Blocked drains are one of the most common jobs a plumber or drain technician encounters, but the equipment used to clear them has changed dramatically.
For professional drain cleaning, a high-pressure water jetter can provide the power, reach and flexibility needed to clear everything from accumulated grease and silt through to stubborn tree roots and other obstructions.
But not all water jetters are the same.
Pressure, water flow, hose diameter, nozzle selection, machine configuration and operator training can all make a significant difference to how effectively a jetter performs in the field.
This guide explains what Australian plumbers need to know about high-pressure water jetters, how they work, what specifications actually matter and how to choose a jetting setup that suits the type of work your business performs.
Assassin Jetters works with plumbers and drain technicians to develop practical jetting systems designed around real-world plumbing work. You can explore the current range of water jetters or continue reading for a detailed look at how the entire system works.
Expert insight — Georgina Taylor, Business Leader, Assassin Jetters:
“A water jetter shouldn't be looked at as just an engine and a pump. The hose, nozzle, reel, flow rate and the way the machine is configured all work together. A properly matched system makes the plumber's job easier and gives them a much more capable piece of equipment.”
What Is a High-Pressure Water Jetter?
A high-pressure water jetter is a specialised machine that pumps water through high-pressure hose and a purpose-designed nozzle to clear and clean pipework.
The principle is straightforward, but professional jetting systems are substantially more sophisticated than simply forcing water into a drain.
The pump supplies water at a particular pressure and flow rate. The jetting hose delivers that water into the pipe, while the nozzle controls the direction and behaviour of the water.
Rear-facing jets can provide thrust and help pull the hose through the drain while cleaning the internal pipe surface. Depending on the application, forward or specialised jets can attack an obstruction directly.
Different nozzle designs can be used for different drain conditions, including roots, grease, silt, soft blockages and general pipe cleaning.
This is why professional drain cleaning should be approached as a complete system rather than concentrating on a single specification.
How Does a Drain Jetter Work?
A professional drain jetter uses a positive displacement pump to generate high-pressure water flow.
Water travels from the machine through the jetting hose before reaching the nozzle inside the drain.
The nozzle converts the available water pressure and flow into strategically directed jets.
Rear jets create thrust that can help propel the nozzle and hose along the pipe while simultaneously cleaning the internal walls. Other nozzle designs can concentrate water in particular directions to tackle different obstructions.
For a plumber, this provides two important benefits.
First, the obstruction can be broken down and removed.
Second, the pipe can be cleaned rather than simply having a small opening punched through the blockage.
That distinction is important.
Removing enough material to restore temporary flow isn't necessarily the same as properly cleaning a drain.
Pressure Versus Flow: What Matters More?
One of the most common mistakes when comparing water jetters is concentrating exclusively on PSI.
PSI measures pressure, but pressure alone doesn't tell you how the machine will perform.
Water flow, normally measured in litres per minute (LPM), is also extremely important.
Pressure helps provide the cutting and cleaning force at the nozzle. Flow provides the volume of water needed to move material and flush debris through the pipe.
The ideal combination depends on the work being undertaken.
A smaller drain and a large commercial sewer don't necessarily require the same machine, hose or nozzle configuration. Increasing one number on a specification sheet doesn't automatically create a better jetter.
Expert insight — Georgina Taylor, Business Leader, Assassin Jetters:
“Plumbers sometimes focus on the biggest PSI number because it's easy to compare, but that's only part of the story. Flow, hose size and nozzle selection are just as important. The best setup is the one where all of those components are matched to the work you're actually doing.”
This is one reason Assassin Jetters recommends discussing the intended application before choosing a system rather than buying solely from a specification sheet.
Choosing the Right Type of Water Jetter
There isn't one ideal jetter configuration for every plumbing business.
A sole trader performing residential maintenance has different requirements from a drainage company with multiple technicians clearing larger commercial pipes.
The main configurations available through Assassin Jetters include portable, skid-mounted, trailer-mounted, turn-key vehicle and custom-built systems.
