Generally speaking, both are pressure washers, but each require their own specialty tools and accessories. This is why any pressure washer can become a hydro jetter (often interchangeably known as a sewer jetter or drain jetter) with the right selection of accessories.

A pressure washer is primarily used for cleaning surfaces like washing cars, decks, patios, and siding. It delivers high-pressure water streams to remove dirt and grime effectively. Typically, pressure washers are fitted with a spray guns, spray nozzles of varying degrees and a heavy-duty hose.

A hydro jetter is fitted with specialized tools used for heavy-duty drain cleaning. It employs high-pressure water to clear clogged sewer lines effectively. Plumbers and homeowners use hydro jetters to tackle blockages caused by tree roots, debris, and other obstructions within drain pipes. These jetters not only open up the sewer lines but also clean them thoroughly.

Converting Your Pressure Washer into a Sewer Jetter

Every pressure washer can be converted into a hydro jetter using a simple conversion kit. Let's begin with all the accessories you'll need for the best jetting kit possible. 

You'll need a jetting nozzle, jetting hose, on/off valve (ball valve, foot pedal, trigger) and lastly a portable hose reel is strongly recommended for making your life a thousand times easier!

When selecting a pressure washer for sewer drain jetting, consider both pressure (psi) and flow rate (gpm). Here’s the rule of thumb:

• Pressure (psi): Determines “cutting” power. Higher psi allows for effective blockage removal. For sewer jetting, professional jetters typically require a minimum of 3,000 psi.
• Flow Rate (gpm): Provides “flushing” power. Adequate gpm ensures debris removal. For sewer lines, a flow rate of around 5 US gpm is effective.

Remember, the right balance of psi and gpm depends on the pipe diameter and the specific cleaning requirements.

Here are the steps to follow when converting your pressure washer:

Check Your Pressure Washer Specs:

• Ensure your pressure washer has a psi (pounds per square inch) rating of at least 1,500 and no more than 4,400.
• Note the flow in gpm (gallons per minute) that your pressure washer produces as your conversion kit will depend on this number.
• Most conversion kits available at Canpump are fully customized to fit your specs and support up to 4,000 psi, suitable for both electric and gas pressure washers.

Get a Sewer Jetter Conversion Kit:

• Purchase a sewer jetting kit compatible with your pressure washer. These kits connect to the outlet of your pressure washer and come in various options including control valves, nozzles, hoses, reels and more.
• Use our nozzle chart and help pages to make sure you're getting all the right tools to make the most effective kit according to your specs. If your pressure washer is already fitted with nozzles then match the size when selecting drain nozzle.

Installation:

• Connect the sewer jetter kit to your pressure washer.
• Insert the sewer jetter hose about a foot into the drain.
• Turn on your pressure washer and hold the spray wand handle while slowly moving the hose down the drain.

Why should I get these accessories?

Drain Jetting Nozzles

Drain nozzles are designed to clear/clean drains using both a forward and backwards facing spray stream. The backwards spray also pulls the hose deeper into the line for effective cleaning. There are various designs each optimized for different applications.

Drain Jetting Hose

Using lightweight, abrasion-resistant, and slippery jetting hoses allow the hose to easily maneuver through pipes. These hoses are also super flexible and long at an average length of 100 ft.

Shut Off Valve

A shut off valve is a an extremely useful tool for added control to help finish your jobs quicker and easier than ever! When drain jetting without a valve, your nozzle will begin spraying as soon as the pressure washer is turned on and will not stop until the pressure washer is turned off. More often than not the gas pressure washer has to be left outside thus forcing you leave the job site to stop the water. Adding a ball valve allows you to control the water output without having to leave the drain location turning a two-man job into one.

Portable Hose Reel

The portable hose reels are a life saver both physically and for efficiency. Rolling your hose onto a reel (some options include a shut-off ball valve) keeps the hose straight and tangle free and easy to pack up when you're done using the handle. The portable reels can be placed right at the opening of the pipe getting cleaned.

In summary, pressure washers and hydro jetters both utilize high-pressure water, but they serve distinct accessories for their purposes. Pressure washers are ideal for surface cleaning, such as washing cars, decks, and patios. On the other hand, hydro jetters specialize in heavy-duty drain/sewer cleaning, effectively removing blockages caused by tree roots and debris. 

To convert a pressure washer into a sewer jetter, follow these steps: (i) check your pressure washer specs, (ii) get a sewer jetter conversion kit, and (iii) install the necessary accessories like drain jetting nozzles, hoses and shut-off valves.

Remember that the right balance of pressure (psi) and flow rate (gpm) depends on pipe diameter and specific cleaning requirements. By selecting the appropriate accessories, you can transform your pressure washer into an effective hydro jetter for tackling clogged drains or rinsing sewers.