What Is Hydro Jetting and When Would I Need It?
One of the most common home issues is a slow drain or clog in your plumbing system. Though minor compared to some problems, having drain issues can still be a hassle and an expense.
If you’re spending time and money on small solutions that don’t last, it might be time to go for a big fix. Hydro jetting is an option that professional plumbers use to flush out your pipes and tackle deep clogs and significant scale buildup, keeping your pipes flowing as they should.
What is Hydro Jetting?
All the lines in your household drains and toilets travel to the public sewer system. Over time, these lines can get waste, debris, and scale buildup that inhibit water flow or cause a deep clog. The more this goes on, the more expensive and involved it may be to fix.
Hydro flushing or hydro jetting is a comprehensive solution that pushes highly pressurized water into your pipes to remove debris and buildup on the pipe walls and remove deep clogs, flushing everything into the sewer system.
How Does Hydro Jetting Work?
Hydro jetting is a method offered by professional plumbers. This isn’t a method you should attempt on your own, since you may damage your pipes or break them apart, creating bigger problems down the road. Additionally, our plumbers use top of the line equipment that requires training.
They will put a hose in the pipe, and pump water through your pipes. The high pressure takes the buildup off of the pipe walls, flushing it into the sewer system.
Is Hydro Jetting Different from Snaking?
Most homeowners have heard of drain snaking, which is a common solution for household clogs. These tools have a cable and electric motor with blades that can pull and push, releasing the clog. Drain snakes can be found at hardware stores and home improvement stores at a low cost.
Snaking your drain is a good option for shallow clogs that occur ahead of the P-trap, which is a curved area of pipe that is designed to keep a small pool of water and prevent sewer gasses from coming back into your home. However, for deep clogs and scale buildup, snaking can’t correct the problem and you need a stronger solution, like hydro jetting.
Is Hydro Jetting Safe?
Hydro jetting is a safe and versatile solution to clogs and slow drains, as long as it’s performed by a professional plumber. The pressurized water is safe and presents minimal risks to your pipes, even if they’re older, but attempting it yourself could lead to damage or your pipes breaking apart.
When Would I Need Hydro Jetting?
Wondering if hydro jetting is a solution for you? Here are some warning signs:
Frequent Backups, Even After Snaking
If you seem to always have backups and clogs, even with drain cleaners or drain snaking, hydro jetting may be the best option. Drain cleaners can work sometimes, but they’re not intended for frequent use. The corrosive chemicals damage your pipes over time, and they’re not safe for your health.
Sewage Smell or Backup
Do you smell sewage in your home or have a lot of backups? This could be caused by something simple, such as an empty P-trap, which keeps the gasses from coming back up through the pipes. You may also notice signs like water spots or dampness near sinks and in your basement.
It could also be a more serious issue, such as a deep clog. Sewer gasses are hazardous to your health, so it’s important to contact a plumber to have the situation evaluated as soon as possible.
Slow Drains
Slow drains are annoying, but for many homeowners, it’s something they deal with until it gets worse. Drain cleaners are usually the go-to, but that can do more harm than good.
It’s best to address a slow drain with a solution that corrects it, rather than a “band-aid.” If you neglect a slow drain, you could run into issues with bigger clogs and more expensive repairs in the future. Hydro jetting can correct both buildup and clogs that lead to slow drains, clearing your pipes and restoring your water flow.
Fixtures Backing Up into Other Drains
If you flush your toilet and notice water backup in the tub or shower, this could be a sign of blocked sewer lines or a clog that occurred in the shared drain between the shower and toilet.
Try plunging your toilet to see if that releases the clog and stops the backup. If that doesn’t work, it could be caused by bigger issues like a deep clog or significant buildup on the interior walls of the pipes. Hydro jetting can help with both of these problems and prevent the backup.
If you have a slow drain or clog, contact the professional plumbers at Service Champions to schedule an appointment!