Page 29 - Sept-Oct2023 Vol 41 No 3

Tip #8 – Properly size the nozzle-to-hose
connection to prevent nozzle “ricochet”
If the nozzle-to-hose connection is not
sized properly, it can lead to a dangerous,
high-pressure “ricochet,” where the nozzle
and hose can suddenly turn around and
come back at the operator.
One way to prevent nozzle “ricochet”
is to size the nozzle-to-hose connection
properly, Story said.
“As a rule of thumb, the distance from
the tip of the nozzle to where the hose
connects needs to be approximately
one-and-a-half times the size of the pipe
diameter you are cleaning. Sizing it in this
way can help to prevent the nozzle from Photo left: Tier 3 nozzles can deliver safer sewer cleaning at lower PSI. Photo right: To prevent free spooling
turning around and coming back at you,” the nozzle up the line and losing control, use a nozzle skid and hold the nozzle back.
he says.
He also advises against “free spooling” a
nozzle up the sewer line.
“Any time you free-spool a nozzle up
the line, you lose control of the nozzle –
and it can ricochet back at you. To prevent
this, use a nozzle skid and hold the nozzle
back,” he said.
Tip #9 – Choose the right nozzle for the
job to reduce turbulence and wear
As is known throughout the industry,
there are several tiers of nozzles, rated for
water efficiency from Tier 1 (about 30%
efficient), Tier 2 (50-60% efficient), to Tier
3 (75-98% efficient). Photo left: Sewer cleaning nozzles at extremely high pressures should only be used in a pipe, or the nozzle
What sets the most efficient Tier 3 could whip around like a fire hose. Photo right: For safety in sewer pipe, open the upstream sewer manhole
nozzles apart from others in the category first, and this will allow the system to draw in fresh air.
is fluid mechanics engineering on par
with the aerodynamics of race cars or jet too fast. Rushing to clean more footage of even more to remove a blockage and
fighters. In the case of KEG Technologies’ sewer pipe is dangerous. To clean safely, let the nozzle do the work. The reason
Tier 3 nozzles, the high-performance fluid keep the nozzle slow and steady and let it we put forward jets on the nozzles is to
mechanics design leaves little room for do its job,” he said. safely open the blockage before the nozzle
power losses and excessive turbulence. To stay safe and productive, Story arrives. Slow down and the water will
By more effectively containing, advises contractors to never outrun their open the blockage before the nozzle ever
controlling, and directing high-pressure water, or they risk losing control of the gets there.”
water with less turbulence, a Tier 3 nozzle process and will eventually run into a While there is much more to the
can deliver more cleaning power at lower blockage. practice of sewer cleaning, following
PSI. This eliminates the need for operators “Sooner or later operators will run these ten tips will go a long way toward
to compensate for the lack of power from into a blockage of roots, grease, mineral keeping operators safe and productive on
Tier 1 or 2 nozzles by increasing the deposits, or cave-ins that will plug up the job for many years to come. Operators
pressure to higher PSI on the way back their front jets. Then they no longer have who are seeking a more comprehensive
through the line. Ultimately, less PSI (with a penetrating tool but a battering ram – a understanding of best-in-industry safety
a better, faster result) makes for safer nozzle with no forward jets trying to feed practices can train in person or virtually
sewer cleaning, as outlined in many of the its way through the blockage,” he said. with KEG Technologies in the timeframe
tips above. “For greater operator safety, slow down most suitable for them.
Tip #10 – Slow and steady wins the race –
and is safer for operators KEG Technologies, a Spartanburg, SC-based company, is a manufacturer of sewer and storm line
The number one mistake of most sewer products, including Tier 1 to Tier 3 nozzles, chain cutters, floor cleaners and camera nozzle systems. Its
cleaning operators that puts them at risk Tier 3 High Efficiency nozzles, such as the Torpedo, Royal and OMG, provide up to 98% efficiency. As a
is rushing through the process, according national trainer of best-practice techniques, Keg Technologies is a member of the National Association
of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO). For more information: call 866-595-0515; fax: (866) 595-
to Story. 0517; visit www.kegtechnologies.net.
“Most operators run their nozzles way

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