Dealing with clogged drains is never fun for anyone. It’s especially frustrating for a homeowner. A backed-up sink, overflowing toilet, or flooded shower drain makes getting ready for work in the morning a hassle. The longer a clog remains in your pipes, the harder it is to get rid of.
Hydro-jetting is very effective at clearing clogs that persist after plunging and other methods of removal fail. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about what it is, how it works, and why you need it.
What Is Hydro-Jetting?
When you have a clogged drain that can’t be cleared by a plunger or drain snake, another option called “hydro-jetting” might be the solution. The term hydro-jetting refers to the process of using a high-powered stream of water to break up and wash away blockages and clogs within a pipe.
The size of the nozzle attached to the hose determines the intensity and speed of the water coming out. Since the water is pressurized, it is strong enough to clear the most stubborn clogs within a few minutes.
Hydro-jetting offers several benefits that make it a popular choice among plumbers and property owners for cleaning drains and sewer lines.
Key Benefits of Hydro-Jetting
- Effectiveness
- Versatility
- Environmentally friendly
Since it uses no chemicals, hydro-jetting is safe to use around children and pets, as well as people with compromised breathing issues like asthma and COPD. It is also better for your pipes, as caustic drain cleaners can damage the pipes and are unsafe to have around children.
When would this type of service be necessary? Your plumber will go over your options with you, depending on the severity of the clog. If you are experiencing any of the problems listed below, hydro-jetting may be recommended as a solution and a preventative action against future clogs.
Common Signs You Need Hydro-Jetting
- Slow-draining sinks and bathtubs
- Recurring clogs
- Foul odors
- Gurgling noises
- Backed-up toilets
The Hydro-Jetting Process: Step by Step
The first step in this process is inspection. Your plumber will take a close look at your plumbing system. He or she may insert a tiny, digital camera in the drain to locate the blockage. Once the clog has been located, the next step is to bring in the hose.
Your plumber will then bring in a hose with a high-pressure nozzle that is connected to a hydro-jetting machine, and the spray is directed at the clog. The powerful water stream blasts away at the clog until it breaks up, and then washes it down the drain.
After the clog has been removed, another inspection is needed to make sure that it is gone and not lodged in another area of the drain or sewer line. It is important to note that this process uses specialized equipment that has been carefully calibrated to use just the right amount of pressure to eliminate the clog, but without damaging the pipes.
Too much pressure in the pipes could cause a rupture somewhere in the system which could result in leaks.
Why DIY Methods Fall Short
When it comes to plumbing issues, homeowners often try to clear the clog themselves before bringing in a professional. If the clog can be cleared by using a plunger or a solution of baking soda and vinegar, then you’re saving money and allowing the plumber to be available to other customers in need.
However, if your attempts to clear the blockage from your pipes fail, then you should call a plumber to avoid making the problem worse. Chemical drain cleaners sold in grocery and hardware stores are effective at clearing food clogs but may have a harder time dissolving hair and grease buildup. If your problem has to do with tree root intrusion, it may not be effective at all.
Drain snakes are better at breaking up hair clogs and solidified grease, but again, tree roots will make it harder, and you may end up pushing the clog further into the pipe, making it impossible to reach.
Hiring a Professional Hydro-Jetting Service
While nearly every homeowner in America has a garden hose, using it to break up and remove clogs is something that should be done by a professional. Plumbers who offer this service have undergone special training in using the equipment and have a thorough understanding of how your plumbing system works. Their skills and expertise are needed when nothing else has seemed to work.
Having the camera to locate the clog, understanding which way the pipes turn, and ultimately predicting where the clog will end up is something only someone trained in this can do.
High-pressure water hoses can cause damage to the inside of your pipes and may be difficult to handle by someone with no experience. Professionals understand the risks involved and take steps to protect your family and your property.
It takes a skilled plumber to properly assess the amount of pressure needed and use the right size nozzle to avoid damaging your pipes. Just sticking a hose in there and turning on the water in full force may create a bigger problem or may not be effective at all.
Keeping Drains Clear After Hydro-Jetting Service
Maintaining clear drains after hydro-jetting is essential to prevent clogs in the future and ensure the effectiveness of the cleaning. Here are six useful tips to help you maintain clean drains:
1. Never pour grease or oil down the drains. Grease, oil, and fat can collect and solidify in the pipes, leading to clogs. Instead, let it cool down and dispose of it in the trash.
2. Install drain screens or grates over your drains to catch hair, food particles, and other debris that can contribute to clogs.
3. Only flush toilet paper down the toilet. Items like wipes, sanitary napkins, and cotton balls can cause blockages. Scrape food from dishes and pans into the trash before rinsing dishes in the sink.
4. Schedule periodic drain cleaning. Periodic drain cleaning after hydro-jetting can help prevent the buildup of debris and maintain a smooth water flow. You can use natural remedies like pouring baking soda with vinegar, followed by hot water, down the drains every so often to help keep them clean.
5. Run hot water down the kitchen sink after rinsing dishes to help melt and flush away any potential grease or oil buildup.
6. Always opt for natural drain cleaning solutions whenever possible or consult with a professional plumber when you have a clog.
Choosing the Right Hydro-Jetting Provider
If you’re a homeowner in Texas with a clog that won’t budge, you need professional assistance to solve this problem. [company_name] tackles residential as well as commercial plumbing issues with ease. We’ve been in the business for over 20 years and there is no clog too hard to remove.
Our hydro-jetting service works for kitchen drains, bathroom drains, sewer drains, and more. The service is quick, and the clog is cleared in the shortest amount of time possible. We generally recommend having your drains hydro-jetted every 1 – 2 years as a preventative measure against future clogs.
We’re a family-owned business and take pride in serving our community. In addition to hydro-jetting and plumbing services, we also offer water softeners and water heaters. Give [company_name] a call for all your plumbing-related needs.