If you frequently deal with annoyingly clogged drains, high-pressure hydro-jetting may be an ideal solution for your home.
Although hydro-jetting may sound like an exciting water sport or an extreme way to carve stone more efficiently, you may find it to be less exciting than you anticipated. Unless, of course, you truly value a clean drain line.
Hydro-jetting is one of the best ways to unclog drains, eliminate lingering odors in pipes, and maintain a clean drain system.
Still, the fact that hydro-jetting involves plumbing does not make it dull.
Hydro-jetting is the process of inserting a pressurized water hose into your pipes and then releasing high-velocity water that blasts the interiors of your pipes until all of the accumulated gunk and grime dies.
In the world of plumbing, jetting was once considered a highly futuristic technique. Nevertheless, the price of jet equipment has decreased. Hydro-jetting has become increasingly common over time.
Hydro-jetting is now recognized as an effective method for cleaning and preventing clogs in water and sewer lines; it can even prevent tree roots from entering. Nevertheless, hydro-jetting is probably not a good idea if tree roots have already damaged your pipes. In this situation, pipe replacement is the best course of action.
Is It Hazardous?
Hydro-jetting, like most activities involving highly pressurized water, can be hazardous to your pipes if you overpressurize the line. Because of this, we always advise either hiring an experienced plumber or keeping cash on hand (just in case).
Despite the destructive nature of this cleaning method, you should be in little physical danger. The greatest concern when hydro-jetting a clogged sink drain, sewer line, or other pipes in your home is that excessive water pressure will cause the pipes to crack.
Any competent plumber will be able to hydro-jet your pipes with minimal risk to themselves, you, and the pipes.
Is Hydrojetting environmentally friendly?
Hydro-jetting is as environmentally friendly as the substances you’ve been flushing down the drains.
Consider the matter carefully. The only thing that jetting adds to clogged pipes and drains is water. Hydro-jetting machines do not utilize harsh chemicals such as Drano, caustic soda, or other toxic substances typically found in drain clog removers. It consists solely of water and nothing else.
In the event that a pipe breaks, you will not contaminate the local groundwater with your plumbing practices (unless you poured a whole gallon of chemical drain cleaner down right before).
How do you know when to call a plumber to hydro-jet your drains?
Well, there are a few common symptoms that you should watch out for.
Your Pipes Continue to Clog
Hydro-jetting is frequently employed to unclog drains that repeatedly clog. When your pipes continue to clog, it’s usually due to a significant amount of buildup on the interior pipe walls. Consequently, while you may be able to remove large obstructions from your pipes with a drain snake, you will almost certainly not be addressing the cause of the issue. To thoroughly clean the interior of your pipes, you will need to hydro-jet them. This will remove any debris that your snake cannot reach.
You Cannot Remember When You Last Cleaned Your Lines.
It seems obvious when we say it out loud, but think about it for a moment. When was your last sewer line cleaning? When was the last time you gave your sewer lines any thought? Obviously, we don’t want you to constantly think about your pipes, but we do recommend routine maintenance. Every couple of years, you should consider hydro-jetting your sewer lines and other high-traffic drains to avoid a plumbing emergency.
Hydro-jetting is a long-term solution, so once you begin your routine maintenance there should be no more issues.
Your Pipes No Longer Drain Normally
Does your bathroom sink no longer drain normally? Fill the shower tub without inserting the stopper?
In this case, it is time to contact a plumber! It appears that these pipes require hydro-jetting.
Slow drains are a possible sign of undesirable buildup in your pipes. Slow drains may also indicate a more extensive obstruction. If your pipes are acting up, you should contact a professional.
Your Pipes Hiss or Make a Great Deal of Noise.
If your pipes are hissing, you likely have an air quality issue. There are multiple methods for getting air into your pipes. Root-caused cracks can allow air to enter your pipes, or a clogged vent stack can trap air inside. If your pipe is broken, you should not hydro-jet. You can make matters worse. However, if your vent stack is obstructed, you may proceed. The pipes should be blasted to your heart’s content.
We will explain what a vent stack is if you do not already know.
A vent stack is a pipe that extends from your home’s sewer system to the roof (or sometimes out into the drainage field if you live in the country). A vent stack allows a small amount of air to enter your sewer system, which is necessary for wastewater to flow. If your vent stack becomes obstructed, water cannot flow, and your entire system is thrown out of whack!
So there you go! Hydro-jetting is not particularly frightening so long as a competent individual is in charge.
Therefore, if you observe any signs of clogged drains in your home, give us a call. We would love to discuss hydro-jetting and pipe maintenance with you.