All plumbing systems and sewer lines are susceptible to blockages and clogged drains, which — if not addressed properly — can lead to big leaks and damages or even a contaminated water supply.
If you keep experiencing clogs in your home’s plumbing system, then it may be time to call in an experienced plumber to resolve your recurring issues. This expert should be able to inform you of the best responsive action, and hydro jetting could be a solution they recommend. But what is hydro jetting plumbing?
What is Hydro Jetting?
Hydro jetting is a highly effective way to clean out drains and main sewer lines, removing any clogs or blockages preventing the drainage from flowing as it should. A hydro jet is made up of a large water tank with a hose attached. A kitchen hydro jet blasts water into plumbing drain lines at about 1500 PSI (pounds per square inch), whereas a main sewer line jetter blasts water at about 4000 PSI.
When you get a professional plumber to clean your drainage system with a hydro jet, they will use a special set of jetting nozzles that vary depending on the size of your drain, type of clog you have, and the amount of buildup in your drainage system. Different nozzles are able to contort and control the high-pressure water spray so the water can cut through different types of buildup. The hydro jet is even capable of slicing through tree roots.
How Does Hydro Jetting Work?
So you know what hydro jetting is, but what is hydro jetting a sewer line specifically? What happens during a cleaning?
A professional plumber will feed the nozzle of their jetter into your drain or pipeline where the blockage is. The nozzle will vary depending on your drain size and what material is clogged in your drain, but as it enters and encounters the clog, the high-pressure jet stream tears through the material so it begins dissolving.
The process works by using gravity and high water pressure to help the home’s plumbing system lead the clog out of the home and into the local sewer system. Working from the bottom up, your plumber will insert the nozzle and hose downstream of the clog, moving upstream and cleaning and unclogging as they go. All debris that is dislodged gets moved down the pipes by gravity, flushing safely out of the system.
Whether your clog is a clump of food, thick grease patch, or type of lodged fabric, hydro jetting can get it out. It’s imperative that your plumber has the expertise to know what amount of water pressure is necessary to handle the job. This varies depending on what type of pipes you have, their condition, and the clog. They may need to deliver as many as 20 gallons of water per minute to clear your blockage.
What Can be Removed with Hydro Jetting?
A great number of plumbing clogs can be solved with hydro jetting, including the following:
- Clogged hair
- Soap residue
- Grease collections
- Food blockages
- Fabric, such as washcloths
- Dish sponges
Hydro jetting plumbing is even capable of resolving issues where tree root infiltration occurs, as well as mineral buildup in the drains.
How is Hydro Jetting Different from Other Sewer Cleaning Methods?
Hydro jetting is more effective, less disruptive, and often safer than many other sewer cleaning methods. It is more effective at removing larger, more difficult materials contributing to drainage clogs. It is more thorough in clearing out all aspects of a clog, such as grease deposits, whereas other plumbing clearing methods might leave a residue or small chunks behind.
Hydro jets are also longer and more powerful, meaning they can clean longer sections of pipe more effectively. They can also take on bigger blockages better than many other traditional plumbing cleaning methods due to their power. Even though they are more powerful, they are also safer and clear out pipes with far less risk of damage.
Due to the power and process of hydro jetting plumbing, it also cleanses away odor-causing bacteria in the drains. So hydro jetting a sewer line not only serves to clear away clogs, but it also reduces foul smells in your drains.
Go With The Hydro Jetting Experts You Can Trust
With more than 115 years of expertise, the John C. Flood team is committed to delivering the most innovative solutions to your plumbing problems. Although sewer line problems are annoying, hydro jetting is one way to ensure these issues cause little disruption to your daily routine and minimal damage to your lawn. To learn more about our hydro-jetting service call (703) 214-5611 or contact Flood online now.
