Plumbers need jetters that balance power with portability. The ideal setup delivers 3,000–4,000 psi and 4–8 gpm for residential and light commercial work, with enough maneuverability to navigate tight spaces and basements. Hot water capability, pulsation features, and proper nozzle selection turn a portable jetter into a versatile tool for everything from grease-choked kitchen lines to root-filled building drains.

Match Output to Jobs: Residential and light commercial drains (2–6") require 3,000–4,000 psi and 4–8 gpm. Rule of thumb: gpm should equal your largest pipe diameter — up to twice that for optimal cleaning.

Portability: Wheeled cart or compact skid units maneuver through doorways. Electric units avoid exhaust fumes but deliver lower output. Gas units offer maximum power with adequate ventilation.

Hot Water for Grease: Restaurant kitchens and food processing drains need hot water capability. Cuts through grease faster than cold water and eliminates chemical degreasers.

Hose and Pulsation: Use 1/8" or 1/4" hoses for residential lines. Professional units include pulsation features to shake hoses through bends and prevent sticking. Standard portable units carry 100–150 ft of hose.

Water Supply: Most municipal taps supply 5–6 gpm. Running jetters near that flow risks pump cavitation. Choose units with onboard tanks or verify flow before operation.

Nozzles: Budget for penetrating, flushing, rotary, and chain cutter nozzles. Verify pump specs support specialized nozzles — rotating heads require minimum gpm.

Industrial cleaning demands equipment built for continuous duty and extreme conditions. Systems delivering 4,000 psi with 10–20+ gpm handle the heavy sludge, scale, and chemical residues found in factories, food plants, and processing facilities. Hot water capability, adjustable pressure controls, and specialized nozzles tackle everything from oil-choked process lines to mineral-encrusted sewer connections. Durability and safety features aren't optional — they're essential for protecting crews and minimizing costly downtime.

Performance and Durability: Industrial sludge, scale, and sediment require robust construction. High-horsepower engines driving triplex plunger pumps rated for continuous duty. Systems around 4,000 psi with 10–20+ gpm. Heavy-duty frames, corrosion-resistant plumbing, and stainless steel pump heads for longevity.

Pressure and Flow: Industrial lines range from 2–4" process pipes to 8–12" sewer connections. Adjustable pressure and throttle control provide flexibility. Pressure breaks up scale; flow carries debris. Interchangeable nozzles handle variable tasks.

Hot Water and Nozzles: Oils and greases in factories and food plants require hot water jetters with burner units. Rotary nozzles scour scale and mineral deposits. Degreaser injection systems apply cleaning agents during jetting.

Mobility and Power: Cart or skid units work inside facilities. Trailer jetters suit outdoor work. Gas or diesel maximizes output; electric or LP gas reduces fumes indoors. Industrial electric units may require 460V three-phase.

Safety: Include emergency shut-offs, pressure relief valves, and hose guides. Invest in PPE: waterproof suits, face shields, gloves. Establish crew communication protocols. Safety interlocks prevent pressurization unless hose reel is locked.

Maintenance: Quick-access panels, local parts supply, solid warranties. Modular components allow swaps with minimal downtime. Choose brands with technical support.

Municipal sewer maintenance requires high-capacity systems built for large-diameter pipes and all-day operation. Units delivering 20–60+ gpm at 2,000–4,000 psi move heavy debris through 8–12" mains while cutting roots and scouring grease. With 500+ gallon tanks, 500 ft hose reels, and robust construction, these jetters handle manhole-to-manhole runs without constant repositioning. Whether trailer-mounted for flexibility or truck-mounted for convenience, municipal-grade equipment is an investment in infrastructure reliability and crew efficiency.

High Flow: Municipal pipes (8" to several feet) require high flow to move debris. Units delivering 20–60+ gpm at 2,000–4,000 psi handle sand, rocks, and bottles while cutting roots. City crews use 40–60 gpm on 8–12" mains; 80+ gpm for trunk lines.

Water Tank: High-flow jetters need 500+ gallon tanks. Check hydrant fill options and autofill capability. Big tanks prevent frequent stops. Tank-to-pump plumbing must prevent cavitation at high flow.

Trailer vs. Truck: Trailers tow to sites and unhitch. Truck-mounted units (combination sewer cleaners) are self-contained. More expensive but convenient for full-time work. Ensure chassis handles weight — 600-gallon tank adds ~5,000 lbs.

Hose: Municipal jobs need 500 ft standard length. Thicker hoses (1/2" or 5/8") allow higher flow. Powered rewind is essential. Use hose reducers or interchangeable reels for variable line sizes.

Root Cutting: Root-cutting nozzles (chain flail or saw-tooth rotary) typically require 4,000 psi. Higher pressure within safe limits saws through roots.

Safety and Efficiency: Remote controls let operators work at manholes without returning to machine. Wireless remotes or hose reel panels control throttle/pump. Good lighting for night work. Train crews on unit operation and emergency response.

Cost of Ownership: Research manufacturer track records. Easy maintenance features reduce costs. Check warranty and parts availability. Consider fuel usage, routine maintenance parts, and storage needs. Quality machines deliver less downtime and longer service life.