Portable Water Jetters
Portable jetters are designed for businesses where compact size and mobility are important.
They can be a practical option where technicians need the flexibility to move equipment between vehicles or access locations where a larger installation isn't suitable.
The trade-off is that portability needs to be balanced against the water flow, tank capacity and performance required for the intended jobs.
Skid-Mounted Jetters
A skid jetter is mounted to a frame and can be configured as part of a work vehicle.
This can create a very efficient setup for plumbers who use the jetter regularly and want the machine integrated into their vehicle rather than loading and unloading equipment for each job.
A well-designed skid installation also allows consideration to be given to hose reels, water storage, equipment access and the plumber's normal workflow.
Trailer Jetters
Trailer-mounted jetters offer another level of flexibility.
They can be shared between vehicles or crews and can provide space for larger tanks and more substantial jetting systems without permanently dedicating the carrying vehicle to the jetter.
For plumbing businesses operating multiple vehicles, a trailer can sometimes provide an efficient way to make specialised equipment available to several technicians.
Turn-Key Jetter Vehicles
For businesses that perform significant amounts of drain cleaning, a fully integrated vehicle can transform the way equipment is stored and accessed.
Assassin Jetters' turn-key jetter solutions combine the jetting equipment with a service body and plumbing-specific storage.
Rather than adding a jetter to an existing vehicle as an afterthought, the vehicle can be designed around the work being performed.
Custom Water Jetter Systems
Some businesses simply don't fit a standard configuration.
Vehicle size, typical pipe diameter, expected flow requirements, water capacity, hose length, available payload and the type of drainage work being undertaken can all influence the ideal setup.
For these situations, a custom configuration allows the individual components to be selected around the actual application.
Expert insight — Georgina Taylor, Business Leader, Assassin Jetters:
“We'd much rather help someone choose the right machine for their work than sell them the wrong machine because it has a bigger number on the specification sheet. How the plumber works, what pipes they're cleaning and how the equipment fits into their vehicle all matter.”
Why the Jetter Nozzle Matters So Much
The nozzle is one of the most important components in the entire jetting system.
A powerful pump connected to an unsuitable nozzle may perform poorly because the available pressure and flow aren't being converted into useful cleaning energy.
Different drainage problems require different nozzle characteristics.
Root intrusion requires a different approach from grease, loose sediment or general pipe cleaning.
Nozzle size must also be matched correctly to the jetter's pressure and flow characteristics.
Professional plumbers can explore Assassin Jetters' range of drain jetter nozzles, including Mustang Nozzles designed for a variety of drain-cleaning applications.
One example is the Root Ranger, developed specifically for demanding root-cutting applications.
Choosing the appropriate nozzle allows the machine's available water to be used effectively rather than simply increasing pressure or relying on one nozzle for every job.
Expert insight — Georgina Taylor, Business Leader, Assassin Jetters:
“The nozzle is where the water actually becomes useful. You can have an excellent jetter, but if the nozzle isn't matched to the machine and the blockage, you're not getting the full potential from it. Good operators understand that nozzle selection is part of diagnosing the job.”
Don't Overlook the Jetting Hose
The high-pressure hose is another critical part of the jetting system.
Hose diameter, length, flexibility, pressure rating and condition all influence performance and usability.
Pressure losses occur as water travels through hose, so simply connecting an extremely long or incorrectly sized hose can affect the performance available at the nozzle.
Flexibility also matters when navigating bends and working through different types of drainage systems.
Assassin Jetters supplies a range of high-pressure jetting hoses, including Armadillo jetting hose options in different sizes and configurations.
Professional setups should consider the hose and nozzle together rather than treating them as independent accessories.
See Lexi walk us through our Armadillo Jetting Hose - https://youtube.com/shorts/dn4_ZHj-3Yg?si=Kyu_JauRUs9nZOg5
Hose Reels and On-Site Efficiency
Equipment performance isn't only about how quickly a blockage can be cleared.
The time spent setting up, packing away and managing equipment across multiple jobs matters as well.
A well-configured jetting hose reel can improve hose management and make the overall system easier to use.
