In terms of cleaning up your plumbing system, there is hardly any other solution as potent, efficient, and durable as Hydro Jetting. Whether you are a homeowner who has to deal with frequent clogged drains or a business owner whose plumbing system has to handle a lot of traffic, hydro jetting is a sure and environmentally friendly method of ensuring that your pipes remain in their best condition.
So what is hydro jetting? What is the mechanism? And why is it thought to be one of the most effective ways of cleaning drains and maintaining pipes? In this article we are going to look at everything you need to know about hydro jetting, its advantages, its comparison to other forms of drain cleaning, and when you should use it.
Hydro Jetting is a plumbing procedure whereby high pressure water is used to clear and unclogged slow sewage lines and drain pipes. As opposed to traditional snaking techniques of breaking through a clog without getting rid of the entire buildup, hydro jetting clears out all the material against the interior walls of your pipes.
It is done through a special hose, which has a multi-directional nozzle that sprays water at pressures of as much as 4,000 PSI (pounds per square inch). This high pressure stream of water cleans out the pipe, washing away debris, grease, scale, tree roots and other debris.
Hydro jetting is normally initiated by a video camera inspection. A plumber uses a small camera that fits into the plumbing system to determine the site and the kind of blockage. This will guarantee that the pipes are good and can withstand the high pressure of water.
After the inspection has been done, the plumber feeds the hydro jetting hose into the pipe. The nozzle shoots water in all directions, both forward and backward, and basically blasts through the blockage and cleans the walls of the pipe. The displaced debris is then flushed out and your plumbing system is clean and working well.
1. Thorough Cleaning
The thoroughness of cleaning the pipe is one of the greatest benefits of hydro jetting. It does not merely punch a hole through the clog; it clears all traces of debris along the walls of the pipe returning your pipes to near original condition.
2. Environmentally Friendly
Hydro jetting is not as harmful as chemical drain cleaners because it involves the use of water alone. This is far more environmentally friendly in terms of drain cleaning, particularly in locations where the health of ground water and soil is of concern.
3. Avoids Future Blocks
Hydro jetting is effective in that the sludge and grime that had accumulated are cleared out to ensure that no new clogs will be created any time soon. This may save you money in the long run because you will not have to make frequent service calls or emergency plumbing repairs.
4. Versatile Applications
Hydro jetting is applicable to various plumbing systems including residential premises, commercial premises, restaurants, and industrial premises. It can be used on most of the materials of pipes such as cast iron, PVC, clay, and steel.
5. Speedy and Effective
Hydro jetting is able to clear blockages in many instances with greater speed than conventional methods. After installation of the equipment, it typically takes less than two hours to complete the process, even in large or extensively clogged systems.
Hydro jetting is very effective, but not always required in case of minor clogs. These are some of the indicators and scenarios in which hydro jetting is the most appropriate:
Reoccurring clogs in your sinks, showers or toilets
Sluggish drains in your building or house
Bad smells emitting out of your drains or sewer line
Bubbling in your pipes
Accumulation of grease in kitchens or commercial areas of restaurants
Roots of trees in your sewer lines
A plumber will usually perform some kind of inspection before going ahead with hydro jetting to see whether your pipes can withstand the pressure and that there are no weak spots or cracks.
Hydro jetting is not harmful to residential and commercial plumbing on most occasions. It is however necessary that your pipes should be checked by a professional plumber. Weak, old or broken pipes may not be able to withstand the high pressure water and the process may cause further damage to the pipes.
In the course of the inspection, your plumber will decide on the right amount of water pressure to apply depending on the material and condition of the pipe to make hydro jetting safe and effective.
Hydro jetting may cost you more or less depending on a number of factors, which include:
The degree of the blockade
The size and length of the pipes
Whether camera inspection is required
The rates of your plumber and location
The average cost of hydro jetting services is between 300 to 800 dollars but it may be more expensive in case of big commercial systems or serious blockages. Although this can be costly as opposed to snaking or chemical cleaners, the benefits of long-term use can be worth the initial cost.
DIY Hydro Jetting: Is It Possible?
Consumer-grade pressure washers and nozzle attachments exist, but it is highly advised against attempting to do your own hydro jetting. Using professional hydro jetting equipment entails very high pressure and needs training and safety measures. An improper pressure or method will break your pipes or injure you.
To get the best out of hydro jetting, ensure that a professional plumber that is licensed does the hydro jetting.
Hydro jetting is an ideal solution when you have to deal with clogged pipes, foul smells, and slow drains. It is quick, efficient and clean and when done by a trained expert, it can significantly enhance the health and efficiency of your plumbing system.
Hydro jetting is unlike the temporary solutions that only offer a superficial clean but can leave your pipes clear many years later. It is a new, technologically advanced answer to an ancient question and one that more and more homeowners and businesses are using every day.