Hydro Jetting
Experiencing slow or completely blocked drains throughout your home or even sewage backing up into showers or bathtubs downstairs indicates a serious issue: a blockage in your sewer line.
In the past, a sewer clog was a nightmare scenario, but today, there’s a fast and eco-friendly solution called hydro jetting. This method swiftly eliminates sewer clogs without the need for extensive digging, restoring your home’s plumbing to smooth operation in no time.
Blockages Hydro-Jetting Can Remove
Hydro-jetting stands out as an exceptionally effective method for clearing a variety of blockages in plumbing systems. Using high-pressure streams of water, hydro-jetting efficiently dislodges and eliminates stubborn debris, buildup, and obstructions from pipes and drains. Here are some of the most common types of blockages that hydro-jetting can effectively eliminate:
Grease and Oil Buildup: Hydro-jetting breaks down and flushes away grease and oil accumulations that cause clogs and hinder water flow in pipes.
Tree Roots: The powerful water force of hydro-jetting can penetrate and cut through tree roots that have invaded sewer lines, restoring proper drainage.
Scale and Mineral Deposits: Minerals in water can accumulate inside pipes over time, forming scale deposits that reduce flow capacity. Hydro-jetting can forcefully remove these deposits, restoring pipes to their original diameter.
Soap Scum and Residue: Hydro-jetting excels at removing soap scum and residue buildup typically found in bathroom drains and pipes.
Food Particles and Organic Matter: Kitchen drains often accumulate food particles and organic matter, leading to persistent blockages. Hydro-jetting effectively dislodges and flushes away these materials, preventing future backups.
In summary, hydro-jetting offers a versatile solution for addressing a wide range of plumbing blockages. It provides thorough cleaning and restores optimal flow capacity, making it an invaluable tool for maintaining plumbing systems.
Understanding How Hydro Jetting Works
While hydro jetting might seem complex, it’s actually quite straightforward. Imagine it like using a pressure washer to clean your patio or home exterior. A specialized nozzle attached to a high-pressure hose blasts and scrubs the inside of your sewer line simultaneously. This process not only eliminates existing clogs but also removes the grime that could lead to future blockages. Hydro jetting effectively clears away various materials that cause sewer clogs, such as dirt, mud, raw sewage, food waste, fats, oils, soap scum, hair, and fecal matter.
Benefits of Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting is a plumbing and drain cleaning technique that utilizes high-pressure water to eliminate clogs and obstructions in pipes. This method offers several advantages:
- Effective Cleaning: Hydro jetting efficiently removes tough clogs, debris, and sediment from pipes, including grease, tree roots, and mineral deposits.
- Versatility: Suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing systems, hydro jetting works with various pipe materials like PVC, metal, and clay.
- Environmentally Friendly: Unlike chemical methods, hydro jetting relies on water’s power, making it eco-friendly by avoiding harsh substances.
- Preventative Maintenance: Regular hydro jetting helps prevent future clogs and extends plumbing system lifespan.
- Cost-Effective: Initial costs are offset by reduced repair needs, making hydro jetting economical over time.
- Bacteria and Odor Removal: Clears organic matter buildup, improving sanitation and eliminating odors.
- Quick and Efficient: Rapidly resolves issues with high-pressure water, faster than many traditional methods.
- Non-Destructive: Safely cleans pipes without damaging their structure.
However, it’s essential to consult a professional plumber to determine if hydro jetting is suitable for your specific plumbing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do hydro jets cost?
In 2022, the average cost of hydro jetting a main sewer line is between $700 and $1,100, according to Forbes. The final price can vary depending on several factors involved in the service call.
Is hydro jetting better than snaking?
Hydro jetting is highly effective for clearing sewer line clogs and serves as a proactive measure to prevent plumbing issues. Fat, oil, and grease are common culprits behind clogged drains and sewer lines.
What is the difference between hydro jetting and Roto Rooter?
While rooters scrape the sides of pipes, hydro jetters use pressurized water to blast away all debris and thoroughly clean the pipe. They are 30-50% more efficient and can adjust the water pressure to be aggressive or gentle as needed, ensuring high-quality results.
Can hydro jetting damage old pipes?
A hydro jetting machine can exert enough pressure to potentially damage old or fragile pipes. Therefore, it's important to have a professional plumber assess your pipes before opting for hydro jetting to clear them.
How long does hydro jetting last?
Generally, hydro jetting can keep pipes clear for anywhere between 6 months to 2 years, depending on different factors.
What is the alternative to hydro jetting?
Having been used for decades, rodding is a proven method for clearing sewer lines. It's a more advanced version of snaking, where instead of just pushing through clogs, rodding effectively breaks them apart.
Why is hydro jetting so expensive?
Hydro jetting tends to be more expensive than other methods like snaking or chemical drain cleaners due to the cost of equipment and the high level of skill required to operate it effectively.
Will hydrojet clear roots?
Before hydro jetting a pipe, a plumbing professional typically uses a camera to pinpoint the exact location and density of tree roots. Although hydro jetting effectively clears many tree roots from pipes, there are situations where it may not be effective.
Is hydro jetting safe for cast iron pipes?
Cast iron and clay pipes can be vulnerable to corrosion and other issues, but they can still be hydro jetted. It's wise to have your plumber inspect your pipes before scheduling this service.
Why use hydro jetting?
Hydro jetting is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to clear clogged drains. It uses high-powered water jets to remove buildup inside pipes, effectively clearing blockages and preventing them from recurring.