For businesses doing several drain-cleaning jobs each day, small improvements in setup and pack-down time can become significant across a year.
Vehicle layout should therefore be considered as part of the equipment decision.
The technician should be able to reach frequently used equipment easily, deploy the hose efficiently and return everything to a secure position when the job is complete.
Drain Cameras and Water Jetting
Water jetting becomes considerably more powerful as a drain-cleaning service when combined with CCTV inspection.
A drain camera can allow a plumber to inspect the internal condition of a pipe, identify the likely cause and location of an obstruction and assess the pipe after cleaning.
This can help distinguish between problems such as root intrusion, accumulated debris and damaged pipework.
It can also provide the customer with a clearer understanding of what has been found.
Assassin Jetters supplies a range of professional drain inspection cameras suitable for plumbing and drainage applications.
Rather than approaching every blockage in exactly the same way, inspection allows the technician to make a more informed decision about how the drain should be treated.
Where Does Flexshaft Equipment Fit In?
Water jetting isn't the only tool available to modern drain technicians.
Mechanical drain-cleaning technology such as Flexshaft equipment can complement a water jetter in particular applications.
The important point is that professional drain cleaning isn't about forcing one machine to solve every possible problem.
The best drainage businesses build a toolkit that allows their technicians to diagnose the problem and select the appropriate method.
Water jetting, CCTV inspection, specialised nozzles and mechanical cleaning systems can therefore work together rather than competing with each other.
See how easy our Flex shaft chain knockers are to use https://youtu.be/p5W0ymqr6yY?si=P-SrFBkCyl2Q_bhV
See the chain knockers in action -
https://youtube.com/shorts/ZbYBwIQGq-o?si=wEUYlr4F0BErEDTv
Water Jetter Safety and Operator Training
High-pressure water jetting equipment must be treated with respect.
Water travelling at high pressure can cause serious injury. Equipment condition, operator competency, appropriate PPE, exclusion areas and safe operating procedures are therefore fundamental parts of professional jetting.
Safe Work Australia publishes a Guide for Managing Risks from High Pressure Water Jetting covering safe operating practices and the management of risks associated with high-pressure water jetting.
Australian requirements can also differ depending on the classification and application of the equipment being used, so businesses should understand the obligations relevant to their equipment, workforce and jurisdiction.
Assassin Jetters provides high-pressure water jetting training information and also carries water jetting safety equipment.
Operators should never assume that experience with ordinary pressure-cleaning equipment automatically makes someone competent to operate professional water-jetting equipment.
Expert insight — Georgina Taylor, Business Leader, Assassin Jetters:
“Safety and training have to be considered from the start, not after the machine arrives. These are serious pieces of equipment. We want operators to understand their jetter, understand the risks and know how to use the system properly.”
Maintaining a High-Pressure Water Jetter
A professional jetter is an investment and should be maintained accordingly.
Preventative maintenance can improve reliability and help identify problems before they become failures on a customer's job.
Operators should routinely inspect the system and follow the manufacturer's servicing and maintenance requirements.
Particular attention should be given to hoses, connections, fittings, nozzles, pumps, reels, safety equipment and other components subjected to high pressures or regular wear.
Damaged or questionable components shouldn't simply be used until they fail.
Assassin Jetters provides a library of equipment manuals and safety information as well as a large selection of water jetter spare parts.
Keeping commonly required parts available can also reduce downtime for plumbing businesses that depend heavily on their jetter.
How Much Does a Professional Water Jetter Cost?
There is no single answer because water jetters range from relatively compact systems through to substantial trailer and fully integrated vehicle installations.
The more useful question is what equipment the business actually requires.
When comparing options, consider:
- the types and diameters of drains normally encountered
- required pressure and water flow
- hose diameter and length
- water storage requirements
- nozzle selection
- portability versus permanently installed equipment
- trailer, skid or vehicle installation
- drain inspection equipment
- safety equipment and operator training
- servicing, parts availability and ongoing support.
For a plumbing business, purchase price should also be considered against productivity.
