Quick Jetter Service Tips

This content is sponsored by HotJet USA. Sponsored content is authorized by the client and does not necessarily reflect the views of COLE Publishing. View our privacy policy.
Quick Jetter Service Tips

Interested in Commercial Plumbing?

Get Commercial Plumbing articles, news and videos right in your inbox! Sign up now.

Commercial Plumbing + Get Alerts

One common issue with high-pressure jetting equipment is either no water flow or low pressure. Did you know 90% of the time this is not due to a failed part? Here are a few things you can check: 

Water valves

Make sure the water supply valves are set to the main water tank and not on the antifreeze tank. When the valve is set to the antifreeze tank, if the tank is empty it will cause the pump to suck air and pulsate. Also make sure the shut-off valve just before the water filters is also open if there is a secondary shut-off. 

Water filters

Check the water filters to make sure they are clean. These filters clean from the inside out, so just looking through the clear bowl doesn’t always work. They can look perfectly clean from the outside, but when you open them up they can be completely blocked with algae or other debris

If you clean the water filter you may need to purge the air out of the pump to get it to prime. HotJet units have a Schrader valve (it looks like a chrome cap where you put air in a car tire). What you will need to do is start the machine, pull the trigger on the gun, remove the cap and push the valve like you are letting air out of a tire. This should spit out a little air and water and then eventually just water — then you will notice the pump building pressure.

Pressure surging

A. It is common for a pump that sucks air to either surge or have free hose shake. The pump will have full pressure when you initially pull the trigger and then drop considerably. These same symptoms can also be caused by plugged filters.

B. A large percentage of the time pressure issues are due to the “low pressure side” or water inlet side of the pump having inlet problems. Even seasoned veterans can get tripped up by air getting into the supply side of the pump. Loose filter bowls, missing cup O-rings, and even the fittings, hose clamps and pipe nipples between filters can be slightly loose drawing air (and not necessarily leak water).



Discussion

Comments on this site are submitted by users and are not endorsed by nor do they reflect the views or opinions of COLE Publishing, Inc. Comments are moderated before being posted.