Hot Water Jetter — Why Grease Doesn’t Stand a Chance Against Heated Hydro Jetting
Updated March 2026 | By HotJet USA
If you’re a drain cleaning professional dealing with restaurant grease traps, commercial kitchens, or any pipe clogged with F.O.G. (fats, oils, and grease), you already know the frustration. You blast the line with a cold water jetter, the grease moves down a few feet, and you’re back at the same job in three weeks. A hot water jetter changes the game — here’s exactly how and why.
The Grease Problem Every Plumber Faces
Grease is the number one enemy in commercial drain lines. Restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools — anywhere food is prepared, grease builds up inside pipes. Over time, F.O.G. hardens on the pipe walls and creates a layer that narrows the opening until the line backs up completely.
Cold water jetting at high pressure can break through the blockage, sure. But here’s the problem: cold water doesn’t dissolve grease — it just relocates it. The grease re-solidifies further down the pipe and you’ve got the same clog in a new spot. Your customer isn’t happy, and they’re not calling you back.
How Hot Water Jetting Actually Works
A hot water jetter works the same as any hydro jetter — high-pressure water through a specialized nozzle at 2,000-4,000+ PSI. The difference is an onboard diesel-fired burner that heats water to 140°F and above before it hits the pipe.
At that temperature, grease doesn’t stand a chance. The hot water:
- Melts grease on contact — Liquefies F.O.G. buildup instead of just pushing it
- Breaks down bio-film — The bacterial slime layer that feeds on grease and causes odors
- Sanitizes the pipe — Hot water kills bacteria that cold water leaves behind
- Cleans to the pipe wall — Leaves the line truly clean, not just temporarily open
The result? Drains stay clear 3-4 times longer between service calls. That means maintenance contracts instead of emergency calls — and that’s where the real money is. Learn more about the differences in our article: Cold Water vs Hot Water Drain Line Cleaning.
Where Hot Water Jetting Pays for Itself
Not every job needs hot water. But for these applications, it’s the difference between a one-time fix and a recurring service contract:
- Restaurant grease traps and kitchen drain lines — The #1 use case for hot water jetting
- Food processing facilities — Animal fats and oils that cold water can’t touch
- Hotels and hospitals — Commercial kitchens with heavy F.O.G. output
- Apartment complexes and universities — Shared kitchen drains with constant grease buildup
- Bio-film removal — The slimy bacterial layer inside pipes that causes recurring backups and odors. Read more: Breaking the Bio Film in Drain Lines
Plumbing contractors who add hot water jetting to their services consistently report higher ticket prices and repeat maintenance contracts. When you solve the problem permanently instead of temporarily, customers notice — and they’ll pay for it.
HotJet II — The Industry Standard for Hot Water Jetting
The HotJet II series delivers 10GPM @ 4,000 PSI with an onboard hot water system — purpose-built for grease, bio-film, and F.O.G. applications. Starting at $52,995, it’s the most popular trailer mounted hot water jetter on the market.
Every HotJet II comes fully loaded — hot or cold water capability, Warthog nozzle-ready, non-proprietary components (so you’re never locked into dealer-only parts), and engineered for easy one-person operation. Check out 7 Things to Look For in a Jetter to see why the details matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hot water jetter worth the extra cost over cold water?
If grease is part of your business, absolutely. The HotJet II starts at $52,995 vs $39,995 for a cold water XtremeFlow II. That $13,000 difference pays for itself fast when you’re landing $500-$1,000+ grease cleaning jobs and locking in monthly maintenance contracts.
Can a hot water jetter also run cold water?
Yes. Every HotJet II operates in both hot and cold water mode. Turn off the burner and you’ve got a full-power cold water jetter for roots, sediment, and general cleaning. You get two machines in one.
What pipe sizes can a hot water trailer jetter handle?
The HotJet II cleans lines from 2″ up to 12″ — covering everything from residential kitchen drains to commercial main lines. Nozzle selection and hose size determine your range for each job.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Call HotJet USA today at 1-800-624-8186 to talk with a jetter expert about adding hot water capability to your business. We’ll walk you through the options, the ROI, and help you pick the right machine for your market. Visit hotjetusa.com to explore our full lineup.
HotJet USA is the manufacturer of trailer mounted sewer and drain line jetters. For over 25 years, we’ve specialized in hot and cold water hydro jetting equipment — trailer mounted, skid mounted, and truck mounted. We also offer comprehensive jetter training classes. Call today for expert advice!
