---
title: Do You Need A Closed Loop System For Your Waterjet?
description: This article discusses the criteria you should review before purchasing a closed loop recycling system for your waterjet cutting machine.
image: https://www.southernfabsales.com/hubfs/(1852)%20AWP%20Freedom%20510-30%20DEMO%20Waterjet%20Cutting%20System%20-%20Pic%201-436772-edited.jpg
---
[813-444-4555](tel:8134444555)
[ ](https://www.southernfabsales.com/) [** ](https://www.southernfabsales.com/blog/do-you-need-a-closed-loop-system-for-your-waterjet#cos-search)
Posted By: Andy Kamashian | Posted On: August 19, 2019
# Do You Need A Closed Loop System For Your Waterjet?
Waterjets
Having been a manufacturer of waterjets I am very aware of the importance of good quality water BUT more so I also am aware of the significant trade-off of the investment in the initial system, and more importantly the daily investment in the operating costs it takes to make good quality, or "polished water." In most cases (90% of the time) tap water is sufficient (see link [HERE](https://fsmdirect.com/cutting/waterjet-cutting/164-water-can-affect-your-waterjets-cutting-capability)) to provide good seal life without any additional treatment (although a sediment filter is recommended). The addition of a simple water softener system can add significantly to the hours of seal life. This is recommended as the next water treatment step NOT a closed loop system. The addition of the "end-all (last resort) closed loop water recycling and polishing system (as pictured below) can extend your seal life to double or even triple that of normal tap water hours saving you a few hundred dollars on consumables every year. So seemingly the addition of a closed loop filtration system would be good right?
Well, yes until you start to realize the costs...
In the above pictured system is a diagram of a water treatment system for waterjets. These systems typically run about $7-9 per hour to operate.
## Maintenance & Spares Required
They require maintenance such as:
- Replacing the pre-filter
- Replacing The main filter
- Cleaning out daily of the overflow baffles
- Replacing of the DI bag
- Pump Maintenance
- Chiller Maintenance
- etc...
Now also note that once you have added this system into your waterjet machine, your machine is dependent on it feeding the pressurized filtered water. Should it be down for maintenance, which is often (1-2x daily in heavy cutting), so is your machine. Also add in the increased floor space required for the system, its piping and the maintenance space required
around it. Therefore even if you WANTED to buy a system to add to your new waterjet, I would not recommend it, rather I would recommend the following action, again based on experience NOT sales hyperbole.
## Try This First
1. **AT INSTALL:** Add in-line sediment filter (such as the kind purchased for whole home use from
your local hardware store
2. **AFTER FIRST FEW MONTHS**: After replacing first set of pump seals measure hours of high
pressure pump usage until next seal change is required.
- Under 200 hours means you probably should address any water quality issue. (Move to step 3)
- 200-400 hours means you are at a good spot with your water quality being average. (Don’t waste your money on expensive filtration systems.)
- 500+ Hours of seal life and you’re rated in the excellent category of seal life. (Definitely don't waste your money)
3. **OPTIONAL AFTER FIRST FEW MONTHS**: Add in a typical home or light industrial water softening system capable of meeting your pumps (30HP = .6 GPM, 50HP = 1.5PM) output. (repeat step 2).
In the end, closed loop water filtration systems are necessary in roughly only 20-30% of the waterjet users shops in North America due to their lack of access to a drain or extreme water contamination or usage restrictions. Remember too that a closed loop system can be added at anytime in the life of the machine at no additional costs (tapping into the feeder water lines is all that is required) so a wait-and-see approach is best. Also note that if needed you may purchase one of the many used systems available from shops that have found them to be more of an expense and maintenance headache then they are worth. Closed loop systems do not save money, they cost money, and therefore should only be employed where and when absolutely necessary.
At [***Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales, Inc.***](https://www.southernfabsales.com/) we are waterjet experts we know the machines, the parts and the process to make your waterjet operation successful. Call us today at **813-444-4555** to get waterjet help or visit us at **[www.southernfabsales.com](https://www.southernfabsales.com)** to shop for your next waterjet cutting system.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2215571/9769609a-fa24-4a46-bbab-7ced20366816)
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2215571/295fc5b7-cd08-4779-a17a-f56d84655856)
Andy Kamashian
Andy has extensive experience in Machining as well as Metal Fabricating. Gaining his knowledge through years dedicated to Tool & Die Making, Machining and Metal Fabrication with hands-on applications at companies such as: Kamashian Engineering, US Navy/DOD, Boeing, Charmilles, AGIE and Calypso Waterjet Systems. Andy is able to share this experience to assist you in your machining and fabrication equipment and application needs.
## Related Articles
### [ How to Get Ready for Your New Waterjet Machine Posted On: March 4, 2019 When you have made a decision to purchase a waterjet cutting machine you should be prepared in advance for a successful arrival and installation. These 4 ... Continue Reading **](https://www.southernfabsales.com/blog/waterjet-machine-preparation)
### [ 12 Steps to Ensuring You're Buying a Quality Cared-for Shear Posted On: June 22, 2018 Having a comprehensive plan and a good checklist to follow is vital when inspecting a used piece of machinery. At Southern Fab, we thoroughly inspect any ... Continue Reading **](https://www.southernfabsales.com/blog/12-steps-to-ensuring-you-re-buying-a-quality-cared-for-shear)
### [ Improving the Accuracy and Performance of Your Waterjet Cutting Machine Posted On: June 21, 2021 In waterjet cutting, accuracy is one of the most important characteristics of the parts produced, but what causes accuracy or more importantly, the loss of ... Continue Reading **](https://www.southernfabsales.com/blog/improve-waterjet-cutting-machine-performance)
[](https://bama-fl.org/)
[](http://www.amea.org/)
[](http://sme.org/)
[](http://www.mdna.org/)
[](https://www.bbb.org/west-florida/business-reviews/machinery-used/southern-fabricating-machinery-sales-in-lithia-fl-90210503)
## Main Menu
## Machinery
**
Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales, Inc.**
10417 South County Road 39
Lithia, FL 33547
P: 813.444.4555
F: 813.333.0450
© 2026 Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales, Inc. All Rights Reserved. | [Privacy Policy](https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5M_s-Wl6aeGcXAwU1M1UzcxV3M/view)
