plumbing pipe

An In-Depth Look at Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting is a powerful and effective drain cleaning method that uses highly pressurized water to clear clogs and clean pipes. As communities and businesses increasingly rely on proper drainage and sewage systems, hydro jetting has become an essential service for plumbers and drain cleaning professionals.

How Hydro Jetting Works

Hydro jetting utilizes state-of-the-art equipment that pumps water at an extremely high pressure and velocity out of a narrow nozzle. Typical hydro jetting systems generate between 1,500 and 4,000 PSI with some industrial models exceeding 10,000 PSI.

As this intense jet stream travels through pipes and drains, it scours the interiors, dislodging years of built-up sludge, oils, grease, and debris. The high pressure water slices through tough clogs while thoroughly cleaning pipe walls.

Most hydro jetting equipment is mounted on a trailer or truck, carrying its own water tank, high-pressure pump system, and hose reels. The flexible high-pressure hose feeds down pipes and drains to access clogs around bends.

Key Benefits of Hydro Jetting

Compared to snaking drains or using harsh chemicals, hydro jetting offers superior cleaning and some key advantages:

  • Thorough Cleaning: Hydro jetting doesn't just clear blockages but provides complete cleaning of pipe interiors. This removes root intrusions, calcium deposits, and loose particles that could lead to future drainage issues.

  • Environmentally-Friendly: Using only high-pressure water, hydro jetting is an eco-friendly process that doesn't require caustic chemicals or generate hazardous waste.

  • Cost-Effective: By fully cleaning the entire pipe system, hydro jetting reduces the likelihood of recurring clogs and backups. This prevents expensive future drain calls and damage.

  • Versatile: Hydro jetting can be used to clean all types of pipe systems including sewer lines, main sewer junctions, kitchen sinks, floor drains, septic lines, agricultural drainage, and more.

  • Longer Lasting: Thorough pipe cleaning extends system lifespan by removing corrosion, scale buildup, and obstacles to flow. Well maintained pipes last longer before needing replacement.

Common Applications for Hydro Jetting

While once mostly used for large municipal sewage systems, hydro jetting services are now provided for:

  • Residential Drain Cleaning - Clearing main sewer clogs, kitchen sink backups, flooded basements, and slow-flowing floor drains.

  • Commercial Drain Maintenance - Routine cleaning of restaurant, hospital, industrial, and apartment drainage systems.

  • Septic Systems - Removing sludge from tanks and clearing clogged drain field lines.

  • Sewer Inspections - Cities use hydro jetting trucks to thoroughly clean lines before running assessment cameras.

  • Agricultural Facilities - Barn, stable and livestock area drainage cleaning.

  • Construction Sites - Effective pre commissioning drain flushing.

What to Expect During Hydro Jetting

RooterPLUS! has invested in hydro jetting systems mounted on specialized vehicles. When you call for service, here is what you can expect:

  • Trained technicians will assess the situation and discuss your drainage issues.

  • Powerful hydro jetting hoses are fed down outdoor sewer lines via cleanouts or connected directly to stubborn sink clogs.

  • Watch the truck's water tank level and high-pressure gauges as the system is activated.

  • Over the course of 30-90 minutes, observe as years of nasty buildup wash away down the drain.

  • Notice improved water flow as drainage pipes and plumbing fixtures are cleared.

Latest Hydro Jetting Equipment & Methods

As hydro jetting grows more popular and competitive, plumbers continue innovating new jetting tools and approaches, including:

  • Spinning Nozzle Heads - Special nozzles create a vortex, scouring a wider pipe surface area. Some models use computer controls to program complex rotating patterns.

  • Inline Jetter Heads - These small, powerful jet heads feed through pipes on their own, propelled by the jet stream itself. They can travel 100 ft+ to access distant blockages.

  • Reverse Ball Valves - While jetting, plumbers can instantly reverse flow to dislodge debris. Unmatched cleaning control compared to fixed forward-spraying systems.

  • Multi-Stage Jetting - Combining techniques like inline heads, spinning nozzles, pulsating flow, and segmented cleaning allows plumbers to tackle the most stubborn drain issues.

  • Precise Pressure Regulation - Variable flow pumps with advanced computerized controls enable nuanced pressure adjustment for specific cleaning challenges. Operators dial-in precision high-pressure.

Calling For Professional Hydro Jetting

Don't wait until you have a sewage backup or recurring clog to call for hydro jetting. RooterPLUS! offers this service for both residential and commercial routine maintenance.

Preventative hydro jetting keeps your drains and sewer lines clear, maximizes flow efficiency, extends system lifespan, and prevents hazardous overflows.

You'll appreciate the peace of mind knowing your drainage system is sparkling clean and free-flowing thanks to powerful hydro jetting!