When simple plumbing solutions like plungers or drain cleaners fail, hydrojetting might be the answer you need. Hydrojetting uses high-pressure water to thoroughly clean the inside of your pipes, removing buildup, debris, and blockages that cause recurring problems.
Signs that you might need hydrojetting include slow drains throughout your home, frequent clogs that keep returning, unpleasant odors from drains, gurgling sounds in your plumbing, or water backing up into other fixtures. These symptoms typically indicate buildup in your pipes that regular cleaning methods can't reach.
Our professional plumbers recommend considering hydrojetting when you notice these warning signs, especially if they persist or worsen over time. This powerful cleaning method is particularly effective for older homes with aging pipes or properties that experience regular clogging issues. Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, hydrojetting clears obstructions without damaging your plumbing system.
Identifying the Need for Hydrojetting
Hydrojetting is a powerful plumbing solution that uses high-pressure water to clear stubborn blockages.
4 Signs of Severe Blockages
- Slow draining sinks, tubs, or toilets: This often signals a developing clog in your pipes. If water takes longer than usual to drain, this may indicate buildup that hydrojetting can effectively remove.
- Strange noises coming from your pipes: This can include gurgling, hissing, or screeching that suggests trapped air from partial blockages.
- Persistent foul odors from drains: Especially in kitchens and bathrooms, this typically means food, grease, or waste is decomposing in your pipes. When traditional cleaning doesn't eliminate these smells, hydrojetting can wash away the source.
- Recurring clogs: If clogs persist despite regular maintenance, it points to deeper problems. If you're plunging weekly, the issue likely extends beyond what simple tools can fix.
Limitations of Traditional Methods
Standard drain snakes and chemical cleaners often provide temporary relief but fail to completely remove buildup. They might clear a path through the clog without addressing the residue coating pipe walls.
DIY methods typically can't reach far into your plumbing system, and most household tools work only in the first few feet of piping, leaving deeper clogs untouched. Plunging and snaking merely punch holes through blockages rather than removing them completely. This explains why clogs often return quickly after these treatments.
Chemical drain cleaners can also damage pipes over time, especially older plumbing systems. These harsh chemicals eat away at pipes while often failing to dissolve stubborn blockages like tree roots or hardened grease.
Advantages of Hydro Jetting
Hydrojetting provides thorough cleaning by scouring the entire pipe interior. Water pressure between 1,500 and 4,000 PSI removes not just blockages but also the buildup on pipe walls that causes future problems. The process is environmentally friendly, using only water without harmful chemicals. This makes it safer for your pipes, your family, and the environment.
This method effectively tackles tough materials that resist other cleaning approaches. Tree roots, mineral deposits, and hardened grease—all common causes of severe blockages—can be blasted away with hydrojetting.
A camera inspection often accompanies hydrojetting services, allowing plumbers to identify exact problem areas and ensure complete cleaning. This diagnostic step helps confirm when hydrojetting is necessary and verifies its effectiveness afterward.
Comparing Hydrojetting to Other Drain Cleaning Methods
Different techniques offer varying levels of effectiveness depending on the type and severity of the blockage.
Snaking Vs. Hydro Jetting
Drain snakes (augers) are flexible metal cables that physically push through or pull out blockages. They're good for simple clogs like hair or small obstructions, they cost much less than hydro-jetting and work well for minor issues.
Hydro-jetting, however, uses high-pressure water streams (up to 4000 PSI) to blast away buildup on all sides of the pipe. Unlike snaking, which creates a small hole through the clog, hydro jets thoroughly clean the entire pipe diameter.
Chemical Cleaners and Their Impact
Chemical drain cleaners are easily available at stores and seem convenient, they use caustic chemicals to dissolve organic materials like hair and grease. However, these chemicals have significant drawbacks:
- Can damage pipes, especially older ones
- Harmful to the environment
- Dangerous if they contact your skin or eyes
- Often provide only temporary relief
The Efficacy of Mechanical Augers
Mechanical augers are heavy-duty versions of basic drain snakes, often powered by motors for extra force. Plumbing professionals use these for more serious clogs than standard hand augers can handle.
These tools excel at:
- Breaking up solid objects
- Clearing specific blockages
- Reaching clogs in straight pipes
- Being cost-effective for single obstructions
However, mechanical augers have limitations and may not fully clear sticky residue from pipe walls. They can also damage pipes if used incorrectly.
Understanding the Hydrojetting Process
Hydrojetting works differently than traditional drain cleaning methods, offering a more thorough solution for serious plumbing issues.
High-Pressure Water Technique
Hydrojetting uses a specialized machine called a jetter that forces water through a high-pressure hose at up to 4,000 PSI (pounds per square inch). This pressure is much stronger than what you'd get from a typical garden hose or pressure washer. The jetter has different nozzle attachments for various pipe sizes and clog types.
The high-pressure stream attacks blockages from multiple angles, breaking them apart completely. Unlike snaking, which merely pokes holes through clogs, hydrojetting scours the entire pipe interior. This method to remove years of buildup including grease, soap scum, mineral deposits, and even tree roots.
Effective Removal of Stubborn Clogs
Hydrojetting is particularly effective for severe blockages that resist conventional methods. When plungers, chemical cleaners, and drain snakes fail, hydrojetting often succeeds.
The pressurized water can remove:
- Grease and fat deposits in kitchen lines
- Hair and soap scum in bathroom drains
- Tree root intrusions in outdoor sewer lines
- Mineral buildup from hard water
- Food waste and other organic matter
Licensed plumbing professionals recommend hydrojetting for recurring drain problems, as it addresses the root cause rather than temporarily fixing symptoms.
Safety and Pre-Inspection Measures
Before performing hydrojetting, your pipes need a thorough inspection, which typically involves using a camera to examine the inside of your pipes. This inspection reveals the location and nature of blockages and checks for pipe damage.
Pre-inspection is crucial because:
- It confirms hydrojetting is appropriate for your situation
- It identifies any pipe damage that might worsen under high pressure
- It locates the best access point, usually through a cleanout
Professional plumbers will also consider pipe material and age. Older pipes or certain materials might not withstand the high pressure, so alternatives might be recommended.
When to Consult a Professional Plumber
While some minor plumbing issues can be handled on your own, many issues require a licensed plumbing expert. For example, if a toilet clog doesn't resolve with simple plunging, this may indicate a deeper issue in your main sewer line. Professional plumbers have the tools and expertise to diagnose the severity of the problem.
Key situations that require professional attention:
- Repeated backups in your plumbing system
- Multiple slow drains throughout your home
- Unpleasant sewer odors coming from drains
- Gurgling or screeching noises from pipes
- Failed attempts with conventional drain cleaning methods
Commercial properties often need regular hydrojetting as part of their maintenance plan, as these buildings typically have more extensive plumbing systems that handle higher volumes. Many municipalities also have regulations about proper sewer maintenance, especially for commercial properties. Licensed plumbers can ensure these codes are adhered to.
Get in touch to arrange a hydrojetting service of your plumbing system to rectify any persistent issues.
