Hydro Jetting Guide

By PropertyClub Team
Apr 16th 2023
Clogs in a drainage system that won’t go away can be frustrating, especially if they occur in a part of your home that you use often. If this happens over and over again, you should figure out what’s wrong and contact a plumber to find a solution. One of the best drain cleaning techniques you can try is hydro jetting.

hash-markTable of Contents

What Is Hydro Jetting?
How Much Does Hydro Jet Drain Cleaning Cost?
Is Hydro Jetting Worth It?
Can Hydro Jetting Damage Pipes?
Hydro Jetting Pros and Cons
Hydro Jetting Bottom Line

hash-markWhat Is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro Jetting is a plumbing technique in which high-pressure water jets are used to help free up and remove clogs and debris that may be causing blockages. Hydro jet drain cleaning has become popular due to its effectiveness and relative ease compared to older methods, like rodding, which involves drilling a hole in the system to get rid of the blockage. 

Once you’ve submitted your information to a hydro jetting company and had your issue inspected, the process is simple. First, the plumber will come to your space and locate the trouble spot. Then, they will insert a hose into the pipe and pump water. The pressure should force the clog out and into the sewer, freeing up your system. 

hash-markHow Much Does Hydro Jet Drain Cleaning Cost?

Hydro jet drain cleaning can cost anywhere from $300-$500. It’s critical to set aside some money in your savings to prepare in case a blockage arises, so you’re not set back without warning.

Some factors that might influence the cost of hydro jetting include where you live, the location of the clog, and the severity of the blockage in the system. In the worst circumstances, hydro jetting can cost upwards of $1000 if you’re dealing with lots of debris clogging your system.

hash-markIs Hydro Jetting Worth It?

Yes, hydro jetting is worth it as it's one of the safest unclogging techniques and offers a long-lasting solution. Hydro jetting is better than older techniques like plungers and snaking, which more often than not only get rid of the clog temporarily. Hydro jetting will push the blockage out permanently so there’s no risk of it reoccurring in the future. 

hash-markCan Hydro Jetting Damage Pipes?

Hydro jetting is typically very safe for your pipes. However, there are a few ways in which high-pressure water jets can damage your pipes. Therefore, it’s critical to have an expert plumber on hand if you’re considering this technique so they can determine if hydro jetting is the best choice to get rid of your issue.

Hydro jetting can damage the pipes if:

  • You have a home that has older pipes
  • You have tree root damage that has hurt your pipes already
  • You have a bellied pipe in your system

If you have any of these, it might prove better to avoid hydro jetting altogether.

It’s critical to consider the pros and cons of this technique before following through. Let’s dive into the good and bad next so you can determine if hydro jetting is the best course of action for your problem.

hash-markHydro Jetting Pros and Cons 

As with most plumbing techniques, some pros and cons come with hydro jetting. It’s critical to look at these so you can determine if hydro jetting is the best choice to get rid of your clog. Let’s talk about the good and bad that comes with this advanced unclogging technique. 

Hydro Jetting Pros

  • It gets rid of clogs and plugs with minimal damage
  • It’s safe for the environment and green to accomplish
  • It clears the entire system instead of a small piece
  • It can work in a commercial and residential setting
  • It can even cut through tree roots if necessary

These will serve you well if you want to get rid of an issue in your pipes. Now, for the not-so-good to give a rounded idea of what the system offers.

Hydro Jetting Cons

  • Using high-pressure water jets can be less effective than chemical-based services or techniques that dive into the plumbing system.
  • It can be trickier for older plumbing to handle and can even break fragile pipes.
  • Serious damage might not be fixable with hydro jetting.

These may make the technique not worth it for your home, though there are much fewer bad qualities than good.

Most of the time, hydro jetting is worth it. It’s a safe way to clear your system without hurting the environment with polluting chemicals. However, it might not be the best choice if you have a home that hasn’t had its piping system updated in a long time. Check out the year of the last update with a landlord or previous owners if possible.

hash-markHydro Jetting Bottom Line

If done by an expert, hydro jetting can be an excellent way to unclog drains and get your system back to its former glory. It’s an environmentally friendly solution that can get rid of debris and clogs inside your pipes.

An expert plumber can help you with this technique, ensuring success. If you have a clog you want to be checked out, reach out to a plumber today to see if hydro jetting is the best choice for you.