What is hydro jetting (and should you try it)?

How does hydro jet drain cleaning work?

Hydro jet drain cleaning is a technique plumbers use to clear clogged plumbing vents with high-pressure water jets. This elaborate cleaning system involves an engine, pump, hoses, pipes, nozzles, and various other components. Think of it as a way of power washing your pipes to pulverize and remove long-stuck grease and dirt.

Before the hydro jetting happens and the plumbers turn on the water, they perform a camera inspection. During this step, a small video camera is usually inserted along the pipeline to determine where the blockages are and the condition of the pipes. Viewing the drain pipes in advance also helps to indicate what kind of nozzles and the amount of water pressure to use.

A long hose with a special nozzle designed to remove dirt, grime, and grease is then inserted into the drain. Water jets blast away debris and blockages, clearing the pipes and restoring proper flow. Because the hose is flexible (like a garden hose), it can access all the plumbing and sewer lines. You can also choose to blast in hot or cold water, helping to remove grease and oils by flushing them out of the drainage system.

Compared to cheaper, short-term solutions that lead to constant plumbing issues, hydro jetting is often a better solution in the long run.

How often should you hydro jet your plumbing?

Ideally, you should hydro jet your plumbing system every couple of years to keep it in top condition. However, you may want to do it more frequently. Consult your plumber for expert advice. 

You should also pay attention to some warning signs indicating it may be time to consider hydro jetting your plumbing system:

• You have slow-draining sinks, tubs or showers.
• Your vent stack (a vertical pipe extending from your sewer system) is clogged.
• You hear gurgling sounds coming from your plumbing system.
• You smell an unpleasant odor coming from your drains.

Related: Why are my pipes making noise?

Hydro jetting pros and cons.

Before you hydro jet your sewer pipes or vent system, it’s best to learn the benefits of hydro jetting, as well as some of the drawbacks:

Pros:

• It can be more cost-effective in the long run.
• It doesn't just get rid of clogs; it cleans your entire pipe system.
• It's the more environmentally friendly option compared to chemical drain cleaners.
• It's a quicker and more efficient way of cleaning your pipes.
• It can prevent major plumbing issues in the future.

Cons:

• It's usually more expensive than other clog-removing options.
• It may do some damage to your old, broken, or brittle pipes (which is why a video inspection is crucial).
• It's not suitable for minor clogs.
• It requires professional expertise and equipment.
• It can be messy and disruptive.

Hydro jetting vs. snaking — which is better?

If your vent is clogged and clearing it with a plunger doesn’t work, you’ve likely encountered the drain snake — also known as the plumbing snake or the toilet jack. Some drain snake varieties have hand-cranked augers and motorized electric augers to clear larger debris.

When unclogging your plumbing vent pipe with the snake, it tends to bang around your pipe, leading to scratches, nicks, and divots. These damages can lead to lesser flow in your drainage system, and some of the pipes may eventually break.

In short, drain snakes cannot clean as well as hydro jetting. Sometimes, they can leave behind some clumps of debris and grease. The manual operation of the auger and the lack of water make it a short-term fix for minor clogs. It won’t thoroughly cleanse your plumbing system, and it isn’t the best long-term solution to your clog problems.

Hydro jetting, on the other hand, doesn’t stop at removing the clogs. It can clean your entire system. The pressurized water will blast through blockages, sediment debris, and other pipe problems you may have. While it may damage old, brittle pipes, the camera inserted at the start allows you to see your pipe's condition before you begin hydro jetting.

Is hydro jetting worth it?

If you’ve got dense, stubborn clogs that refuse to go away, hydro jetting could be a good option for you. It does a thorough job of removing stuck-up grease, dirt, and debris from your pipes, so you don't have to worry about it getting clogged up from time to time.

Consult a professional plumber near you to learn more about hydro jetting costs and determine if it's a good idea.

Find plumbers who offer hydro jetting services.

Hydro jetting is best done by an expert hydro jet plumber who has received proper training. It requires the right know-how, protective gear, and experience. If you’re done dealing with the amount of grease and dirt clogging your drain vent, it’s time to give your plumbing system the cleaning it needs.

Download the Thumbtack app today to see a list of top-rated plumbers near you. Start reaching out to them today to gather price quotes and schedule an appointment.

FAQs.

How long does it take to hydro jet a sewer line?

Hydro jetting takes about one to two hours for a sewer line. It may also take several hours, depending on the length of the sewer line and the amount of dirt it needs to remove. If there are some particularly stubborn clogs, it may take a little bit longer.

How often should you hydro jet sewer lines?

Your pipes and sewer lines are continuously working. That’s why it’s important to schedule regular clean-ups of your sewer line to avoid grease, dirt, and debris getting stuck in there.