How to Choose the Right Harben Jetter for Your Business

Every jetter clears lines. The difference between machines usually comes down to how big the jobs are and how long you need to run before refilling water. Choosing the right one is tough. Before you start, ask yourself these three simple questions: “What Kind of Jobs Are You Running? How Long Do You Need to Run Before Refilling? What Work Am I Doing?”

There’s a lot of information here. If you want to just cut to the chase, you can always call your dealer or speak with one of our technicians. If now, here you go!

Ask yourself:

1. What Kind of Jobs Are You Running?
Start with the work you do most days.

Service Plumbing
These crews usually prefer compact jetters mounted on trucks or small trailers.

• Residential drains
• Restaurants and grease lines
• Small commercial sewer lines

Typical pipe sizes: 2″–8″

What matters most:

• Easy to maneuver
• Quick setup
• Reliable pressure
• Water flow

Commercial Sewer Cleaning
These crews usually move up to mid-size trailer jetters.

Typical jobs:

• Apartment complexes
• Shopping centers
• Industrial facilities

Typical pipe sizes: 6″–18″

What matters:

• Higher flow
• Longer cleaning runs
• More water capacity
• Higher pressure

Municipal Sewer Maintenance
Municipal crews usually run larger trailer jetters built for longer shifts.

Typical jobs:

• City sewer lines
• Storm drains
• Preventative flushing

Typical pipe sizes: 8″–24″+

What matters most:

• Large water tanks
• High flow
• Long runtime

2. How Long Do You Need to Run Before Refilling?
Water capacity matters more than most people expect. Small service calls might take 10–15 minutes of jetting. Municipal flushing can run hours at a time.

A bigger tank means:

• fewer refill trips
• more work per stop
• less downtime during the day

3. What Work Am I Doing?
This is usually the final deciding factor.

Truck / Van Jetters are best for service plumbers.

Why?

• Always with the truck
• Fast setup
• Compact

Typical jobs: Residential and commercial drain cleaning.

Trailer Jetters are best for bigger jobs.

Why?

• Larger water tanks
• Higher flow
• Longer operating time

Typical jobs: Municipal and large commercial work.

Pick your machine for the work you want to do today, in 3 years, maybe 10 years.

• Smaller everyday plumbing jobs - ES-12 or DTK130
• Want van mobility without towing - 4018 VPK
• Best all-around trailer - E180
• Need enclosed or custom install flexibility - 4018 Skid Mount
• Want a dedicated truck setup  - 4018 Truck Mounted
• Need more water and longer runtime  - ET180
• Need serious high-flow for large pipe - ET180 High-Flow

We know choosing a jetter is a big investment. The right machine can open new types of work, help you take on bigger jobs, and keep your crew productive for years. Our guide is meant to help you think through the options and understand what different machines are built to do.

Before you make a decision, it’s worth talking with a Harben technician or dealer. They can walk through your typical jobs, pipe sizes, and work environment to make sure the machine you choose fits the way you actually work.

Harben’s goal is to help contractors build stronger, more capable business that can scale and grow as you take on more work.

Harben Jetter Comparison Chart

Model	Setup	Pressure / Flow	Water Tank	Hose	Line Capacity	Best Fit
ES-12 Trailer	Single-axle trailer	3000 PSI / 12 GPM	300 gal	300' 1/2"	2" to 10"	Smaller jobs, lighter-duty drain cleaning, entry-level buyers
DTK130 Trailer	Compact trailer	4000 PSI / 18 GPM	130 gal	500' 1/2"	2" to 18"	Small residential and commercial jobs, everyday blockages
4018 VPK Van Pack	Van-mounted	4000 PSI / 18 GPM	100 gal, optional additional 100 gal	500' 1/2"	2" to 18"	Plumbers who want full power without towing a trailer
E180 Trailer	Single-axle trailer	4000 PSI / 18 GPM	375 gal	500' 1/2"	2" to 18"	Best all-around choice for mixed service and sewer work
4018 Skid Mount	Enclosed skid / cargo-trailer style	4000 PSI / 18 GPM	375 or 750 gal	500' 1/2"	2" to 18"	Crews wanting enclosed protection and flexible installs
4018 Truck Mounted	Truck-mounted	4000 PSI / 18 GPM	375 or 750 gal	500' 1/2"	2" to 18"	Municipal and contractors who want mobility with larger capacity
ET180 Trailer	Tandem-axle trailer	4000 PSI / 18 GPM	750 gal	500' 1/2"	2" to 18"	Longer runs, fewer refills, heavier daily work
ET180 High-Flow	Tandem-axle high-flow trailer	3032/2540/4025 options	750 gal	500' 3/4"	2" to 40"	Large debris, big municipal/industrial pipe, maximum water movement