How to convert pressure washer into a sewer jetter

December 5, 2025

BISON Santy

Hello, I am Santy, the funder of bisonclean.com. I have been in cleaning machinery field for more than 5 years now, and the purpose of this article is to share with you the knowledge related to pressure washer from a Chinese supplier's perspective.

Have you ever had to clean or drain your piping system because it isn’t flowing as it should? This is a common issue in both residential and commercial settings. Clogged drains and sewer lines can be frustrating, and one of the most effective tools for clearing them is a sewer jetter, which uses high-pressure water to break through blockages and clean pipes. But professional sewer jetters can be expensive, often costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

If you already own a pressure washer, there’s a cost-effective solution: convert it into a sewer jetter. This option saves money and lets you handle tough clogs without buying a separate machine. In this blog, we will show you the difference between a sewer jetter and a pressure washer, and how to safely convert your pressure washer into a sewer jetter.

Understanding pressure washer and sewer jetter

What is a pressure washer?

A pressure washer is designed for cleaning exterior surfaces using high-pressure water. It typically includes a pump, a motor or engine, a high-pressure hose, and different nozzles for various cleaning tasks. An electric pressure washer is suitable for light home cleaning, while a gas pressure washer is designed for more stubborn cleaning jobs, such as patios, driveways, and sidewalks. Their pressure and spray patterns are ideal for removing dirt, grime, mold, and paint from surfaces.

What is a sewer jetter?

A sewer jetter, however, is built specifically for clearing clogged drains and sewer lines. It pushes water through a special nozzle that sprays both forward and backward. The backward jets pull the hose through the pipe, while the forward jet breaks up blockages and washes debris away. Although a sewer jetter uses the same basic components as a pressure washer—pump, motor, hose, and nozzle—it is engineered for internal pipe cleaning rather than surface washing.

Key differences between a pressure washer and a sewer jetter

Purpose: A Pressure washer is used for surface cleaning, while a sewer jetter is used for cleaning the inside of pipes.
Pressure and flow: Typical pressure washers run around 2.5–4.0 gpm, while sewer jetters often start at 4.0 gpm. Jetting for large pipes can reach extremely high pressures, sometimes above 10,000 psi.
Hose and nozzle design: Sewer jetter hoses are lightweight and flexible, allowing them to move deep into pipes. Jetting nozzles pull the hose forward using backward-facing jets. Pressure washer nozzles, by contrast, are made for external spray patterns.
Features: Many sewer jetters include extra features such as pressure gauges and flow controls.

Tools and materials needed

1. Pressure washer

Before you begin, make sure your pressure washer is strong enough for sewer jetting.
Recommended pressure: at least 2000 psi to provide enough force to break through clogs
Flow rate (gpm): 1.5–2.5 gpm for steady and efficient cleaning

2. Sewer jetter conversion kit components

Choose a kit that matches the pressure washer’s psi and hose connection size.

Hose: a flexible, high-pressure sewer jetter hose that can move easily through pipes.
Nozzle: a specialized jetter nozzle with forward jets to break clogs and backward jets to propel the hose. Avoid oversized nozzles—they lose pressure and clean less effectively.
Hose adapters/fittings: secure connectors that attach the jetter hose to your pressure washer without leaks.
Ball valves: allow quick shut-off and control of water flow.

3. Optional accessories

Hose reel: keeps the hose organized and prevents tangles during use.
Foot pedal or trigger lock: gives you hands-free control over water flow, improving both safety and ease of operation.

Converting a pressure washer to a sewer jetter

Step 1: Prepare the pressure washer

Before you begin, inspect your pressure washer for leaks, cracks, or loose parts.

Make sure the water supply is clean and properly connected.

Turn off the unit and release any remaining pressure before attaching any new components.

Step 2: wrap the jetter hose on the hose reel

If your jetter hose is not already on the reel, wrap it neatly.

This makes the hose easier to control and prevents tangles once it is connected to the jumper hose.

