Hydro-jetting, also known as hydro-scrubbing or hydro-cleaning, is not your run-of-the-mill pipe-cleaning technique. By deploying intensely pressurized water, hydro-jetting completely eradicates rubbish, debris, and other obstructions from sewer pipes and lines. It’s much more effective than mechanical rodding and drain snakes for removing nasty roots, grease, rocks, and mineral deposits.
Read on to learn how hydro-jetting works and how it can help keep your pipes clean!
How Does Hydro-Jetting Work?
Hydro-jetting equipment consists of:
- A water tank
- A specialized, high-pressure hose
- A machine that pressurizes water
Flowing at a tempo of 18 to 20 gallons per minute, the water reaches up to 5,000 psi (pounds per square inch) and is blasted into sewer pipes through what is called a ”cleanout.” Every system is installed with a cleanout. It enables plumbers to reach into the lines for cleaning purposes. The nozzle of a hydro-jet is inserted at the downstream end of the system, and the water blasts upward, clearing out waste. After the job is completed, the waste and water all come back down—thanks to gravity—and leave the system as normal.
Hydro-jetting should always be completed by an expert. Doing this job without the required experience could result in further damage to your pipes or plumbing equipment. Not all jobs that need this high-pressure blast of water will require the maximum psi. Experienced plumbers know exactly what pressure to use and how many gallons per minute should be sent through your system.
When Does a Plumber Use Hydro-Jetting?
Hydro-jetting can be an extremely helpful tool for a wide range of plumbing issues. But before your plumber decides on this method, they will often do a video camera inspection. Sending a camera down the pipes can help your plumber understand exactly what the issue is and where it lies in your plumbing.
A camera inspection can save you $$
Here are a few issues hydro-jetting can assist with:
Removing Obstructions and Increasing Water Flow
When debris inhabits your pipes for a substantial amount of time, it begins to harden, making it very tough to clear. Debris often includes things like:
- Grease
- Fats
- Dirt
- Minerals
- Other sludge or obstructions
As the piles increase in size, they start to act as barriers, not allowing water to flow as it should and causing back-ups, flooding, and nausea-inducing odors. Hydro-jetting is extremely effective at loosening and removing debris piles, without the need to dig up your pipes, and ensuring your home is flood- and odor-free.
Ridding Your Pipes of Harmful Bacteria
If you’re smelling something foul in your home, it could be a sign that bacteria needs to be flushed out of your plumbing lines. Bacteria inhabits waste water due to the mineral deposits it contains. When bacteria grows, it releases different types of gases into the air. Besides smelling, these gases could make you and other members of your household ill. By clearing out waste water, hydro-jetting removes harmful bacteria and keeps you and your family safe.
Why Is Hydro-Jetting a Good Cleaning Alternative?
While there’s often more than one solution to a particular plumbing problem, hydro-jetting is often the superior choice. Here’s why!
No Harsh Chemicals Are Involved
Many plumbers resort to using chemicals to remove the layers of residue that can build up in your pipes. If not scrubbed clean, these chemicals, can make you sick. That’s not an issue with hydro-jetting, where no harsh chemicals are involved.
It’s Safe for All Sewer Systems
No matter what kind of sewer lines you have, hydro-jetting is a valid option, and the odds of clogs returning are extremely slim. Hydro-jetting is a time-efficient solution that can clear even the most stubborn pipe blockages.
Hydro-Jetting Cleans the Entire Pipe
Rotating snakes and other similar methods can only do so much in the case of major clogs, as they often just make holes through the debris. This allows water to flow again, but means debris continues to collect after the repair, requiring more calls to a plumber in the near future. Look to hydro-jetting; it will blast debris away from even the sides of the pipes.
When to Call a Plumber for Hydro-Jetting
Here are some cases when calling a plumber for hydro-jetting is a good idea:
You Can’t Get the Clog Out on Your Own
Often, homeowners turn to harsh chemicals for clogs. We recommend staying away from these, as they are detrimental to your pipes, your home, and the environment. Consider using green alternatives, such as boiling water, baking soda mixtures, or enzymatic drain cleaners for minor clogs. If these don’t clear up the problem, it’s time to call a professional. Hydro-jetting could help!
You Smell Foul Odors
Foul odors can definitely point to issues with your plumbing system, especially if what your smelling is sewage. These scents can often mean there is a clog in your lines, or you have a build-up of bacteria. If you smell anything weird that seems to be coming from your pipes, reach out to a plumber as soon as possible.
If your plumber decides hydro-jetting is the right solution, after they’ve completed the job, they’ll usually pull out the video camera again to make sure the clog or other issue is taken care of. While other solutions can fix plumbing problems, sometimes they are a bandage on the situation. Hydro-jetting can ensure you’re getting the cause of the problems out of your pipes.
If you think you’re experiencing a problem that requires the use of hydro-jetting or you have another plumbing issue, we invite you to call CW Service Pros! Reach us at 972-395-2597.
