of information and ideas on pipe cleaning rehabilitation and maintenance, trucks and equipment, high-pressure cleaning, business improvement topics, and much more. To find out more about Cleaner Discussion, or to subscribe, visit www.cleaner.com.
Question:
I am thinking about adding another service — cleaning 3- to 4-inch sewer mains. When pumping septic tanks, it would be handy to have a machine that will clean out the customer’s line, also. Does anyone have thoughts on the pros and cons of a cable-type sewer machine with, say, a 1/2-hp electric motor, versus a gasoline-powered jetter at, say, 4.5 gpm/3,000 psi?
Answers:
Either will work. I use jetters. The downside is that jetter heads cost close to the price of a cable machine, if you need to cut roots. You will need closer to 4,000 psi, also. My company uses a cable machine once or twice a year. We use jetters every day.
I first started cutting roots out in 4-inch pipe back when StoneAge Tools came out with a 3/8 Warthog nozzle in 2000. The jetter was 4 gpm/4,000 psi. Now I only use a cable machine in areas where I can’t use a jetter.
The other downside to jetting is that you need to add video inspection, because you can’t tell how much clog you left behind with a jetter (or cable machine for that matter).
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Both machines would be useful, but if I had to pick just one, I would go with the cable machine first.
Question:
I am looking to add waterjetting service. I will be using a 5 gpm/3,000 psi machine. When running the line through the pipe, do you shut off the water supply before pulling the line back out? I assume you would, or all the crud would be coming out. But if you don’t pull the crud out, do you flush it farther downstream? This would be in a residential or commercial place, not the mains.
Answers:
With my combination (vacuum and jetting) machine, you must leave the water supply on to blast the debris back to you for pickup (vacuum). Mind you, the water supply I’m referring to is from the truck, not the water main.
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If you are truly jetting the line, leave the water on all the time, because once the line is unstopped, it should flow to the city main anyway. Usually it is best to originate flow first and then clean the line properly. I don’t know how well you will be able to clean with only 5 gpm.
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The equipment you mention should be great for residential drains, but if you plan on using the jetter for restaurant grease stoppages, you may run into a few setbacks.
