If you own a home in Denver, CO, there’s a good chance you’ll have to deal with a clogged pipe at some point. Clogs are among the most common residential plumbing problems, and there’s no certain way to prevent them. So, it’s a good idea for you to familiarize yourself with some of the techniques plumbers use to remove clogs. That way, you’ll know how to make the right choice when a clogged pipe eventually afflicts your home. One of the techniques that you’re sure to encounter at some point is called hydro jetting. Here’s what the process entails, why it’s used, and whether you should have it done if your home has older pipes.
What Is Hydro Jetting?
Hydro jetting is a pipe-cleaning method that relies on a high-pressure water stream. It’s similar to how a pressure washer cleans dirt and grime off of concrete or your home’s siding. Hydro jetting has been a common pipe maintenance option in commercial facilities for years. More recently, it has become a staple of residential plumbing maintenance, too. It’s often presented as an option when conventional drain cleaning methods don’t work. For example, if your home experiences repeated clogging, snaking alone doesn’t solve the problem. Situations like that may indicate the presence of stubborn buildup inside your pipes. Sometimes, the buildup can consist of limescale from hard water. Or, it could be the result of solidified grease that made its way into your home’s drains.
How Does Hydro Jetting Work?
Typically, a plumber will perform a video inspection of your pipes before continuing with hydro jetting. Inspection is an essential step in verifying the presence of buildup and identifying the specific cause of a clog. It will also allow your plumber to assess the condition of your home’s pipes to decide if they can withstand the process. After thoroughly examining the pipe, your plumber will recommend which drain cleaning process stands the best chance of success. They will choose a different option if they don’t think hydro jetting is necessary or your pipes can’t handle it. They may use a drain snake or an auger to clear the problematic part of your pipe. Alternatively, they may have to replace a section of pipe, which may be the only practical solution if it is in poor condition.
When your plumber proceeds with hydro jetting, they’ll first select a convenient access point in the pipe. They’ll try to do this as close to the problematic area as possible. This reduces how far they need to go to do the work and reduces potential stress on the pipe itself. They will also select a nozzle to create a stream shape that’s ideal for your particular type of clog. The following are some of the common nozzles they might use:
- Standard cleaning head
- Grease head
- Penetrator head
- Leader head
Once they’ve inserted the necessary hoses, they’ll start the pump that pressurizes the water. Most plumbers have equipment capable of pressurizing a water stream up to 35,000 psi. However, your plumber will likely begin your cleaning at a much lower setting.
With the pressurized water flowing, your plumber will move the pressurized hose back and forth. They will continue doing this as they work the hose deeper into your pipe. This will give the water stream time to work through any buildup along the pipe’s walls. It will also ensure that the nozzle moves through and past the problematic part of the pipe and that the water forces debris through your plumbing and into your sewer system. When finished, your plumber will turn off their equipment and remove the hose from your pipes. Then, they’ll re-inspect the pipe to make sure that it’s clean and undamaged.
What Types of Clogs Can Hydro Jetting Remove?
Hydro jetting is a very versatile pipe-cleaning solution. There’s virtually no type of clog that it cannot remove from your pipes. However, it is most commonly used for the following clog types.
- Fat and grease
- Lime scale
- Hair
- Silt
- Food
- Sand
- Tree roots
It’s important to note, though, that even though hydro jetting can break up tree roots in your sewer line, it won’t always be an option. If the root penetration has done significant damage to your pipe, hydro jetting can make the problem worse. In such cases, a plumber might instead use an auger to break up the roots and then take additional repair steps.
In some cases, hydro jetting with warm water is also used to deal with ice in your home’s pipes. It can melt the ice without risking damage to the pipe. Here in Denver, where temperatures drop into freezing territory in the winter, this option is worth knowing if you ever have to deal with this issue.
Can Hydro Jetting Damage Older Pipes?
In some cases, aging pipes might be too fragile to withstand hydro jetting. Unfortunately, there’s no hard and fast cutoff age for you to refer to. Rather than age, the condition of your pipes is the deciding factor in whether hydro jetting is appropriate. A detailed video inspection might reveal that an older pipe is perfectly capable of undergoing the process. Or, it could find small cracks or damage in an old or newer pipe that would make hydro jetting impossible.
You should also know that hydro jetting is an excellent way to keep your older and newer pipes in good condition for longer. Annual hydro jetting can help maintain your plumbing system by preventing future clogs and keeping the pipes clean. A qualified plumber will know how much pressure your pipes can withstand, making hydro jetting a maintenance option even if you have older plumbing. They can use their equipment on a lower pressure setting and make multiple passes to clean your pipes if necessary. This method will still do the job without the risk of damaging your older pipes.
When it comes to sewer lines, periodic hydro jetting is actually a good idea. Most plumbers recommend that you have a sewer line inspection and cleaning once every year. This not only helps you stay ahead of clogs and buildup, but the inspection part of the process can also alert you to damage before it worsens. Since complete sewer line replacements are complex and costly, preventative maintenance is a smart move.
Local Hydro Jetting Experts
Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical has been serving the residents of Littleton, CO, and the surrounding areas since 1999. Our team of highly trained and experienced plumbers can take care of all of your home’s plumbing needs. We offer everything from simple drain cleaning to sewer line replacements. Plus, we install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. We can also assist you with all your electrical, ductwork, and indoor air quality needs. We’re so confident in the quality of their work that we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you have more questions about whether our hydro jetting services are right for your home, consider scheduling a plumbing inspection today!
We also invite you to join our Friends & Family Club. Members receive annual HVAC and plumbing maintenance and enjoy a 15% discount on repairs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
