Blockages in sewer lines or plumbing system can lead to clogged drains and contaminated water supply. You wouldn’t want this to happen to you. So, if you notice clogs in your sewer or plumbing system, you better call a plumber to the scene as soon as possible.
The clogs may result from serious problems inside the pipes that you can’t handle on your own because they might need the services of specialized tools and machinery.
A reputable plumber knows how best to unclog the pipes, and even when hydro jetting could be the best solution. Read on to find out how hydro jetting works to effectively clean clogged or slow driven sewage lines.
What Is Hydro Jetting?
When it comes to keeping your pipes clean and your drains unclogged, there are several options to choose from. The two main options that plumbers prefer are the use of plumbing snakes (or plumbing augers) and hydro jetting.
The use of plumbing snakes is rather classic. That’s why many plumbers today use hydro jetting which is a more innovative solution for more blockages. However, each type of clog require a unique technique and it’s upon the plumber to decide which technique works best.
In hydro jetting, water at very high pressure is used to scour the inside surfaces of pipes. This water helps in removing grease, scale, and any other debris that might have built up on the walls of the pipe over time. When properly done, hydro jetting can achieve a thorough cleaning of the pipes.
How Does Hydro Jetting Work?
hydro jetting is a method used by experienced plumbing contractors to clean slow or clogged sewage lines. Hydro jetting systems normally use water at a pressure of about 35,000 pounds per square inch or more, which works very effectively.
The plumber will first carry out a video inspection to determine the cause of the problem and its location. After inspection, a self-propelled nozzle is fed into the pipe or drain and it will blast water into the pipe or drain at a high pressure to remove the build-up and blockages.
Video inspection is also necessary to reduce the possibility of backflushing of sewage into other areas.
If the roots of a tree cause the blockage, a snake may first be used to tear them up, especially if they are heavy roots that water cannot tear through.
Hydro jetting doesn’t solve problems caused by broken pipes and, because of the high pressure, it could cause the weakened areas of the pipe to break. That’s why only an experienced plumber can carry out the process to deliver the right water pressure for the blocked pipes and for the problem at hand.
In their normal working conditions, a sewer or plumbing system uses gravity to remove the build-up and blockage. But a hydro jetting tool works from bottom up.
The nozzle is inserted into the downstream part of the system and the pressured water has to move upward as it scours the pipes and dislodges the debris in the pipes which then move down by gravity.
What Can Be Removed with Hydro Jetting?
Hydro jetting drain cleaning removes hair clogs, scale build-up, silt, sand, as well as other debris that builds up on the pipe walls. Routine hydro jetting is necessary for restaurants to remove food particles and grease build-up.
Hydro jetting does a better job in cleaning up pipes than snaking which only breaks up the clogs but leaves scales on the walls of the pipes. It is an environmentally friendly procedure because there are no harsh chemicals used.
The process must only be carried out by a professional plumbing contractor. This is because the high pressure involved can cause so much damage if handled by an inexperienced plumber.
Professional plumbers are trained to use the system and they know how to regulate the pressure to achieve thorough cleaning while at the same time ensuring that nothing gets damaged.
When Is Hydro Jetting Needed?
Tough build up and clogs don’t stand a chance against water at very high pressure. The water will clear everything in its way leaving the pipe as clean as possible. Therefore, hydro jetting is needed for tough jobs that snakes can not handle.
Usually, before inserting the hydro jetting nozzle, a plumber will create an opening, or cleanout, to allow the buildup and clog to be cleared out from the pipe. The main benefits of hydro jetting include:
- It breaks up sludge and debris
- It penetrates and emulsifies grease
- It is a versatile solution for all types of pipes
- It cuts out hardened scale
- It eliminates clogs in a flash
- It pulverizes roots
- It thoroughly cleans inside walls of a drain/pipe
- It flushes out the system
- It removes dangerous blocks
- Hydro Jetting Cost
With such a good result, would you still worry about the cost? How much would you be willing to pay for hydro jetting? Is that price worth it? If you don’t clean your water or sewer system regularly, a time will come when the accumulated dirt in the pipes will be impossible to manually remove.
It can be more costly if your pipes eventually get blocked completely, this means hydro jetting will be your only option.
Hydro jetting is a non-invasive and affordable solution for many homeowners. Apart from removing the dirt, it also gets rid of bacteria and foul smell coming from your pipes and drains by having it cleaned.
Contact the Pros for Your Hydro Jetting Needs
In most cases, hydro jetting is the best way to remove blockages. However, it may cause further problems if not done well. It is therefore advisable to always work with a certified and experienced plumber.
The plumber should use video camera equipment to inspect your plumbing system to determine the cause of the problem before taking any action. Using the correct tools, hydro jetting will allow the plumber to effectively clean out debris from your sewer lines and plumbing system.
The service will greatly improve your older sewer and plumbing lines that have several years of build-up. Hydro jetting is also particularly useful if you experience silts and sand build-up. Augers and chemical cleaners will not flush them out completely. Be sure to check out our page & explore our plumbing repair guide to learn more about common plumbing repairs.
