What Everyone Should Know About Jetter Nozzles
What everyone should know about Jetter nozzles
Author: John McBride
The nozzle is the most important part of the jetter, a jetter without a nozzle is like having a great plumbing van with no tires. Without a nozzle the jetter just doesn’t do its job…well thank you captain obvious! What do you plan on enlightening me with next? But just like bald or flat tires can effect driving, a worn or improper nozzle can have a real and dramatic effect on drain cleaning.
So how does this affect you?
Nozzle Wear. As nozzles wear, not only do they get larger, possibly reducing the pressure of your machine, they also loose efficiency. A concentrated water jet from a new nozzle or even better a ceramic jet designed to pattern the water stream will clean better and faster, saving you time and fuel. Cities and agencies running 60-80GPM combo trucks understand this and spend big bucks on nozzles designed to save time, water and fuel. However I would argue that high efficiency nozzles are even more important to the plumber with a cart or small trailer. While workplace efficiency can add millions of dollars to the bottom line of huge corporations, it can be the difference between profit and loss for small business. A contractor can lose everything, including work hours and possibly even the customer, if the proper equipment is not on the jobsite! Having the proper tool attached to the end of your jetting hose can make all the difference.
Improper Sizing. The size of your nozzle is very important to a jetters’ performance, yet there is an alarming ignorance of jetter nozzle sizing throughout the industry. Everyone has their own ideas and even sophisticated computer programs telling them how to drill or jet a nozzle to get the “right size” very few manufacturers actually back that up with flow and pressure testing.
Proper Application. Very simply put “using the right tool for the job.” One size does not fit all, using the right jetter nozzle for the job is critical to success. The reason there are so many tools on the market is that each one has their own purpose. While you certainly don’t need to own all of them, having a good bag of tricks can make the job easier, more productive and yes more profitable!
So what can I do?
Luckily it’s very simple! 1) Replace drilled nozzles often, if they look worn out they probably are. 2) Learn to use the right nozzle for each situation. 3) Consider investing a little more into nozzles with high efficiency jets or ceramic inserts, there are even nozzle bodies designed to direct water to the orifice reducing turbulence. 4) Consider investing in specialty tools designed for specific common jobs like root cutting, or grease removal.
Of course keep visiting www.jettersnorthwest.com for new products and information. Let us know if you have questions. You can ask us questions on facebook or send feedback through our web site.