Step 3: Attach the jetter hose

Connect the high-pressure jetter hose to your pressure washer using the correct adapters or fittings from your conversion kit. Make sure every connection is tight to avoid leaks and pressure loss.

Step 4: Install the nozzle/ball valve

Install the nozzle:

The forward jet breaks blockages, while the backward jets pull the hose through the pipe.

Wrap PTFE tape around the nozzle threads for a leak-free seal.

Attach the sewer jetter nozzle to the end of the jetter hose.

Install the ball valve (replacing the spray gun):

Remove the spray gun from your pressure washer hose.

Attach the ball valve to the pressure washer hose.

Connect the jetter hose to the jumper hose. A jumper hose is usually shorter, often 1-12 feet long, and you’ll use it to connect your power washer to the jetter hose.

Step 5: Test the setup

Turn on your pressure washer at low pressure first.

Check for leaks or loose fittings.

Gradually increase pressure and verify that water flows correctly through the jetter hose and nozzle.

How to use your converted pressure washer

1. Feeding the hose into the drain

Put on all required PPE before starting.

Slowly insert the jetter hose into the drain or pipe opening. Do not force the hose. The backward-facing jets will naturally pull it forward.

If the hose meets resistance at bends, gently rotate it while feeding to help it move through the pipe.

2. Clearing clogs

Start your pressure washer on a low setting to gradually introduce pressure into the hose.

Once the hose is securely inside the pipe, increase the pressure to the recommended level.

Guide the hose slowly through the pipe.

Let the nozzle break up clogs and push debris forward.

You can gently move the hose back and forth to loosen stubborn buildup and allow water to flow freely again.

3.Flushing and shutdown

After clearing the clog, keep the water running for a few minutes to wash away leftover debris.

Turn off the pressure washer and release any built-up pressure in the hose before pulling it out of the drain.

Disconnect the hose and nozzle carefully, and check for leaks or signs of wear.

Clean and inspect the hose and nozzle after each use to maintain performance and extend the lifespan of your equipment.

Advantages and limitations of modifying a pressure washer

Advantages

Cost savings: Instead of spending a large amount on a professional machine, you only need a compatible jetter kit to upgrade your existing pressure washer.
Flexibility: Pressure washers will become multi-functional tools, maximizing the value of the machines.
Convenience: With a converted setup, you can clear minor clogs and maintain drains whenever needed—no waiting for contractors or service appointments.

Limitations

Low power: The modified pressure washer cannot match the pressure and flow rate of a professional sewer jet cleaner.
Increased wear and tear: Using your pressure washer for jetting puts extra load on the pump and motor. Regular maintenance is necessary to prevent early wear or performance issues.
Learning curve: Guiding the hose through pipes and managing high-pressure water takes practice. Improper use may result in damage.

Conclusion

Converting a pressure washer into a sewer jetter is a practical, budget-friendly way to clear clogs and maintain your drain system. By following the above precautions, you can safely convert a pressure washer into a drain cleaner and confidently handle clogged drains.

As a well-known Chinese supplier of generators and generator parts, BISON pressure washers are designed with durability and user safety in mind, making them an ideal choice for conversion into sewer jetters.

If you are looking for the right sewer jetter and sewer jetter kit, choose to start a business partnership with BISON. We will provide you with a complete sewer jetter range and detailed procedures.

FAQs about convert pressure washer into a sewer jetter

Is water pressure or water volume more important for cleaning?

Both water pressure and water volume are important for effective sewer jetting. High pressure breaks up debris, while water volume pushes the loosened material through the line so it doesn’t settle back into the system.

How much pressure does it take to jet a sewer line?

For cleaning 4–10 inch sewer lines with grease or root buildup, experts recommend 18–20 gpm paired with 4,000 psi.

Are sewer jetter kits universal?

Most sewer jetter kits use a standard 1/4-inch connection, but not all pressure washers follow this standard. Some brands use proprietary fittings to limit compatibility.