What is Hydro Jetting, and Do You Need One at Home?
Tim Michael
When you think about maintaining your home’s plumbing system, common solutions like drain cleaners or snaking might come to mind. However, have you ever considered hydro jetting? It’s a modern, powerful method that can handle even the most stubborn clogs and debris in your pipes.
As a custom home builder who’s dealt with various plumbing issues over the years, I’ve seen just how effective hydro jetting can be in solving certain plumbing problems. In this blog, I’ll explain what hydro jetting is, why it might be the right solution for your home, and when to consider it.
Hydro jetting is a technique for clearing clogged or slow-moving sewage lines using highly pressurized water. Unlike snaking, which mechanically breaks up blockages with a metal coil, hydrojetting uses a hose to deliver water at extremely high pressures—sometimes up to 4,000 PSI. This allows it to remove debris, grease, and even tree roots that have invaded your pipes.
What makes hydrojetting unique is its ability to clean the entire interior of the pipe, not just punch a small hole through a clog, as snaking often does. The high-pressure water scours the pipe walls, leaving them clear of buildup and reducing the chances of future blockages. This method has proven to be highly effective in homes with recurring plumbing issues or significant buildup in the pipes.
Over the years, I’ve worked on a variety of homes, from new builds to older properties with ageing infrastructure. Plumbing issues are common in both, and I’ve seen firsthand how hydro jetting can be the best solution in many situations. For example, in homes built in heavily wooded areas, tree roots often grow into the sewer lines. Traditional snaking methods can clear a temporary path, but the roots eventually grow back, causing further problems. Hydro jetting, on the other hand, cuts through the roots completely, offering a more permanent solution.
In another case, during the renovation of a mid-century home, the plumbing system was found to be severely clogged due to years of grease and mineral buildup. While snaking and chemical cleaners provided only temporary relief, hydro jetting was able to clear out the pipes, restoring proper water flow and saving the homeowners from a more expensive, invasive pipe replacement.
Hydro jetting isn’t always the first solution, but it becomes essential in certain scenarios where traditional methods fall short. Here are some key signs that hydro jetting might be the right choice for your home:
Persistent Clogs
If you’ve tried standard methods like plungers, snaking, or chemical drain cleaners and are still dealing with clogs or slow drains, hydro jetting could be your next step. Homes with recurring blockages, especially in kitchens or bathrooms, may greatly benefit from hydrojetting’s deep-cleaning action.
Old or Aging Pipes
Older homes often have plumbing systems made from materials like cast iron, which can accumulate debris and corrosion over time. Hydrojetting can clear away decades of buildup, restoring the pipes’ functionality. This method can be particularly helpful in homes where the pipes aren’t yet ready for replacement but need a thorough cleaning.
Grease and Mineral Buildup
Kitchens are notorious for grease buildup in the pipes, especially in homes where cooking and dishwashing happen frequently. Hydro jetting is highly effective at removing this grease, preventing future clogs. Homes in areas with hard water also tend to experience mineral buildup in their pipes, which hydro jetting can remove, ensuring smoother water flow.
It’s important to weigh the options when considering plumbing solutions. Let’s compare hydro jetting to traditional methods like snaking and chemical drain cleaners to understand the differences:
Snaking
Snaking is a useful tool for clearing blockages, but it only breaks up small clogs and doesn’t provide a deep clean. While snaking might clear a path for water to flow, it often leaves debris behind. Hydro jetting, by contrast, not only clears the blockage but also cleans the entire pipe, making it more effective for long-term maintenance.
Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners are readily available and easy to use, but they can cause more harm than good. These products often contain harsh chemicals that can erode your pipes over time, especially with frequent use. Hydro jetting is much safer for your plumbing system, as it relies solely on water pressure to clear clogs, avoiding the use of potentially damaging chemicals.
Is Hydro Jetting Safe for Your Home's Plumbing?
Many homeowners are understandably concerned that hydro jetting could damage their pipes, especially if they live in older homes. The good news is that hydro jetting is generally very safe for most modern plumbing systems, including those made from materials like PVC or ABS.
Older systems, such as those made from clay or heavily deteriorated cast iron, may require special attention. In these cases, a professional plumber will adjust the water pressure to ensure the pipes aren’t damaged during the process. Having a licensed plumber inspect your system before proceeding with hydro jetting is always a good idea to ensure everything goes smoothly.
The Environmental Impact of Hydro Jetting
One of the major benefits of hydro jetting is its environmentally friendly approach. Unlike chemical drain cleaners, which introduce harsh substances into your plumbing and the local water system, hydro jetting uses only water to clean the pipes. This makes it a much greener option, reducing the risk of chemicals leaching into the ground or water supply.
Additionally, hydro jetting eliminates the need for repeated chemical treatments, which can erode pipes over time and contribute to pollution. For environmentally conscious homeowners, hydro jetting offers a sustainable way to maintain a clear plumbing system without harming the environment.
What is the Hydro Jetting Process Like?
Hydro jetting is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s important to understand the steps involved. Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Inspection
Before starting, a plumber will typically conduct a video inspection of your pipes to assess their condition and locate the blockage. This ensures that hydro jetting is the right solution for your specific situation.
The Hydro Jetting Procedure
Once the inspection is complete, the plumber inserts a specialized hose into the pipe, which is connected to a machine that pressurizes the water. The high-pressure water is then released into the pipes, cutting through any blockages and cleaning the pipe walls. Depending on the severity of the blockage and the length of the pipes being cleaned, the process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
During the procedure, you might hear some noise from the equipment, but there’s minimal disruption to your home. After hydro jetting, you’ll notice improved drainage and smoother water flow throughout your home. In many cases, the results are immediate and long-lasting.
How Often Should Hydro Jetting Be Done?
Most homes benefit from hydro jetting every one to two years as part of routine maintenance. This helps to keep the pipes clear of buildup, reducing the likelihood of future clogs. Homes with older pipes or frequent plumbing issues may require more frequent hydro jetting, especially if they experience recurring blockages.
For example, homes with high kitchen usage, such as large families or those who do a lot of cooking, may see more frequent grease buildup and require hydro jetting more regularly. Consulting with a plumber can help you determine the right maintenance schedule for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hydro jetting is safe for most pipes, but older or fragile systems may need lower water pressure settings. A plumber will inspect your pipes beforehand to ensure they can handle the process.
The process usually takes between 30 minutes and a few hours, depending on the complexity of the job.
No, hydro jetting requires specialized equipment and should always be performed by a licensed professional to avoid damage and ensure effectiveness.
Conclusion
Hydro jetting is a powerful, eco-friendly, and highly effective plumbing solution. It clears stubborn clogs, cleans pipes thoroughly, and prevents future blockages, making it an excellent option for homes with persistent plumbing issues. While it may not be necessary for every home, hydro jetting can save time, money, and hassle for those dealing with frequent clogs, old pipes, or grease buildup.
Consulting with a plumber is the best way to determine if hydro jetting is right for your home. If you’re facing recurring plumbing problems, this modern solution could be exactly what you need to keep your pipes flowing smoothly for years to come.
