Is Your Jetting Machine Using More Water and Fuel Than It Needs To?

When choosing a jetting machine, it is easy to look at the figures and assume that bigger must be better. More pressure and a higher flow rate might sound like they will automatically deliver better results, but is that always the case?

In reality, good jetting performance starts with understanding the work you carry out and finding the right balance between pressure, water flow and the nozzle being used.

Getting that balance right does not just affect how well the machine cleans. It also affects how much water you use, the weight you carry in your van, how often you need to refill and, ultimately, your day-to-day running costs.

That balance is exactly why our most popular machines run at 3000psi and 8 gallons per minute, and why we design and manufacture our own nozzles in-house to maximise performance for the specific job you are undertaking.

Do you really need a higher flow rate?

We offer a wide range of jetting machines to suit different types of drainage work, from everyday domestic jobs through to larger and more demanding commercial projects.

While our range includes higher-powered machines running at 12 gallons per minute, our most popular options are the 3008 Standard, 3008 Hardwire and Compact Jetting Machines, which all deliver 3000psi at 8 gallons per minute.

These machines are so popular because they provide the right balance for the work most drainage engineers carry out. They deliver strong, dependable cleaning performance for domestic and light commercial drains without using the additional water required by a higher-flow machine.

There are jobs where 10 or 12 gallons per minute will be beneficial, particularly when working with larger commercial pipework. However, that does not mean the higher flow rate is automatically the best choice for every drainage engineer or every job.

An 8-gallon-per-minute machine uses 20% less water than one running at 10 gallons per minute and one-third less than a 12-gallon-per-minute machine.

If the machines were operated continuously for an hour, that would mean:

• 480 gallons used by an 8GPM machine

• 600 gallons used by a 10GPM machine

• 720 gallons used by a 12GPM machine

That is a potential difference of up to 240 gallons for every hour of operation.

Across a full working week, and then over the lifetime of the machine, that can add up to a considerable amount of water. It could also mean fewer interruptions to refill the tank, less time spent looking for a suitable water supply and lower water costs where the supply is metered.

Ultimately, it is not about choosing the machine with the biggest figures. It is about choosing the right level of pressure and flow for the work you actually carry out.

It is about more than just the machine

Of course, reducing the flow rate only makes sense if the machine can still clean the drain effectively. This is where the relationship between pressure, flow and the nozzle becomes so important.

We manufacture our own jetting nozzles to make sure you get the best possible performance from our machines. By matching the nozzle to the available pressure and flow, you can maximise the cleaning impact of the water without simply relying on a higher volume.

It is a bit like choosing the right tool for any other job. More power is not always the answer if that power is not being directed properly.

Our team can advise you on the right option for the work you regularly carry out, helping you get more from your machine while maintaining its lower water consumption.

What about the weight in your van?

Water use is only one part of the overall running cost. The weight of the jetting machine and everything else being carried in the van also matters.

Our 3008 Jetting Machine weighs approximately 250kg, while our Compact Jetting Machine weighs approximately 200kg. This makes them relatively lightweight options that place less demand on your van’s available payload.

A lighter machine leaves more capacity for CCTV equipment, tools, safety equipment and everything else you need to carry. It can also help reduce the overall weight of the van when travelling between jobs.

One lighter machine is not going to transform your fuel bill overnight, but every unnecessary kilogram being transported requires additional fuel. When you consider how many miles a busy drainage van can cover each year, keeping its weight under control can make a worthwhile difference.

Combine a lighter machine with lower water consumption, and you have a setup designed to deliver the performance you need without creating unnecessary weight, water use or running costs.

A more efficient approach to drain jetting

There is no single jetting machine that will be right for every drainage business. The right choice depends on the type of work you carry out.

If most of your work involves domestic drains and everyday commercial jobs, it is worth asking yourself whether you really need to carry and use the additional water required by a 10 or 12-gallon-per-minute machine that is designed for heavy commercial work?

Choosing the right machine is not about buying the one with the biggest figures. It is about selecting the combination of pressure, flow, nozzles, size and weight that suits the work you actually do.

Regular servicing matters too

Even the right machine will only continue to perform efficiently if it is properly maintained.

Regular servicing helps make sure your machine continues to deliver the pressure and flow it should. It also allows worn parts, leaks and other developing issues to be identified before they affect performance or result in a more expensive breakdown.

A well-maintained machine is more dependable, more efficient and less likely to leave you unable to complete a job.

We offer servicing for our compact, 3008, 3012 and 4012 jetting machines at our workshop in Rickmansworth. Our experienced team can inspect your machine, carry out the necessary maintenance and help keep it working reliably.

Book your jetting machine service here.

Let us help you find the right setup

If you are buying your first jetting machine, replacing an existing setup or expanding your fleet, we can help you choose the right option.

Tell us about the van you have, and the type of drainage work you carry out, and we will give you practical advice on the machine, tank, nozzles and equipment that will work best for your business.

Finance options are also available, allowing you to get the right setup while spreading the cost.

Click here to learn more about our jetting machines, email us at info@jetterconversions.co.uk or call us on 01923 270273