What Is Hydro Jet Drain Cleaning?

hydro jet drain cleaning

Hydro Jetting is a non-invasive and efficient method of cleaning out your drain pipes or sewer line. To put it in simple terms, hydro jet drain cleaning is like pressure washing the inside of your pipes. This method effectively loosens debri, scale buildup and even resolves tree root infiltration. 

Hydro Jetting is often used in commercial plumbing, using very high pressure water, 35,000 PSI or more, that would severely damage the plumbing system of an average residential lot. However, the water pressure can be adjusted and this method can prove to be beneficial for homeowners alike. 

Hydro jet drain cleaning is a superior method of clearing pipes because it not only breakups clogs, it also thoroughly flushes them out, cleaning your pipes from all angels. Here’s a look at how exactly Hydro Jetting works. 

How Hydro Jetting works

The first necessary step that should be performed before Hydro Jetting your pipes, is a camera inspection of the drain system to achieve three goals:

  1. Establish the exact location and severity of the problem.
  2. Identify any weak spots in the plumbing system that may not be able to withstand the blast of high pressure water.
  3. Verify which nozzle is appropriate for the job.

A hose with said specialized nozzle is attached to a water tank. It is then inserted into your cleanout and self-propels through your pipes from the water pressure coming from the water tank. Any clog or debri encountered then dissolves and is flushed out.

Pros and Cons

Hydro Jetting can effectively loosen sand, grease, scale and residue from the inside of your pipes and flush them out completely. This helps to prevent another clog forming in the future. 

The high pressure water can cut even through tree roots that invaded your pipe and cleans your entire drain line, not just one problem area. Because Hydro Jetting uses nothing but water, it is environmentally friendly, if properly performed by a professional. 

Hydro Jetting may not be an effective method for clearing pipes that are very old and weak. It also does not solve plumbing issues related to broken or burst pipes. Though Hydro Jetting is most definitely not a DIY job, it does save you the time and effort required when snaking your pipes yourself, which leaves behind residue. 

The water pressure can be adjusted to anywhere from the average 3,000 to 8,000 PSI to the heavy duty 10,000 – 60,000 PSI, making this method easily adaptable to different plumbing systems and capable of attacking even very severe blockages.  

Hydro Jet Drain Cleaning Cost

Because Hydro Jetting does such a thorough and effective job of clearing pipes, it can actually keep your pipes clean for several years, reducing your costs over time. It does two jobs in one, unclogging and cleaning your pipe which helps tremendously in the upkeep and maintenance of your plumbing system.

With that said, for residential properties, Hydro jet drain cleaning on average costs $300 – $600 but can be more pricey if the clog is very severe. On the other hand, commercial properties require heavier equipment and on average cost $3000 or more. 

Though Hydro Jetting is an economical and effective method of clearing clogs, if not performed properly it can cause further problems in your plumbing system or result in the consumption of more water than necessary. Therefore Hydro Jetting should be left for the hands and expertise of a professional. 

Here at VIP Drain Services we have over 20 years of experience in the plumbing industry and our specialists are ready to assist you. Call us for a free estimate, book an appointment and know that for any plumbing emergencies we are available 24/7.

If you have any emergency plumbing need, simply call our 24 hour emergency service line

866.222.1753