Hydro Jet Drain Cleaning is a modern technique of removing filth from the plumbing system. It is efficient, fast and effective. Since its invention, the method has gained popularity with professional plumbers. They can complete even the most arduous tasks without wasting much time or energy.
Most professional plumbing companies provide hydro jetting services these days. Building owners in different places can get in touch with local professionals if they have drainage problems for quick solutions.
If you are curious about hydro jet drain cleaning, keep on reading. in this article, we will try to learn a few things, including
- What is hydro jet drain cleaning?
- How does it work?
- Whether you need it or not?
- Pros and Cons
- Cost
So, What Exactly Is Hydro Jet Drain Cleaning?
In the beginning, we have given a short explanation about hydro jetting. It is a method of unclogging pipes using the latest equipment. The device includes a high-pressure hose with an exclusive nozzle on one tip and a machine that pressurizes water at 5000psi.
The equipment is easy to use, but only certified plumbers can employ it for professional purposes. Else, there may be mishaps, and people can get injured. At the same time, the machine can also get damaged if untrained people operate it.
The machine’s efficiency is such that it can remove any debris, including mineral, organic build-up and grease. Qualified plumbers can operate the machine to clear a blockage in a residential, commercial or public plumbing system.
While the device can be used for any blockage in the drainage system, professionals usually employ it to clear stubborn accumulation.
How Does Hydro Jet Drain Cleaning Work?
In the earlier section, we learned about the device used for hydro jet drain cleaning. In this section, we will see how the machine and technique work to unclog pipes of muck build up.
The hose with a specialized nozzle connects to the device, forcing water up to 5000psi. The nozzle then connects to the drainpipe, and the machine blasts water at high pressure. The intensity of the water is such that it can clear all kinds of debris build-up, and it also can reach waste material build-up for up to one hundred meters away.
Professional plumbers do not fix the nozzle and start the process randomly. Before cleaning away the blockage, they inspect the plumbing system. They do it with the help of CCTV cameras specially made for drain inspection.
These cameras enable the experts to examine and analyze the issue. They can grasp the condition and learn the reason for the clogging. Once they know the cause, it allows them to find solutions so that the blockage doesn’t happen again.
As mentioned earlier, professional plumbers use hydro jetting specially to unclog stubborn build-up. Else, it can be a waste of time and money. Ordinary drain cleaning and hydro jet drain cleaning are different regarding methods and expenses. Hence, it is essential not to do it without proper assessment.
Do You Need Hydro Jetting?
Everyone faces different drainage problems, and some may have extensive issues, while others may have superficial ones. If you have a blocked drain, professional plumbers might solve the problem without using the hydro jet cleaning method. However, nothing can be said without proper scrutiny and assessment.
Whether you need a hydro jet drain cleaning or not will depend on what the professional plumbers find after checking out the CCTV drain camera footage. Hence, if you have a problem with your plumbing system, contact the experts and let them inspect it first.
If the debris pile-up extends up to a certain length and seems stubborn, you might need a hydro jet drain cleaning service. It is likely that the experts will first try the usual method and see how it works.
The plumbers will opt for hydro jetting if the blockage doesn’t clear with the ordinary cleaning. However, it can be risky if the plumbing system is old, and the pressure from the water can be too much for the old pipes.
You should therefore seek proper advice from the experts and mention all the details about the drainage system at your place. If the pipes are too old to withstand the pressure, the experts will use another method to deal with the issue.
Pros and Cons of Hydro Jetting Cleaning
Even though hydro jet drain cleaning is efficient, it is not without flaws. Here are some pros and cons of the cleaning technique.
Pros
- It can remove even stubborn blockage with only high pressure of water.
- Hydro jet drain cleaning is suitable for public, commercial, and residential plumbing systems.
- It is eco-friendly.
- Hydro jetting can also slice through invasive tree roots in your drainage system.
- It can also unclog an entire section of a drain line and not just a short length.
- One-time cleaning can keep the drains clear for a long time.
Cons
- Hydro jetting can cause damage to an older plumbing system.
- It is not very effective in clearing a blockage from bellied lines.
- It may not entirely remove extra sewer obstructions.
- It may be a bit expensive.
Hydro Jetting Costs
The fees for hydro jetting depend on two aspects. First of all, it depends on a particular company and secondly on the severity of the blockage. According to statistics, any American homeowner may spend between $100-$900 for removing tough drain obstructions.
The average hydro jet drain cleaning cost can run between $350-$600. Extreme cases can even cost up to $1000 or more.
In some instances, the method will not even solve the problem. A damaged or old pipeline will not make the hydro jetting clear away the debris. You will waste money unnecessarily, and the situation can become even worse.
Hence before wasting any money, request the professionals to make a thorough assessment using the CCTV drain cameras. They will decide to hydro jet only if the condition allows it. If it is not possible to hydro jet the drainage line, the professionals will suggest a suitable option.
When Does It Become Essential?
Your plumbing system can become clogged due to many reasons. But it doesn’t mean that you should opt for hydro jetting every time. Some instances may require hydro jetting. But as stated earlier, it won’t help if your pipeline is old.
However, if your plumbing system is relatively new, you will need hydro jetting if
- Tree roots have invaded your pipeline
- Hair, organic build-up and mineral debris have blocked your drain
- You have several drains and plumbing fixtures in trouble
- You want to clean the pipes before relining them
As mentioned earlier, though hydro jetting can unblock even stubborn build-ups, it can be ineffective in some cases. So, make sure that the professionals examine the pipeline before beginning the cleaning process.
How often should you do hydro jetting?
The procedure can last a number of years since it cleans the entire pipeline. However, experts suggest that you do it every eighteen to twenty-two months or once a year. However, before going on with the process, you can first let the experts examine the system.
If the drain system appears to be working fine or if the blockage doesn’t seem serious, you can ask for a simpler and less expensive cleaning method.
Some FAQs about Hydro Jet Drain Cleaning
Can hydro jetting damage pipes?
Yes, the process can damage pipes, but only if they are old and rusty. You don’t have to worry if your drainage system is new. If you have some doubts, request the professionals to conduct a thorough inspection.
Is hydro jetting safe for old pipes?
The process is not safe for old pipes as they may burst due to corrosion and high pressure from the water. As stated above, the experts will say whether it is safe to hydro jet or not.
How long does hydro jetting last?
The procedure can remove the debris build-up entirely. Hence, it can last several years before you have to do it again.
Is hydro jetting worth it?
As it can solve a variety of drainage problems, it is definitely worth it. The procedure will unclog your sewer line, and you will not have to worry about it for a long time.
Final Thoughts
Hydro jet drain cleaning is a suitable option for different sewer blockage issues. But it isn’t effective for all the problems. There are also other methods to clear pipelines too. Different problems have different solutions. So, if you notice any issue in your drainage system, contact professionals for an inspection.
You have also learned about the pros and cons of the sewer cleaning procedure. So, now you have a good idea about hydro jetting. Since the process can cost a considerable amount for serious issues, you can also compare alternatives.
Besides, it is also advisable to seek tips from experts before engaging any professionals. Else, you might spend plenty of money and still not have a solution.
All in all, as mentioned several times, yes, it is one of the best methods to clear drains. But it’s certainly not practical for all issues. With the development of new technology, experts are sure to come up with unique methods that are even better than what we have now.
