What Are Trailer Jetters? A Guide To Choosing The Right Setup
If you’re in the business of unclogging drains, sewer cleaning or general pressure cleaning, you’ve probably come across the term trailer jetters. But what are trailer jetters, exactly? In simple terms, a trailer jetter is a trailer-mounted high-pressure water system built for clearing blockages, blasting through grease, tree roots, and other nasties that clog up pipes and drains.
Unlike your average pressure washer, they pack a serious punch. They’re specifically designed for professional drain and sewer cleaning and built tough for Australian conditions.
What Do Trailer-Mounted Jetters Offer?
Trailer jetters are essentially mobile workstations on wheels. They combine a high-pressure pump, hose reels, a water tank and remote controls, all mounted on a heavy-duty trailer. This setup means tradies can haul everything they need straight to the site, with no messing about with separate equipment or worrying if their ute can handle the load.
What sets trailer-mounted jetters apart is their convenience. The trailer neatly stores all your gear in a compact, easy-access layout, so you’re ready to get stuck into drain-clearing operations without wasting time setting up.
Plus, with high-pressure water at your fingertips, you can tackle most blockages, from simple gunk to stubborn tree roots.
Who Needs A Trailer Jetter?
If you’re a plumber, drainage contractor, or maintenance crew handling large-scale drain cleaning jobs, a trailer jetter is worth its weight in gold. These units suit tradies working on various job sites, especially when you’re dealing with tough or remote access jobs.
Unlike portable units, a trailer-mounted jetter can handle heavy workloads without breaking a sweat. You’ve got a large water tank on board, meaning fewer frequent refills, and the power to tackle both residential and commercial blockages.
Types Of Trailer Jetters
There are a few different setups out there, depending on your jetting needs.
- Compact Trailer Jetters: These units are ideal for tradies who need power but don’t want to haul around large equipment. They still offer great pressure and flow but come in a smaller package for easier manoeuvring.
- Heavy-Duty Trailer Jetters: Built on a heavy-duty frame, these units are for serious drain clearing or sewer cleaning jobs. They typically have bigger high-pressure pumps, stronger hose reels, and reinforced frames for heavy loads.
- Pressure Cleaning Trailers: If you’re looking to expand into pressure cleaning, there are trailers specifically designed for surface cleaning, graffiti removal, or construction site washdowns. These trailers may not have the same flow rate for drain clearing, but are built for other maintenance tasks.
- Combination Units: Some trailer jetters are built for both pressure cleaning and drain clearing operations, offering versatility for businesses wanting to cover both services.
Key Features To Look For
If you’re looking to invest in a trailer jetter, here’s what you should keep an eye on:
- High-Pressure Pumps: The heart of the system. You want a pump that delivers enough pressure and flow for serious drain cleaning. Think upwards of 5000 PSI with solid flow rates for optimal blockage clearing.
- Hose Reels: Make sure the hose reels are durable and can handle the length you need. Having a remote mini-reel can be a game-changer for tight access jobs.
- Water Tank: If you don’t want to mess around with constant refills, go for large water tanks. This means you’ll have the water capacity for bigger jobs and less downtime.
- Heavy Duty Frame And Build: A heavy-duty design using galvanised steel means your trailer will handle heavy loads, rough roads and harsh job site conditions without falling apart.
- Intelligent Weight Saving Design: Look for trailer jetters with smart engineering that reduces weight without compromising strength. This helps with towing efficiency and ensures you’re within your vehicle’s limits.
- Remote Controls: Having remote controls for your jetter pump and hose feed means you can operate everything without running back to the trailer, which is a huge timesaver on job sites.
- Easy Access and Layout: You want a trailer that neatly stores your gear with everything easy to reach. No one likes crawling over hoses or squeezing past tanks in the middle of a job.
How To Choose The Right Trailer Jetter
Choosing the right trailer jetter comes down to a few factors:
- Your Jetting Needs: Are you focusing on residential drains, heavy-duty commercial jobs, or both? Make sure the unit’s pressure, flow, and build suit your regular work.
- Where You Work: For urban sites with tight access, a compact unit with a remote mini reel might be best. For rural or industrial job sites, a heavy-duty trailer with a bigger capacity could be the go-to.
- Vehicle Capacity: Always check your vehicle’s tow limits. Even with an intelligent weight-saving design, a fully loaded trailer with heavy loads can push the limits.
- Maintenance and After-Sales Support: Like any large equipment, trailer jetters need regular maintenance. Go with a supplier that backs its gear with service, spare parts, and solid support.
- Budget and Financing: Don’t just go for the cheapest option. Think about long-term reliability and whether the unit will grow with your business. Financing options, such as hire purchase, can also help spread the cost.
Benefits Of Trailer Jetters
Here’s why a solid trailer jetter is a must for serious tradies:
- Clears Most Blockages: With the right pressure and flow, you’ll cut through grease, silt, debris and even tree roots without drama.
- Saves Time On Site: With everything mounted and ready, you can jump straight into the job without wasting time setting up.
- Handles Heavy Loads: Built tough for the real world; whether it’s a busted drain in the suburbs or a commercial blockage on a construction site.
- Built For The Aussie Market: With the right maintenance, a good trailer jetter will stand up to harsh conditions and long hours on the tools.
- Versatile Applications: Perfect for sewer cleaning, pressure cleaning, maintenance tasks and drain clearing operations, offering great bang for your buck.
Final Word
If you’re serious about clearing blockages and tackling tough jobs, investing in a trailer jetter is a smart move. With the right setup, you’ll boost your efficiency, take on bigger jobs, and avoid the headaches that come with dragging around underpowered gear.
Whether you’re a plumber, drain cleaner, or maintenance contractor, a well-built trailer-mounted jetter can be the difference between an average day’s work and a job done right, first time, every time. If you are looking for the right fit for you or have any questions, drop by or get in touch.