A system that allows difficult jobs to be completed efficiently, reduces equipment downtime and gives technicians the right equipment for a wider range of drainage work can provide value well beyond its initial purchase price.
Should You Buy the Most Powerful Jetter Available?
Not necessarily.
A bigger machine can provide greater capability, but additional capacity isn't automatically useful if it doesn't match your work.
A plumber predominantly servicing residential drains may have very different requirements from a specialist contractor working on large commercial or industrial drainage systems.
The physical installation matters as well.
Water has significant weight. Tanks, engines, pumps, reels and other equipment all contribute to vehicle payload, so the complete installation needs to be considered rather than simply finding enough physical space for the machine.
The objective should be a balanced system.
What Is the Best Water Jetter for a Plumbing Business?
The best water jetter is the machine that matches your typical workload while providing enough flexibility for the work you want to take on in the future.
Before buying, speak with a supplier who understands drainage rather than looking only at pressure, horsepower or price.
Explain what sort of work your business performs.
Discuss typical drain sizes, residential versus commercial work, root intrusion, hose lengths, vehicle configuration, the number of operators who will use the equipment and whether the jetter needs to be transferred between vehicles.
Those details allow a much more appropriate system to be recommended.
Why Australian Plumbers Choose Assassin Jetters
Assassin Jetters is an Australian-owned and operated business focused on professional plumbing and drain-cleaning equipment.
The company's approach is based around equipment designed for plumbers and drain technicians, with an emphasis on practical system design, product development, training and safety.
Rather than offering only a water jetter, Assassin Jetters supplies the broader equipment ecosystem required for professional drainage work, including jetters, Mustang nozzles, Armadillo jetting hoses, hose reels, drain cameras, Flexshaft equipment, safety products, accessories and spare parts.
You can learn more about the business and its approach on the About Assassin Jetters page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Jetters
What is a water jetter used for?
A water jetter uses high-pressure water and specialist nozzles to clean and clear pipes and drains. Professional plumbers use them for problems including roots, grease, sediment and other drain obstructions.
Is higher PSI always better?
No. PSI is only one part of a jetter's performance. Water flow, hose size, hose length and nozzle configuration are also important. The system should be matched to the application.
What size water jetter does a plumber need?
That depends on the type of drainage work being performed. Residential maintenance, commercial drainage and larger sewer applications can require different combinations of pressure, flow, hose and nozzle.
Can water jetters cut tree roots?
A suitably configured professional water jetter using an appropriate root-cutting nozzle can be used to remove root intrusion from drains. The condition of the pipe should also be assessed, as recurring roots can indicate an underlying defect that requires repair.
Should a drain camera be used with a jetter?
Drain cameras can be extremely useful before and after water jetting. They can help identify the obstruction, assess pipe condition and confirm the result after cleaning.
Do water jetter operators need training?
High-pressure water jetting presents serious risks and Australian requirements vary according to equipment classification and the work being undertaken. Operators and businesses should understand the applicable Australian Standards, WHS requirements and training obligations. Safe Work Australia's guidance provides further information.
What nozzle should I use with my water jetter?
The correct nozzle depends on the machine's pressure and flow as well as the type and size of drain and the material being removed. Using a properly matched nozzle is important for getting the best performance from the system.
How often should a water jetter be serviced?
Servicing should follow the equipment manufacturer's maintenance requirements and take account of how heavily the machine is used. Hoses, fittings, pumps, nozzles and safety equipment should also be regularly inspected.
Build the Right Jetter Setup for Your Business
Choosing a professional water jetter isn't simply about buying the machine with the highest PSI.
The best-performing systems bring together the right pump, water flow, hose, nozzle, reel, storage and safety equipment for the work being undertaken.
For plumbers who depend on their equipment every day, getting that combination right can mean faster setup, more effective drain cleaning, less downtime and a system that's better suited to the way their business operates.
Explore the full range of Assassin Jetters water jetters or speak with the Assassin Jetters team about configuring a jetting solution for your plumbing or drainage business.