Clogs happen to all of us. Plumbing issues can disrupt your daily routine, whether it’s a slow-draining sink, a backed-up toilet, or a completely blocked sewer line. While basic methods like plunging and snaking can work for some minor clogs, they don’t always do the trick for more stubborn blockages. That’s where hydro jetting comes in. This powerful cleaning method uses high-pressure water to remove debris, grease, and tree roots from your pipes. At Delta Mechanical in the greater Phoenix, AZ area, we’re here to guide you through what hydro jetting is and when it might be the best option for your home’s plumbing.
What is Hydro Jetting?
Hydro jetting is a high-powered pipe cleaning technique that uses water pressure to clear away debris, grease, and other blockages deep within your plumbing system. Think of it like giving your pipes a thorough, high-pressure scrubbing. Instead of relying on traditional methods like plungers or drain snakes that only target the surface of the problem, hydro jetting uses a special nozzle to shoot water into the pipes at high pressure. The water flows in multiple directions, scouring the sides to remove grease buildup, tree roots, and mineral deposits.
What makes hydro jetting stand out is its ability to thoroughly clean pipes, not just clear blockages. It scrubs the inner walls of the pipes, removing any sludge or debris that may cause future clogs. This makes it one of the most effective and long-lasting methods of pipe cleaning available, leaving your plumbing system almost as good as new.
How Does Hydro Jetting Work?
Hydro jetting involves a specialized machine that creates high-pressure water streams. The process begins with a technician inserting a flexible hose into the drain or pipe that needs to be cleaned. This hose is connected to the hydro jetting machine, which generates water pressure of up to 4,000 psi—much stronger than the pressure from your typical faucet.
Once the tube is in place, a special valve on its end lets water flow in multiple directions. When facing forward, the jets help break up clogs and move the debris forward. When facing backward, the jets help move the hose further into the pipe. This action of going forward and backward works well to clear out clogs and get rid of any garbage stuck on the inside of the pipes. The spray also goes to the sides to clean the pipe walls.
The force of the water is so powerful that it can cut through rigid materials like grease, soap scum, and tree roots, leaving your pipes clean and clear. Plus, because it cleans the entire pipe, it helps prevent future blockages from forming.
Why Choose Hydro Jetting?
You might wonder why you’d opt for hydro jetting over other traditional methods, like snaking or using chemical drain cleaners. While those methods can work to clear clogs, hydro jetting is a more effective and long-lasting cleaning solution. For example, a drain snake only clears a single path through the blockage, which means it doesn’t address the underlying cause. It might solve your problem temporarily, but the buildup is still there, meaning clogs are likely to return.
Chemicals used to clean drains can damage your lines and the surroundings. They often contain corrosive substances that can weaken pipes over time, and they may not completely break up tough clogs. Hydro jetting, on the other hand, only uses water, so it is safe for the earth and your pipes.
Hydro jetting doesn’t just remove the visible blockage; it also scrubs the inside of the pipes, eliminating buildup that could cause future clogs. It’s a thorough, deep clean that restores water flow and improves the overall condition of your pipes, lowering the probability of future plumbing problems and increasing their longevity.
Common Problems Hydro Jetting Is Perfect at Treating
Hydro jetting might not solve every problem, but here are situations is it particularly good at solving.
Persistent Clogs
If you’ve tried traditional methods like plungers or drain snakes and the clog keeps coming back, hydro jetting could be the solution. It’s beneficial for tough clogs caused by grease, soap scum, or tree roots that have built up over time. Hydro jetting clears out the entire pipe, removing all the debris and sludge that may be contributing to the problem.
Multiple Slow Drains
If multiple drains are slow, thoroughly cleaning the drain and sewer lines is the best solution. It provides a systemic scouring of pipes to allow waste to flow freely.
Tree Roots
If you have older pipes, tree roots can invade and cause blockages that are hard to clear with conventional methods. The force of the water used in hydro jetting can break apart and flush out roots that have infiltrated your pipes, effectively restoring your plumbing system’s function without needing costly pipe replacement.
Preventative Maintenance
Even if you’re not dealing with a major clog, hydro jetting can be a great preventative measure. Regularly cleaning your pipes helps remove debris, mineral buildup, and sludge that could cause future issues.
Hydro Jetting: Cost Assessment
One of the biggest questions many homeowners have about hydro jetting is how much it costs and whether it’s worth the investment. The cost of hydro jetting can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the blockage, the pipe size needed, and the complexity of the plumbing system. Costs vary, but anticipate paying between $200 and $600 for a standard hydro jetting service. While this might seem higher than traditional methods like snaking, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits.
Hydro jetting doesn’t just clear clogs; it thoroughly cleans the pipes, preventing future buildup and reducing the likelihood of recurring blockages and emergency rooter service. This means fewer plumbing issues in the future, which can save you money on repairs and maintenance down the line. It also helps extend the life of your pipes by preventing corrosion and wear caused by buildup.
Risks of Hydro Jetting
While hydro jetting is highly effective, it’s not without its risks. The high-pressure water used in the process can potentially damage older or fragile pipes, especially if they’re already weakened by years of wear. If your plumbing system is ancient or made of certain materials, such as clay or cast iron, hydro jetting might not be the best choice, as the pressure could cause cracks or breaks in the pipes.
It’s important to have your plumbing system assessed before undergoing hydro jetting. Our camera inspection can determine whether your pipes are strong enough to withstand the pressure or if another method would be more suitable.
Get Hydro Jetting Plumbing Treatment Now
Because it cleans more deeply and thoroughly than conventional approaches, hydro jetting is revolutionizing the way significant plumbing problems are addressed. Hydro jetting can improve water flow and prevent future blockages by removing buildup, such as tree roots, tenacious clogs, and accumulated grease and soap scum.
We’re here to help keep your plumbing flowing smoothly. We also offer boiler, drain, water heater, tankless water heater, gas line, kitchen and bathroom remodel, and repiping services. Call Delta Mechanical today if you’re tired of dealing with recurring clogs or want to keep your pipes in top shape.
