Hydro Jetting: The last option to clean the clog free pipes
When your home or business is experiencing frequent drain clogs, slow moving water, or even bad odors in your plumbing a simple fix such as plunging or snaking may not work. Hydro jetting is one of the most lasting solutions in such instances.
Hydro jetting is a strong, environmentally-friendly way of cleaning up plumbing systems with high-pressure water. It is fast becoming the preferred means of cleaning both residential and commercial buildings by the owners who desire to get rid of the hard to remove build up and keep the drainage system healthy.
In this article we are going to tell you what hydro jetting is, how it functions, what issues it addresses, and why it is a better option than the current methods of drain cleaning.
What Is Hydro Jetting?
Hydro jetting is a plumbing method whereby pipes are cleaned and cleared by a high-pressure stream of water. A high-pressure nozzle is placed in the plumbing system and uses water, sometimes at pressures of 3,000 to 8,000 PSI, to blast and wash away everything including grease, soap scum, mineral deposits, tree roots and years of accumulated sludge.
As opposed to snaking that merely punches a hole through an obstruction, hydro jetting actually scrubs the inside of your pipes clean, leaving them almost as clean as when they were initially installed.
What is Hydro Jetting?
The hydro jetting procedure begins by a professional plumber performing a video camera inspection. This is necessary to determine where the clog is and also to make sure that your pipes are good enough to withstand high pressure cleaning.
After confirmation, the technician inserts a hose having a specially designed nozzle into the affected drain or sewer line. The nozzle sprays pressurized water around in every direction, both forward and back, so it can wash away debris, grease, tree roots, and even hardened mineral deposits.
The debris gets flushed out as the hose travels through the pipe and swept away leaving your plumbing system clear.
Hydro Jetting Use
Hydro jetting is very efficient, although it is not the first option. It is usually advised in the following circumstances:
Repeat Clogs: In case your drains can easily be clogged, even after snaking or chemicals, hydro jetting will help eliminate the buildup that is causing it.
Slow Drains: Slow draining sinks, tubs or showers could be a sign of grease or debris build up that can be removed by hydro jetting.
Bad Sewer Smells: Bacteria and sludge may accumulate in the walls of your pipes and give bad odors. Hydro jetting eliminates the source.
Tree Root Intrusion: This is one of the few non-invasive ways of cutting and flushing the tree roots in sewer lines.
Heavy Grease Buildup: This is more likely to happen in restaurants or commercial kitchens where grease can become thick blockages from food.
Advantages of Hydro Jetting
1. Thorough Cleaning
Hydro jetting does not only unclog a drain, it thoroughly cleans the inside of the entire pipe bringing it back to near original condition. This is what makes it particularly applicable in the long-term plumbing maintenance.
2. Eco-Friendly
Hydro jetting does not involve any chemicals as do the chemical drain cleaners. It is totally environmentally friendly and will not inject any toxins into your water or soil.
3. Deters Future Clogs
Hydro jetting decreases the chances of repeat clogs because it cleans the entire inner surface of the pipe. Grease and debris are not moved, they are removed.
4. Cost Efficient In the Long Run
Although hydro jetting might be more expensive initially compared to simple snaking, it can save you money in the long run because it would not require frequent service calls or pipe replacement.
5. Most Pipe Material Safe
Hydro jetting is safe when done by a professional and most of the modern piping materials such as PVC, copper, and cast iron. Camera inspection is done to confirm that the pipes can withstand the pressure prior to the process.
Hydro Jetting Residential vs. Commercial
Hydro jetting can be used on residential and commercial properties, although the size and amount can vary.
Hydro Jetting Residential:
Homeowners tend to apply hydro jetting to hard clogs in kitchens or bathrooms, old pipes, or tree roots. In households that have plumbing systems that are older, regular hydro jetting can be used as a preventative maintenance.
Business Hydro Jetting:
Restaurants, hotels, schools, and retail stores are businesses that get a lot of use and therefore can build up a lot. Hydro jetting is best suited in cleaning grease trap, sewer main and restroom drains in busy commercial settings.
What Is The Frequency Of Hydro Jetting?
Hydro jetting is determined by usage, the age of the pipes and the presence or absence of a history of drainage problems.
Average-use homes might be fine to hydro jet every 1 to 2 years.
Hydro jetting is usually beneficial to restaurants and commercial kitchens once every 6 to 12 months.
Properties that have older pipes made of clay or cast-iron might need more routine checks and cleaning.
Your plumber is able to advise a tailored schedule depending on the state and requirements of your plumbing system.
Is Hydro Jetting Safe?
Yes, but in the hands of a trained professional, hydro jetting is safe. The technician will do a camera inspection to inspect your pipes first. In case any form of damage, corrosion, and weak areas are found, they can suggest another approach such as conventional snaking or pipe replacement.
DIY hydro jetting is not advisable because the high-pressure water can injure or aggravate the damage to the pipes in case of improper handling.
What a Hydro Jetting Service Involves
Preliminary Check: A camera inspection determines the type and location of blockage and conditions of the pipe.
Hydro Jetting: A hose is placed into your drain or sewer cleanout.
Jetting Process: High pressure water is sprayed through the line pushing debris out and flushing it out.
Final Inspection: A second camera check is done to see that all is clear and no damage done.
The whole process may require between one to three hours, depending on the extent of the blockage and the pipe system length.
Conclusion
Whether you have years of grease build up, tough clogs, or tree roots in your sewer lines, hydro jetting is a safe, efficient and complete solution. Hydro jetting does not just remove the blockage like in the case of the traditional snaking or chemical cleaners, but it also cleans the pipe.
Whether it is its eco-friendly nature, low long-term cost, or higher cleaning power, the advantages of hydro jetting are easy to understand why so many homeowners and businesses are switching to hydro jetting as their drain cleaning method of choice.
When your drains are slow, stinky, and/or continually clogged, don t wait until there is a major plumbing emergency. Call a licensed plumber and inquire whether hydro jetting is appropriate in your home or business. It could be the wisest thing you can do to your plumbing system.