Protecting Your Gas-Powered Water Jets in Hot and Dry Climates

Dry climates in high elevations or desert areas with low humidity create several unique challenges when it comes to keeping gas jets in tiptop shape

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Protecting Your Gas-Powered Water Jets in Hot and Dry Climates

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Gasoline-powered water jetters are very popular for their portability, versatility and ability to take a beating in the field. Despite the equipment’s ruggedness, industry pros living in drier climates in high elevations or desert areas with low humidity face several unique challenges when it comes to keeping their gas jets in tiptop shape. Michael Nalbone, a General Pipe Cleaners rep living in Arizona, has seen it all, and explains how to overcome two of the biggest issues with owning a gas jetter in these climates and get the most of out of your machine.

Issue No. 1 – The Jet Won’t Start

Arizona primarily experiences low humidity for a majority of the year and high temperatures for several months. For those who use gas-powered jetters, this presents a problem. Under these conditions, the unit usually sits for weeks at a time. When this happens, the fuel evaporates from the carburetor, leaving deposits in the cylinders and the throat of the carburetor. As a result, the jet will not start, or at best, run poorly.

To help resolve this issue, install a shut-off valve as near as possible to the fuel line next to the carburetor. When the drainlines are clear, leave the nozzle at least 5 feet in the clean-out access and then shut off the fuel and let the machine run until the engine stops. This will keep the carburetor and the cylinders free from any gunk or debris.

You might ask, “Why does the factory not install a shut-off valve in the fuel line?” The answer is that Arizona’s climate, and high elevation or desert areas like it, is harsher than the rest of the country. Therefore, states in more humid and less dry climates do not experience this problem.

Issue No. 2 – Hard Water

Arizona water sources are full of deposits of various harsh chemicals. The jet pump has ceramic parts to provide more longevity under high-pressure use. The harsh water conditions leave deposits when the unit is idle for a week or more at a time. This shortens the life of the pump and reduces efficiency.

The solution is to use antifreeze to protect the pump and the rest of the internal unit between drainline clearing. For the portable units, just recycle the antifreeze into a sealable container while jetting the drains. For the trailer unit, use the built-in reservoir to provide antifreeze while the unit is idled.

General Pipe Cleaners offers a full line of powerful and easy-to-use gas jetters. The JM-2900 is an economical alternative to larger jets, as it is lighter and more maneuverable. However, it maintains the same pressure and flow rate of its big brothers, such as the JM-3000. For more cleaning power, try the JM-3055, JM-3080 gas jets or JM-2512 trailer jet.

For more information, call the Drain Brains at General at 800-245-6200, or email info@drainbrain.com.



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