Do you own a high-pressure water jetter, or are you considering buying one? Whether for home or business use, a water jetter is a versatile and vital machine you can use for high target cleaning, rough surface cleaning, or dislodging those stubborn clogs and blocks in plumbing drains and pipes. Therefore, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance if you want to prolong your pressure water jetter’s life and durability.
Regardless of how often you use it, conducting routine jetter servicing and maintenance is the key to optimal and efficient performance. The good news is; you don’t have to be a certified mechanic or engineer to get the job done right. You can utilize your DIY skills as you’ve always wanted. If you have no clue where to start, don’t sweat it, you are in the right place, and we’ve got your back. So, put on your maintenance face and read this ultimate guide for maintaining your high-pressure water jetter.
But before we go there,
Safely Operate A High-Pressure Water Jetter
Just like any other machine, there are risks involved when operating a high-pressure water jetter. Nevertheless, you can minimize or eliminate these risks by;
Prioritizing Safety
Before you commence operation, ensure you’ve put on the required personal protective equipment such as heavy-duty waterproof gloves, goggles, and protective boots. While you can clean any static surface with the jetter, avoid aiming at people, animals or electronics, or delicate surfaces.
Know What Areas Can Overheat
Due to the jetter’s numerous moving components, it heats up pretty fast and can reach high temperatures. To avoid the risk of burns, avoid touching any hot surface such as the engine.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Manual
Before you use the jetter, read and understand the manual. Additionally, only use the manufacturer’s approved accessories, use the proper fuel or power source, and operate the machine at the approved temperatures.
Responsible Usage
Keep the machine away from unqualified and high-risk persons such as children or persons with disabilities. Also, avoid operating while under the influence of any substances. Lastly, consider the environment by using eco-friendly detergents and accessories.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Operating the machine, especially those with internal combustion – in well ventilated or open spaces, but away from humans and animals.
Now, let’s get back to the main agenda,
Top High-Pressure Water Jetter Maintenance Tips
To make the maintenance tasks easy, smooth, and flawless, make a checklist. Tick appropriately after you complete every task. This way, you’ll complete all the tasks in an organized manner. These tasks include;
Regularly Check Water Filters
The last thing you want is dirt and sediments to blast out of the jetter’s nozzle at high pressures. The water filters prevent any grit, dirt, or deposits from seeping into the water pump, causing clogs and blocks. If these sediments accumulate, not only are they safety hazards if they blast through the nozzle but the high pressure and speed will wear and tear the nozzles and spray tips. Also, a clogged water filter will restrict water flow resulting in an insufficient water supply. Therefore, conduct regular checks to unblock the water filter.
Inspect Fuel Tanks for Contaminants
Just like a motor vehicle, fuel powers the water jet cleaner, especially the endothermic powered by petrol or diesel. Contaminated fuel leads to inefficient performance and added fuel and repair costs.
These contaminants come in three forms;
- Water that might seep into the fuel tank through humidity in the air
- Particulates find their way into the tank through rusting, corrosion, or a failing water filtration system
- Microbials that grow and thrive in the water contained in the fuel tank. These organisms feed on the fuel causing it to degrade as well as corroding the tank.
To avoid these contaminants, conduct regular fuel tank inspections. When you detect them, empty the fuel tanks, thoroughly clean the fuel tank, let it completely dry in the sun, then put it back.
Coupling O-rings
If you notice fluid leaks from your jetter, chances are the O-rings are worn out. O-rings tightly seal various components on the machine to prevent any leakages.
Regular inspection will let you spot leakages at the early stages before they become severe. By following the manufacturer’s manual, you’ll know the proper O-rings to get for your high-pressure jetter. But if this procedure proves difficult for you, contact our experts for appropriate coupling.
Keep an Eye on Hose & Nozzle Wear
Sometimes, sediments and grit do find their way inside the water pump. The high pressure means these sediments are dispensed at high speeds through the hose pipes and nozzles. The sediments cause repeated damage to the hose and nozzles with every use, resulting in wear and tear. If they become worn out, the machine’s performance will dwindle, resulting in increased water and power consumption.
Also, these accessories wear and tear with time – that’s out of your control. However, keeping a hawk-eye on them will ensure on-time replacement for the machine’s optimal performance.
Regular Check Engine & Gearbox Oil Levels
Every engine and gearbox needs oil for smooth and efficient performance, to prevent wear and tear, and prolong their lifespans. Before every use, ensure you conduct a thorough check of both the engine and gearbox oils to ensure they are the required levels; if not, add some more. It’s better to incur fewer costs on engine and gearbox oil than spend a considerable amount to disassemble the engine, fix and replace the worn-out parts, and then assemble it back.
When replacing any of these oils, refer to the manufacturer’s manual or contact our jetter experts for the best and quality products.
Get Regular Jetter Servicing For Your Water Jet Cleaner
Your high-pressure water jetter should serve you for years to come, saving you money and resources. But, for that to happen, you have to implement all the above maintenance tips without fail regularly. Taking great of your jet cleaner is as easy as regular inspection, maintenance, but above all, getting regular jetter servicing every six months or after 100 hours of active use. At Melbourne Jetter Centre, we have a wide range of high-quality products and services suited for your high-pressure water jetter. Contact us today for all your jet cleaner’s maintenance and servicing requirements.