Hydro jetting is a technique plumbers use to clear out the build-up of sludge and debris from drain pipes. Jetting requires the use of water to scour the inside of the pipe to break down the grease, sludge, and other debris to flush it out of the line. Hydrojetting is most effective in breaking down the sludge build-up that occurs in the drain lines from the bacteria breaking down fats, oils, and grease.
Why do I need to hydrojet my drain pipes?
Hydrojetting is a step above the traditional snaking of drains. While snaking is usually the first step in the process of getting drains flowing again, it is quite limited in its effectiveness. Over time, drains become clogged with a sludge-type material that occurs from the process of bacteria breaking down organic material. This sludge has a consistency of peanut butter or toothpaste, and a drain snake passes through but doesn’t break it down or flush it out. The water from the jet breaks the sludge down to a more liquid state that is then flushed out of the lines. A hydro jet is much more effective in cleaning drain pipes, and can often leave the pipes as good as new.
Can hydrojetting damage my pipes?
While there are always risks when performing any drain cleaning, hydrojetting is generally a safe option. However, the risk of damage is elevated if the pipes are older, or a lot of chemicals have been used in the past. Unfortunately, the integrity of drain pipes is often unknown until the work begins. One thing is for sure, if the pipes are in good condition, there won’t be any issues when they are cleaned.
Is hydrojetting worth it?
While snaking a drain will usually get the line flowing again, they only do a small percentage of the job. Hydro jetting gets the whole pipe and therefore gives a much better clean and lasts much longer. The value for a hydro jet is also based a lot on what caused the clog. If a pipe is heavily clogged with sludge and grease, a hydro jet is by far the best option. If the pipe just has a tight bend somewhere and a bit of debris got caught, a snaking of the line should be enough to get the line flowing long-term.
What is the process of hydrojetting?
The process of hydrojetting begins with the plumber using a drain snake to get the line flowing. When the drain snake is pulled back, it is possible to see what is on the cable. If the cable is covered in black sludge or grease, a hydro jet is usually recommended. The jet is then connected to a water source (unless it’s a larger jet for sewer laterals) and the smaller hose is inserted into the drain. Once the water is on, the jet is turned on and the nozzle on the end of the drain hose sprays the walls of the pipe and breaks down the build-up. The plumber then runs up and down the pipe repeatedly until the line is believed to be cleaned. Usually, you can determine the pipe to be clean when the hose is coming back clean (no more black sludge).
Can I hydrojet my drains myself?
It is not recommended to hydrojet your drain lines yourself. Plumbers have spent the time to learn the proper techniques and what to watch out for when jetting a drain. High-pressure water can cause a lot of damage to people and property if it is not done properly or there is a malfunction with the machine. When it comes to hydrojetting, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. That is why Yorkshire Plumbing and Drain Services are the best choice to take care of your drains. Call us today at 707 492 9656.
