Proper jetter maintenance may be one of the easily overlooked business items as a drain cleaning professional. In this blog, we’ll provide a look at specifics for the jetter models we offer here at MyTana.
All models
Regular inspection and maintenance are key to preventing breakdowns and prolonging the life of jetting equipment. As with any equipment investment, keeping the machine clean and dry maximizes performance and longevity.
Following are some general tips for all MyTana jetters. Maintenance schedules for each model appear after this.
- Never let pump run dry! Pump cavitation can occur in only a few seconds of low water supply. Ensure adequate source supply before running by measuring flow for 1 minute.
- Avoid running anything abrasive through pump. Abrasive materials will damage pump components, resulting in total malfunction or loss of pressure capability.
- Keep jetter hose away from sharp edges (all models) and muffler (gas models).
While hose is easily replaced, damaged hose is prone to bursting at any time, causing unexpected delays and downtime- Sharp edges can scrape, slice and generally damage hose quickly. Buffer sharp edges with rags, tape, cardboard, etc. or use a TigerTail™ guide, available at MyTana.com.
- The hot muffler on gas engines can damage the coating on the hose causing a weak point that may not hold up under pressure
- Do not use pulse valve more than necessary.
- Never run pump if there is ice in pump or outlet hose.
- Blow water out of system every day to prevent corrosion of components.
- Run antifreeze through your system. This helps with lubrication, prevents O-rings from drying out and greatly reduces the chance of rust, minerals and other contaminants damaging the pump or fittings.
- Antifreeze should be done regularly no matter the season – for jetters used daily or every other day in normal temps, antifreeze should be run
- through your pump every few weeks
- through the pressure hose every few months – this is done primarily to lubricate and protect the fittings
- If you know there will be a period of 2-3 days when the jetter will be idle OR if the jetter is stored in potentially freezing weather, make sure to run antifreeze into pump, bypass hose and pressure hose as part of your shut down procedure. In cold temperatures it is always best to store the jetter in a heated environment.
- Antifreeze should be done regularly no matter the season – for jetters used daily or every other day in normal temps, antifreeze should be run
Maintenance Schedules - Specific Models
Follow these maintenance schedules to maximize the life of your jetting equipment.
M20 or M20T
SHUT OFF AND UNPLUG MOTOR BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY REPAIRS OR MAINTENANCE.
Inspect and check for: |
Frequency |
Leaks in discharge or inlet fitting and hose |
Daily |
Adequate water supply to the pump |
Daily |
Jet nozzles are not clogged or worn |
Daily |
Pump oil level |
Daily |
PRESSURE HOSE for wear and damage. |
Daily |
INLET FILTER for dirt and sediment. |
Daily |
Service item: |
Frequency |
Pump Crankcase Oil Change |
1st month or 25 hours for “break in” Then every year or 500 hours If water gets into oil, change at once (oil will take on a cream color or look cloudy if mixed with water) Recommended oil:
|
Add antifreeze to hose and pump (see procedure below) |
If stored in potentially freezing temps If jetter will be unused for 2-3 days |
Antifreeze procedure: Insert a short length of garden hose into a gallon of antifreeze and connect to the inlet valve. Turn on the pump and run until you see antifreeze coming out of the nozzle end of the hose.
- To add antifreeze to pump only, run ½ of a quart of antifreeze, then shut down.
- At next use of jetter, you can recover most of that antifreeze when you hook up to your water source. Antifreeze can be used multiple times. However, if it gets too diluted (more than 50% water) or if there is any discoloration, discard that antifreeze and replace with new.
We recommend using RV antifreeze.
M30 Gas Jetter
SHUT OFF ENGINE BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY REPAIRS OR MAINTENANCE.
Inspect and check for: |
Frequency |
Leaks in discharge or inlet fitting and hose |
Daily |
Adequate water supply to the pump |
Daily |
Jet nozzles are not clogged or worn |
Daily |
Pump oil level, fuel level engine oil level |
Daily |
PRESSURE HOSE for wear and damage. |
Daily |
INLET FILTER and FUEL FILTER for dirt and sediment. |
Daily |
AIR CLEANER for dirt |
Weekly |
Service item: |
Frequency |
Pump Crankcase Oil Change |
1st mo. or 25 hours for “break in” Then every year or 500 hours If water gets into crankcase, change at once (oil will take on a cream color or look cloudy if mixed with water) Recommended oil:
|
Engine Oil Change * |
1st mo. or 20 hrs. Then every 6 mo. or 100 hrs. Recommended oil: SAE 10W30 Motor Oil |
Air Filter Cleaning * |
Every 3 mo. or 50 hrs. |
Fuel Filter Change * |
Every 6 mo. or 100 hrs. |
Spark Plug Change * |
Every 6 mo. or 100 hrs. |
*Refer to engine manufacturer’s manual for more details.
Antifreeze procedure: Insert a short length of garden hose into a gallon of antifreeze and connect to the inlet valve. Turn on the pump and run until you see antifreeze coming out of the nozzle end of the hose.
- To add antifreeze to pump only, run ½ of a quart of antifreeze, then shut down.
- At next use of jetter, you can recover most of that antifreeze when you hook up to your water source. Antifreeze can be used multiple times. However, if it gets too diluted (more than 50% water) or if there is any discoloration, discard that antifreeze and replace with new.
We recommend using RV antifreeze.
MV84, MV80 or MS80
SHUT OFF ENGINE BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY REPAIRS OR MAINTENANCE.
Inspect and check for: |
Frequency |
Leaks in discharge or inlet fitting and hose |
Daily |
Adequate water supply to the pump |
Daily |
Jet nozzles are not clogged or worn |
Daily |
Pump oil level, fuel level engine oil level |
Daily |
PRESSURE HOSE for wear and damage. |
Daily |
INLET FILTER and FUEL FILTER for dirt and sediment. |
Daily |
AIR CLEANER for dirt |
Weekly |
Belt tension |
Monthly |
Service item: |
Frequency |
Pump Crankcase Oil Change |
1st mo. or 25 hours for “break in” Then every year or 500 hours If water gets into crankcase, change at once (oil will take on a cream color or look cloudy if mixed with water) Recommended oil:
|
Engine Oil Change * |
1st mo. or 20 hrs. Then every 6 mo. or 100 hrs. Recommended oil: SAE 10W30 Motor Oil |
Air Filter Cleaning * |
Every 3 mo. or 50 hrs. |
Fuel Filter Change * |
Every 6 mo. or 100 hrs. |
Spark Plug Change * |
Every 6 mo. or 100 hrs. |
*Refer to engine manufacturer’s manual for more details.
Our new Antifreeze Kit for the MV84 (or MV80) delivers antifreeze to all parts of the pump system: the pump, bypass hose and float valve. It is included with machine purchases after October 2022. Instructions for use are online at MyTana.com/product-manuals. Follow the link below for more information or to purchase.