The WJA Approved Drain and Sewer Cleaning Course equips operatives with the essential knowledge and practical skills to carry out safe, effective drain and sewer cleaning using high-pressure water jetting.
This course is designed for operatives involved in drain and sewer cleaning using high-pressure water jetting equipment, who need a clear understanding of the risks, techniques and correct use of pressures, nozzles and accessories to carry out work safely, competently and efficiently.
Yes. Participants must hold a current, valid WJA Safety Awareness Photocard before attending this course, which is required to validate all WJA training and certification.
This course is delivered in two parts, combining classroom-based theory with practical, hands-on training. The theory session covers common drain and sewer cleaning challenges, safe working methods, equipment selection, pressures, nozzles and accessories, and is concluded with a 20-question assessment with a pass mark of 80%. Participants then complete a practical session to demonstrate competence, with successful completion of both elements required to pass the course.
Once the course has been successfully completed, participants will be issued with a WJA Drain and Sewer Cleaning Photocard and granted access to the WJA App, both issued by the Water Jetting Association (WJA). The photocard confirms the holder’s competence in drain and sewer cleaning and remains valid indefinitely, provided a current, valid WJA Safety Awareness Photocard is maintained at all times.
In place of a physical certificate, successful candidates receive digital access to their certification via the WJA App, allowing them to view a digital version of their photo ID card and training record. This approach reduces the need for paper documentation and supports the WJA’s commitment to a more sustainable, efficient and modern system for managing water jetting credentials.
(to be included only when presented as a ‘Stand-Alone’ Course)
Nozzles & Jets, Pumps & Ancillaries, Pressure Controls, High Pressure Hose, Hazards & Injuries, Personal Protective Equipment, Operational Procedures.
Scope of drain and sewer cleaning applications; other pipeline systems. Range of cleaning requirements and standards. Range of Jetting Machines suitable for drain and sewer cleaning.
Review nozzle principles – fixed jet nozzles, rotating nozzles, life and wear characteristics, driven rotating nozzles, associated ancillary equipment.
Hose used in drain and sewer applications, damage and wear possibilities, hose ancillaries. Bore size and flow capabilities.
Range of jetting machines used, engine controls and instruments. Pump pressure controls, review dump/dry shut and selector/fail safe types, pressure safety relief. Water supply/delivery features – filtration requirements, boost feed pumps, built-in anti-freeze provisions.
Information and assessment – site location, access to and layout of pipeline; construction material and nature of contaminants – initial condition and require finished condition; water provision, waste disposal, hazards. Selection of equipment & manning levels – jetting machine/nozzles/accessories, number and duties of operators, single person operation. Determine job method, based on safe system of work.
Daily checks – manufacturer’s instructions, other items requiring regular checks. Setting-up – permits/authorisations, barriers and warning signs, positioning of machine and equipment, team duties and signals, flushing, leaks check, preparation for entry of nozzle. Nozzle entry and advance into pipe; control and monitoring during cleaning, debris extraction, standard of finish. Release of hose if trapped by debris, removal of nozzle on completion. Job completion – client inspection, waste removal, equipment decontamination, return site to safe condition.
Jetting machine and equipment – review features, and demonstrate daily checks, start/run/stop. Job assessment – review and discuss, site location and constraints, accessibility, pipeline layout and features. Pipe construction, nature of contamination, required finishing condition. Water supply, effluent drainage and waste disposal. Hazards and use of PPE. Discussion of options agree job method. Site preparation – setting up work area. Team talk – review job method, signal, set up team(s). Position jetting machine, layout and check equipment. Demonstrate all procedures to full group. For all teams, instruct each operator in each duty. Trainees carry out exercise, each team following instructions to set up, flush, check for leaks, prep for nozzle entry, proceed with operation. Rotate team members through duties. Review at each rotation and final review. Disconnect equipment and clear site.
Review of course content as above, with opportunity for any further discussion before Questionnaire.
