Recurring clogs, slow drains, backups and sewer odors can result in plumbing issues that are not easy to rectify. However, hydro jetting may serve as the solution as it can clear stubborn buildup that’s formed in your pipes. So, if you’ve noticed that yours are draining slowly or smell bad or are experiencing other issues that standard drain cleaning methods aren’t solving, consider taking advantage of hydro jetting.
We’ll share seven of the most common signs that professional hydro jetting may be best for you.
Quick Takeaways
- Slow drains in multiple fixtures can indicate that there’s a significant sewer-line blockage.
- Many times, recurring drain clogs signal that there’s buildup deep in the plumbing system.
- Organic buildup in the drain pipes can result in foul odors emanating from your sewer lines.
- A professional inspection will determine if hydro jetting could be the right solution for you.
- Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to remove grease, sludge, debris and roots from pipes.
- This pipe-cleaning method is able to clean your pipes more thoroughly than traditional snaking.
What Is Hydro Jetting?
One way that you can envision what hydro jetting does for your pipes is to think about a fire hose spraying water into them, wiping your pipes clean. But it’s also not that simple. There’s a science to this process as the water pressure increases up to as high as 4000 PSI as water’s being intentionally sprayed in multiple directions.
Importantly, hydro jetting provides long-lasting results that are cost-effective in the long run and are environmentally safe.
Signs You Need Hydro Jetting
Here are common signs that hydro jetting’s likely the best method to clean your drains.
1. Recurring Drain Clogs
Although it can feel like a relief to clear clogs, it really isn’t at all if they keep returning. This oftentimes indicates that there’s a buildup along your pipe walls.
2. Slow Drains Throughout the House
If you’re experiencing slow drains throughout your house – i.e. in multiple fixtures, not just one – that can be the result of a sewer line restriction.
3. Frequent Sewer Backups
Wastewater frequently backing up into your drains and even into your tubs can indicate that there’s a severe blockage in your main line.
4. Foul Odors Coming from Drains
A foul odor emanating from your drains may be the result of organic waste buildup, such as grease and sludge accumulation, in your pipes.
5. Gurgling Sounds in Pipes
Gurgling sounds in your pipes can be caused by air that’s been trapped because of a partial blockage or another type of pressure imbalance in your plumbing system.
6. Grease or Sludge Buildup
Grease or sludge buildup can develop into a serious issue. This is most common in kitchen drains and is something that traditional snaking struggles with.
7. Tree Root Intrusion in Sewer Lines
Roots can enter your pipe joints and cause a severe blockage. Once those roots have been cut, hydro jetting may be used to clear out what’s left of them in your pipes.
Why Hydro Jetting Works Better Than Traditional Drain Cleaning
Traditional drain cleaning methods, such as snaking, may seem more cost-effective at the time, but their results often don’t last. Conversely, hydro jetting thoroughly cleans the entire pipe as grease, scale, sludge and debris are removed from it. This extensive cleaning process helps prevent future clogs.
When Hydro Jetting Is the Best Solution
Hydro jetting tends to be the best solution for those with severe drain blockages, sewer line buildup and pipes that have heavy mineral deposits, and it’s especially impactful for commercial kitchen grease issues.
Is Hydro Jetting Safe for All Plumbing Systems?
Although hydro jetting is safe for many types of plumbing systems, there are ones in which we recommend that it not be used. That’s why it’s important to get a professional inspection, which oftentimes involves a camera inspection.
A couple common signs of pipes not being appropriate for hydro jetting include old age and clay having been used to create them. However, old age and clay can be handled just fine in many circumstances.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
When should you call a professional plumber? Anytime you’re having issues that are not going away, such as persistent clogs, sewer smells, slow-flowing drains and atypical noises, consider reaching out to one. Keep in mind that early intervention will help keep your drains clean and reduce your big-picture costs.
FAQ’s – Hydro Jetting
What is hydro jetting in plumbing?
Hydro jetting involves the use of a nozzle that sends high-pressure water through a plumbing system, thoroughly cleaning it.
How do I know if I need hydro jetting?
Are you experiencing recurring clogs, slow drains or sewer backups that are not going away when traditional methods are used? Hydro jetting may be the best solution.
Is hydro jetting better than snaking?
In many cases, hydro jetting is better than snaking. Its results are long-lasting, it’s versatile, and it’s cost-effective in the long run. However, if your pipes are old or made out of clay, snaking might be best for you.
Can hydro jetting damage pipes?
Hydro jetting can damage pipes that are old as well as some of the ones that are made out of clay as the power of the water’s too powerful for them. A professional inspection will determine if your pipes can safely handle hydro jetting. In many circumstances, clay and older pipes can be safely washed by this method.
How long do hydro jetting’s benefits last?
In general, the effects of hydro jetting will last one to two years in a home setting while that timeline will usually be less than a year for commercial settings.
Schedule Your Hydro-Jetting Appointment With Our Punctual Plumbers Today
If you want to get your pipes cleaned, contact our punctual plumbers today to discuss your issue and set up an appointment. Our expert technicians will also analyze your situation and determine if hydro jetting would be best for you, and you can be assured that we’ll use only modern equipment in taking care of your pipes.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing provides professional hydro jetting and other plumbing services to homeowners and business owners throughout the Orlando, FL, metropolitan area, and we’re looking forward to working with you.