Is Hydro Jetting a Long-Term Fix?

No one likes a blocked drain. Regardless of whether it’s a shower drain or the sewer line drain, a blockage presents a multitude of problems with your plumbing system that you need to deal with.

If you have a particularly stubborn blockage, your plumber might recommend hydro jet drain cleaning. Compared to a plunger or an electric drain snake, a hydro jet is more costly. So is hydro jetting worth it?

What is Hydro Jet Drain Cleaning?

Hydro jetting uses high pressure water to clear blockages from your drain. Shooting out in all directions at 1500 – 5000 psi in your pipe, a hydro jet can clear a blockage up to 100 metres away. Grease, scum and debris build-up are no match for hydro jet drain cleaning.

Before getting ahead of ourselves, we like to assess your drain with a CCTV drain camera. This helps us locate and identify the blockage within your plumbing system, and also allows us to show it to you. A drain camera also allows us to inspect the condition of your drain and pipes, and whether hydro jetting is suitable.

The hydro jet’s specialised nozzle sprays water out in different directions, scouring the pipe free of debris build-up and obstructions. Gravity then works to pull this water and the debris it has dislodged down and into the sewer lines.

How Effective is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting is one of the most effective drain cleaning methods. Unlike the electric drain snake, hydro jetting not only blasts through the blockage in your plumbing system but also clears it away!

Depending on the condition of your pipes and the type of blockage, we can also alter the water pressure to best suit your situation. This makes hydro jetting one of the safest and most effective drain cleaning methods.

On top of clearing your blockage, hydro jetting will also leave your pipes cleaner than before the blockage. This means any additional soap and scum that has built up in your plumbing system is cleared away and your pipes drain better and even smell better.

While an electric drain snake might dislodge a blockage, it won’t do anything to help flush it away or clean away other build-ups. This means a hydro jet will not only offer you an immediate solution to your blocked drain, but also a long term solution by cleaning your pipes as well.

In combination with a drain camera, the hydro jet can be extremely accurate as well. With a qualified plumber on site and the customisability of nozzles and water pressure, blockages can be blasted away with ease and precision with a hydro jet.

To top it all off, the effects of hydro jetting are longer lasting than all other drain cleaning methods. While it might cost you more upfront for hydro jetting, you won’t need to do it as frequently. Over time, this can be more friendly on your wallet.

Does Hydro Jetting Work on Roots?

Over time tree roots can find their way into your plumbing system. They entangle themselves with each other and can create seriously blocked drains if not attended to promptly. Not only can tree roots block your drain, but in severe cases they can even cause major damage to your pipes.

Luckily for you, hydro jet drain cleaning can clear out almost any kind of blockage from your pipes. And yes, this includes tree roots.

Can Hydro Jetting Damage Pipes?

When used in the wrong hands, almost all drain cleaning methods can damage pipes. The same can be said for hydro jet drain cleaning. That said, hydro jetting is still one of the safest options.

While a store bought chemical drain cleaner might clear your blockage in the immediate time frame, in the long term these won’t do anything to help prevent severe clogs from reoccurring. However, too much of a good thing or using it incorrectly runs the risk of damaging your pipes.

The electric drain snake also runs the risk of damaging your pipes. In inexperienced hands, this tool can do some big damage to your pipes. While a licensed plumber will know how to use an electric drain snake, the hydro jet in the right hands runs even less of a risk of damaging your pipes.

The Pros and Cons of Hydro Jetting

Hydro jet drain cleaning is a method that uses high-pressure water to clear out clogs and debris from pipes and drains. While it offers several advantages, it also has a few drawbacks to consider. Let’s explore the pros and cons of hydro jet drain cleaning.

Pros:

• Thorough removal: Hydro jetting effectively clears away stubborn obstructions from pipes, including tree roots, grease, and mineral buildup. It ensures a comprehensive cleaning of the entire pipe, reducing the chances of future clogs.
• Prevents future clogs: The high-pressure water can remove not only existing clogs but also any residue or debris that could potentially cause future blockages in your pipes. This preventive aspect makes hydro jetting a long-term solution.
• Effective against tough clogs: Hydro jet drain cleaning is highly effective in dealing with stubborn clogs that traditional methods might struggle to eliminate. It can break apart even the most challenging blockages, restoring proper flow.
• Extended plumbing system lifespan: By keeping the drains clean and clear, hydro jetting can extend the lifespan of the plumbing system. It helps minimise corrosion and damage caused by long-term buildup.

Cons:

• Potential pipe damage: Hydro jetting employs powerful water pressure, which can potentially damage older or fragile pipes. Professional assessment and expertise are necessary to ensure that the plumbing system can withstand the force.
• High initial cost and equipment requirements: Hydro jetting requires specialised equipment and professional expertise, making it a more expensive option compared to traditional drain cleaning methods.
• Need for professional assistance: Due to the technical nature of hydro jetting, it is not a DIY-friendly method. Professional plumbers with training and experience are required to operate the equipment safely and effectively.
• Temporary disruptions: During the hydro jetting process, there may be temporary disruptions to water usage. However, these inconveniences are generally short-lived and outweighed by the long-term benefits.

Considering the pros and cons, hydro jet drain cleaning can be an effective long-term solution for maintaining clean and clear drains. It is crucial to assess the condition of the plumbing system, consult with professionals, and weigh the costs and benefits before deciding on the appropriate drain cleaning method.

A Long-Term Solution

Hydro jetting can be an effective long-term solution for certain types of clogged drains. Its high-pressure water stream can efficiently remove stubborn blockages, including grease, debris, and mineral buildup.

However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of hydro jetting depends on the underlying cause of the clog. In some cases, if the issue is due to structural damage or tree root intrusion, additional repairs may be needed.

Regular maintenance and preventive measures, such as using drain screens and avoiding disposing of inappropriate materials, can help prolong the benefits of hydro jetting. Consulting with a professional plumber is recommended to determine if hydro jetting is the right solution for your specific drain issue.

With the high-pressure water that comes with hydro jet drain cleaning, it’s especially important you are using a fully qualified and licensed plumber. Here at Plumber Near Me, all our plumbers are fully trained in how to use a hydro jet. Contact us for all your drain cleaning needs.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.