What Is Hydro Jetting and When Would I Need It?

Plumbing problems are the bane of most homeowners’ existence. They can be costly, frustrating, and messy; even when the problem is something small.

Fortunately, routine maintenance and addressing the problems when they’re small is the best way to prevent major plumbing repairs, and that’s where hydro jetting comes in. This comprehensive solution can prevent most plumbing issues before they can become big disruptions. If you’re wondering what is hydro jetting, we provide all the answers, here.

What is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting is a process of cleaning your pipes that uses high-pressured water to reduce buildup and scale from the inside of your pipes. Whether you have buildup causing a slow drain or a full clog, hydro jetting is an all-in-one solution to remove mineral scale, grease, hair, and other materials that may be affecting your pipes.

One of the biggest benefits of hydro jetting is that it doesn’t rely on a tool beyond water. Some methods include drilling a hole in the buildup, while snaking uses an auger to pull out shallow clogs. Hydro jetting does both with pressurized water.

How Does Hydro Jetting Work?

To prepare for hydro jetting, your plumber will check your plumbing system and find the best place to begin. The plumber will then use a hose to pump pressurized water into the pipes, breaking up the scale on the interior surfaces and flushing it out of your sewer system.

If you’re thinking of doing this yourself, it’s important to realize that this isn’t a normal hose and water. Hydro jetting involves a strong water flow – stronger than you can get from your regular hose. If you try to do it yourself, you could break your pipes apart or damage the interior, creating much bigger problems. Always contact a professional plumber!

Is Hydro Jetting Different from Snaking?

Most homeowners are familiar with snaking a drain, which is often used to treat clogs that are close to the drain opening and haven’t gone past the P-trap. Snaking uses a tool with a cable, electric motor, and blades to remove the clog and some of the buildup.

Though snaking offers an affordable, DIY solution that homeowners can try before bringing in a professional plumber, but it’s not always the most effective solution. If the clog is too deep in your pipes or you have a lot of buildup, hydro jetting is the better option to treat the issue.

Is Hydro Jetting Safe?

Hydro jetting is perfectly safe and effective for all kinds of clogs and pipes, including copper, steel, and PVC pipes. It only uses water, so there’s a lower risk of accidental damage to the pipes.

Remember, don’t try hydro jetting on your own! You need special tools and training, which is why this is a job best left to the professionals.

When Would I Need Hydro Jetting?

Wondering if you need hydro jetting? Here are some signs:

Frequent Backups (Even After Snaking)

If you’re dealing with clogs and backups, even after snaking, you probably have a deep-set clog or significant buildup. Over time, the clog or buildup will get worse, leading to a full blockage.

Whichever problem you’re dealing with, hydro jetting is a solution. This option flushes out deep clogs and buildup on the interior surface of the pipes, then flushes it all away.

Sewage Smell or Backup

If you smell sewage or have a lot of sewer backup, it could be caused by something small like an empty P-trap, or it could be a severe clog. Sewer gasses are hazardous to your health, so it’s important to get this corrected.

Some of the other signs of sewer backup include water spots, wetness under the sink, and damp areas of your basement. It’s important to contact a plumber and get this problem treated with a comprehensive option like hydro jetting.

Slow Drains

Slow drains are among the most common plumbing problems. Many homeowners ignore them until they become severe, or they rely on drain cleaners to destroy the buildup. Unfortunately, these cleaners are corrosive to pipes and can be damaging with regular use.

Left untreated, a slow drain will only worsen over time. Whether it’s caused by a clog or buildup, hydro jetting can correct it and solve your problem better than a drain cleaner.

Fixtures Backing Up into Other Drains

When the sewer line is blocked or the shared drainpipe between the toilet and shower has a blockage, water will back up in the shower or bathtub every time you flush the toilet.

If plunging the toilet doesn’t help, hydro jetting is a good option. With the pressurized water, you can get deep clogs in the sewer line and flush them out harmlessly, as well as breaking up the buildup that can lead to a clog in the future.

Do you have a slow drain or recurrent clogs in your pipes? Schedule an appointment with Bell Brothers to schedule an appointment today!