Hydro Jetting: The Ultimate Drain Cleaning Solution

When your drains are clogged, you want a solution that’s fast, effective, and long-lasting. While traditional methods like snaking can provide a temporary fix, hydro jetting offers a superior, more comprehensive clean. Here’s a breakdown of what hydro jetting is, how the process works, and why it’s the ultimate solution for stubborn drain clogs.

What Is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting is a powerful drain cleaning technique that uses a highly pressurized stream of water to scour the inside if your pipes. Think of it as a pressure washer for your plumbing system. A specialized hose with a forward-facing nozzle is inserted into your drain, and the water is propelled at up to 4,000 PSI (pounds per square inch). This force is strong enough to obliterate even the most challenging blockages.

The Hydro Jetting Process

Access Point: The plumber will find an appropriate access point, often a cleanout, to insert the hydro jetting hose. This ensures the jetter can be positioned correctly to clean the entire length of the pipe.
Determine the Pipe’s General Condition: Using experience and the age of the home, the technician must make an assessment of the pipe material and its likely condition. This is crucial for safely setting the water pressure. Since they can’t see the inside, they rely on external factors to avoid damaging old or compromised pipes.
Insert the Hydro Jetter Nozzle: The high-pressure hose and an appropriately sized nozzle are inserted into the cleanout.
The Blast: Once the hose is in place, the water is turned on. The nozzle propels the high-pressure water forward, breaking apart the blockage. The water also sprays backward, cleaning the walls of the pipe as the hose is pulled back. This dual action not only clears the clog but also clears the clog out but also removes any built-up residue.
Final Inspection: After the hydro jetting is complete, the plumber may perform a second camera inspection to confirm that the pipes are completely clear and free of debris.

Hydro Jetting

What Clogs Can Hydro Jetting Clear?

Hydro jetting is highly effective against a wide range of stubborn clogs that other methods can’t handle. It’s the go-to solution for clogs caused by:

Grease and Oil: This is one of the most common causes of kitchen sink clogs. Grease and oil cling to the inside of pipes, slowly building up and narrowing the passage. The high-pressure water from a hydro jetter dissolves and flushes away this greasy residue.
Tree Roots: Small tree roots can work their way into tiny cracks in your pipes in search of water. Once inside, they can grow and cause significant blockages. A hydro jetter can blast these roots into small pieces, clearing the pipe.
Scale and Mineral Buildup: Over time, minerals from hard water can accumulate on pipe walls, creating a hard, crusty buildup. Hydro jetting effectively scrapes and removes this scale.
Sludge and Debris: This includes a mixture of soap scum, hair, food particles, and other organic matter that can create thick, slimy blockages in bathroom and kitchen drains. The sheer force of hydro jetting washes this gunk away completely.

In short, hydro jetting is a preventative measure as much as it is a solution. By not only clearing clogs but also cleaning pipe walls, it helps to extend the lifespan of your plumbing system and reduces the likelihood of future blockages.

Need hydro jetting for your residential or commercial property? Call the plumbing experts at A-Abel! We are ready to help with all of your plumbing problems.

FAQ’s:

Is hydro jetting safe for my pipes?
- Yes, when performed by a trained professional, hydro jetting is very safe for most pipes. Before starting, a plumber will typically perform a camera inspection to ensure your pipes are in good condition and can withstand the pressure. While the water pressure is high, it’s designed to clean the interior walls without causing damage to modern PVC or cast iron pipes. However, it is not recommended for old, fragile, or severely cracked pipes.
What is the difference between hydro jetting and a drain snake?
- A drain snake, or auger, is a mechanical tool that pokes a hole through a blockage to restore some flow. While effective for simple clogs, it doesn’t clean the pipe walls. Hydro jetting, on the other hand, not only clears the blockage to restore some flow. While effective for simple clogs, it doesn’t clean the pipe walls. Hydro jetting, on the other hand, not only clears the blockage but also scours the entire interior of the pipe, removing the residue that causes recurring clogs. This provides a much more thorough and long-lasting solution.
Can I do hydro jetting myself?
- It is strongly advised not to attempt hydro jetting on your own. The equipment is expensive and the water pressure is extremely high and can be dangerous if not handled properly. An untrained user could easily damage their pipes or cause serious injury. Always hire a licensed professional for this service.
How often should I get my drains hydro jetted?
- For most homes, hydro jetting is not needed on a regular basis unless you have recurring issues. However, if you’ve had a severe clog or a history of preventative maintenance measure to keep your plumbing system running smoothly and prevent future blockages.