What Is Hydro Jetting and When Would I Need It?

Dealing with constant clogs? A slow drain? Bad odors coming from your pipes? Fortunately, there is a solution that can remove the buildup in your pipes and restore your water flow – hydro jetting.

Is hydro jetting right for your pipes? Find out more about hydro jetting and the signs that you need it.

What is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting is a treatment for your pipes that uses a high-pressure water flow to reduce scale and buildup from the interior of your pipes. This is an effective way to remove food particles, hair, mineral scale, grease, and other buildup that can cause a clogged or slow drain.

One of the main benefits of hydro jetting is that it doesn’t use a potentially damaging tool to correct the clog – all it uses is high-pressure water. Rodding and snaking use tools with metal and blades to remove buildup, which can damage the interior surface of your pipes.

How Does Hydro Jetting Work?

For hydro jetting, your plumber will inspect your pipes and determine the best spot to start the process from. They will insert a hose and pump the water into your pipes, which will break up the buildup on the interior and send it into your sewer system.

 

Keep in mind that hydro jetting is more involved than just putting a hose into your pipes to clear them. You can’t perform this task yourself, or you may end up damaging your plumbing system and paying for a much larger problem. If you think you need hydro jetting, contact a professional plumber!

Is Hydro Jetting Different from Snaking?

Snaking is a common treatment for clogs that are close to the opening to your drain and haven’t made it past the P-trap. This involves a tool with a cable and electric motor with blades on the end, which push and pull to remove the clog.

It’s also an option that homeowners can try on their own with a drain snake purchased at a home improvement store.

Unfortunately, snaking isn’t an option if the clog is deep in your pipes or the slow drain is caused by buildup. Hydro jetting blasts the debris off the inside of the pipes and flushes it down, taking any clogs with it.

Is Hydro Jetting Safe?

Hydro jetting is a safe and effective way to clear plumbing blockages, especially if they’re deep in the pipes. It uses high-pressure water instead of metal tools, so it’s less likely to do damage to your pipes.

Still, it’s important not to try hydro jetting on your own. It’s more than just using a hose, so always call a professional plumber to treat your pipes.

When Would I Need Hydro Jetting?

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

Frequent Backups (Even After Snaking)

Clogs are one of the most common problems homeowners encounter. We put a lot of things into pipes that we shouldn’t, including food debris, tissues, and hair. These can quickly lead to a clog or buildup with a slow drain.

Whether you have a clog that won’t let up or a constant slow drain you can’t correct, hydro jetting can solve the problem. Unlike snaking, which addresses more shallow clogs, hydro jetting can blast the buildup off of your interior surfaces and treat deep clogs, simply flushing them away.

Sewage Smell or Backup

If you have a sewer smell or strong odors coming from your pipes, something is wrong. It could be simple like an empty P-trap, which is designed to prevent sewer gas from coming back into your home, or something more serious. You may see telltale signs like moisture, water spots, and dampness near your sink or in your basement.

Keep in mind that sewer gasses are hazardous to your health. If you smell sewage in your home, it’s important to contact a plumber as soon as possible. Though it could be something simple to fix, you don’t want to take a chance.

Slow Drains

For many homeowners, a slow drain isn’t something that needs to be fixed immediately. Most homeowners rely on drain cleaners, which are corrosive to pipes and can cause damage with frequent use.

Slow drains will only get worse over time, so it’s important to treat the underlying cause. Sometimes, it’s simple like a garbage disposal or some stuck food particles. Either way, a plumber can determine the issue and treat it with hydro jetting or another method.

Fixtures Backing Up into Other Drains

If you see water back up into the bathtub or shower drain when you flush the toilet, you could have a blockage in the sewer line. You may also have a clog in the shared drain pipe that connects both drains.

The first step is to plunge the toilet. If that doesn’t correct it, hydro jetting may be your best option. A clog in these pipes or the main sewer line can get out of control quickly, so make sure to get a plumber to evaluate the situation as soon as possible.

Are you worried about a constant clog or a slow drain? Contact the pros at ASI, the White Glove Guys to schedule your appointment!