Clogged drains and plumbing systems that move slowly can be more than just a bothersome nuisance; they can be signs of bigger problems inside your pipes.
Most clogs can be cleared with a plunger or drain snake, but some are too tough for those tools. Here comes hydro jetting, the powerful, professional-grade way to get rid of water problems.
Whether you’re a homeowner tired of recurring backups or a business owner dealing with sluggish drainage, hydro jetting might be exactly what your plumbing system needs. Let’s dive into what it is, how it works, and when it’s time to call in the big guns.
What Is Hydro Jetting?
Hydro jetting is a way to clean the inside of lines by using water under a lot of pressure. A special nozzle on a hose sends floods of water, usually between 3,000 and 8,000 PSI (pounds per square inch), into the pipe system to:
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Grease
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Sludge
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Tree roots
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Mineral buildup
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Hair, soap scum, and debris
This method not only clears out clogs but also scrubs the inside of your pipes, bringing them back to almost their original state without using harsh chemicals or invasive tools.
How Does Hydro Jetting Work?
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what happens during a typical hydro jetting service:
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Initial Inspection
Your plumber will usually perform a camera inspection to assess the clog’s severity and pipe condition. This ensures the pipes can handle the high pressure without damage. -
Setup and Access
The technician connects a high-pressure hose to a water tank and feeds the hose into the plumbing system via a cleanout or access point. -
Jetting Begins
The nozzle releases powerful jets of water forward and backward, breaking up clogs and washing debris out of the pipe toward the sewer system. -
Final Inspection and Testing
After the cleaning, a second camera inspection confirms that the blockage has been completely cleared and that the pipe is in good condition.
Benefits of Hydro Jetting
Not only is hydro jetting a great way to clean, but it also has long-term benefits that make it a good investment.
A Good Cleaning
While snaking makes a hole in a clog, hydro jetting cleans the whole pipe wall and leaves almost no waste behind.
Friendly to the environment
Water under a lot of pressure is used instead of harsh chemicals or acids.
Stops future clogs
Hydro cleaning helps keep clogs from happening again too soon by getting rid of all the buildup.
Not dangerous for most pipes
Hydro jetting is safe for modern plumbing systems, like PVC, copper, and cast iron pipes, as long as it is done by a trained expert.
Quick and Efficient: Hydro jetting can quickly finish jobs that would normally take hours to do with other methods.
When Do You Need Hydro Jetting?
So, how do you know when hydro jetting is the right solution? Here are several signs it may be time to call a professional:
1. Frequent Clogs or Backups
If your sink, toilet, or shower keeps clogging even after clearing it with a snake or plunger, it could be due to deep or hardened buildup.
2. Slow Draining
A single slow drain might be minor—but if multiple drains are slow, your system could be backed up throughout the main sewer line.
3. Gurgling Sounds
Bubbling or gurgling noises from drains usually indicate trapped air, often caused by blockages or buildup in the pipe.
4. Sewer Odors
Unpleasant smells coming from your drains may signal organic buildup or a partial blockage.
5. Tree Root Intrusion
Older homes or properties with large trees nearby often experience root infiltration. Hydro jetting is one of the best ways to break up and remove small root masses (though a follow-up repair may still be needed).
Is Hydro Jetting Safe for All Plumbing?
Most current plumbing systems are safe to use with hydro jetting, but pipes that are weak or broken are not. If your lines are old, rusty, or broken, high-pressure water can make things worse. That’s why camera checks are needed before any jetting job: to make sure the pipes are solid and not damaged.
Residential vs. Commercial Use
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Residential Use: Homeowners benefit from hydro jetting for routine maintenance or severe clogs that simple snaking can’t fix.
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Commercial Use: Restaurants, hotels, apartment complexes, and other businesses often require hydro jetting more frequently due to high usage and grease buildup.
How Often Should You Schedule Hydro Jetting?
Hydro cleaning is usually done once every one to two years on homes, but it depends on how often they are used and any problems they have. Businesses, especially those in the food business, may benefit from cleaning their drains every three to six months to avoid annoying backups.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
One of the best ways to clean and fix your pipes without making any holes or other damage is to use hydro jetting. If your drains keep getting clogged, your pipes are running slowly, or your home smells bad, don’t just treat the symptoms. Get to the root of the problem with a skilled hydro jetting service.
Get in touch with our team to get started on your next project!
