When Would I Need Hydro Jetting?

Dealing with clogs, slow drains, and unpleasant plumbing odors is an unfortunate part of being a homeowner. It’s inevitable that at some point, you will deal with plumbing problems, and they can be costly to correct.

It’s best to treat plumbing problems early on to prevent major issues from creeping up down the line, and hydro jetting is an all-in-one solution.

What is Hydro Jetting?

Your sewer line flushes wastewater and debris from your drains to the public sewer system. Because so much stuff flows through these pipes, they can get buildup or clogs pretty easily. The worse a clog gets, the more you’ll deal with slow drainage or sewer backups.

Hydro jetting, also called hydro flushing, is an economical and environmentally friendly solution to clear plumbing blockages. It uses a steady stream of high-pressure water flowing through a hose into the drain line, breaking up the buildup on your pipe walls and flushing it out. This may include grease, debris, scale, sludge, or even small tree roots.

How Does Hydro Jetting Work?

When you use hydro jetting, your plumber will determine the best spot to start the process. Then, they’ll use a high-pressure hose to pump water into the pipes, removing the scale buildup and flushing it out of the system. This can also move deep clogs that other methods can’t reach.

This isn’t a do-it-yourself option, however. If you try, you could end up breaking up pipes or damaging the interior walls, which can lead to much more expensive repairs or replacements. Also, the equipment to correctly do hydro jetting requires training, the best thing you can do is contact a plumber!

Is Hydro Jetting Different from Snaking?

Many homeowners choose to get a drain snake to tackle clogs on their own. This is an affordable option with tools that are available at the local hardware store. Plus, it’s simple and straightforward. A drain snake is just a tool with an electric motor and cable with blades on the end, which removes the clog.

Regrettably, drain snakes only work on shallow clogs. Deeper clogs can’t be reached, so you could spend the time, money, and mess to snake a drain and still not find a solution to the problem. Hydro jetting cleans out the entire network of pipes, relieving common problems like clogs and slow drains.

Is Hydro Jetting Safe?

Hydro jetting is one of the safest and most effective ways to clean your pipes, no matter if you have older galvanized steel or brand-new PVC pipes. Because this process only uses pressurized water, it doesn’t carry a big risk to the pipes when it’s done by a professional plumber.

When Would I Need Hydro Jetting?

Here are some warning signs that you may need hydro jetting:

Frequent Backups (Even After Snaking)

If you’re dealing with recurrent clogs or backups, even after using methods like drain cleaners and snakes, you may be dealing with deep clogs or a lot of buildup on the pipe surfaces. Left untreated, these problems will only get worse.

Whichever problem you have, hydro jetting is a solution to both. The powerful stream of pressurized water can wash out the buildup on the pipe walls and flush the clog, giving you clean, clear pipes.

Sewage Smell or Backup

If you smell sewage or have sewer backup, it’s not only gross, but it can be a health hazard. You don’t want that flowing back into your home! In some cases, sewer backup or odors is caused by an empty P-trap, which is a curved area of pipe that holds a small amount of water to prevent gasses from flowing back into your home.

When there’s sewage odors or backup, it’s important to contact a plumber to have the problem fixed quickly. Along with health risks, sewage backup can cause problems like water spots or dampness that can harbor mold and bacteria in your home.

Slow Drains

Slow drains are common but irritating, leading many homeowners to neglect them until they become severe. Drain cleaners can work temporarily, but they have corrosive effects that can damage your pipes.

Even if it’s not that inconvenient, it’s important not to neglect a slow drain. It will only worsen over time as the buildup increases, leading to slower water flow, more mess, and a potential clog that’s more difficult to fix. Hydro jetting solves both problems at once, restoring your water flow.

Fixtures Backing Up into Other Drains

Blocked sewer lines or clogs in the shared drainpipe between the toilet and shower are obvious, since you may see water backing up in the shower or bathtub each time you flush the toilet.

If plunging doesn’t remove the clog and prevent the backup, you may have a deep clog or significant buildup elsewhere in the pipes. Hydro jetting is a good option to remove the blockage in the sewer line or shared drainpipe and prevent the sewer backup.

Do you have a slow drain, clog, or another plumbing problem? Contact us at JW Plumbing to schedule your appointment!