Cleaning sewer lines is a challenge that has been around since the dawn of sewage systems. It can be a great challenge that requires strenuous work. One method of streamlining this challenge is the use of hydro-jetting. How is hydro-jetting an effective way of cleaning out sewer lines?
Hydro-jetting works by incorporating water pressure to flush out clogs in sewer lines. Hydro-jetting can be a useful tactic that saves time and money when cleaning out tough sewer blockages. This solution is quite popular with plumbers and public sewage works.
Hydro-jetting is only one of many different techniques to clear out clogged sewer lines. This method has proven effective and safe. For major sewage clogs, hydro-jetting is a good option to consider.
How Is Hydro-Jetting Used to Clean Sewer Lines?
Hydro-jetting is like a super pressure wash. There is a complete process a professional plumber must go through to make sure the hydro-jetting is successful. Hydro-jetting works with the following steps:
- A sewer line inspection will be performed first. The totality of a pipe blockage must be gathered first before any work performed. This inspection is usually done with a video wire sent down into the pipe, primarily to check severity or potential pipe damage.
- Once all information from the pipe has been gathered, a professional will take a special hose and nozzle that will pressure wash the entirety of the pipe. This process rushes between 7,000-60,000 PSI (pounds per square inch) of water pressure through the pipe.
- Several washes will be done to the pipe to ensure it is completely cleared of all blockages and buildup. This is a process that can take some time to complete.
- A follow-up inspection is performed after the washing to ensure the pipe has been cleared and is working as it should.
This step-by-step process is necessary to ensure proper clearing of the clogged line. Hydro-jetting involves a lot of careful inspection and implementation. Since hydro-jetting is primarily for heavy duty pipe clogs, the more thorough the process the better.
What is Hydro-Jetting?
As previously mentioned, Hydro-Jetting is a super power wash. Hydro-jetting is a great way to clear bad pipe blockages that simple snaking will not clear. Hydro-Jetting usually incorporates the following processes:
- Hydro-Jetting breaks down and flushes out blockages in your sewer pipes, capable of ripping through extremely tough blockage
- Hydro-Jetting also pressure washes the walls of the pipe, running along the full length of the line to completely clear it
Hydro-Jetting is not merely washing out a pipe. It encompasses a thorough process to make sure the pipe is cleaned out thoroughly. Its process ensures that any and all blockages and other buildups are completely removed.
Hydro-jetting is usually best done by professional plumbers. It works in an intricate way, so a novice plumber is not recommended for this type of labor. The more experienced the plumber, the more qualified he or she will be in working with a hydro-jet.
Benefits of Hydro-Jetting a Sewer Line
Hydro-jetting is not the only method of clearing a blocked sewer line. It is, however, considered fairly economical and effective. There are a few specific benefits with hydro-jetting a sewer line compared to its alternatives. The benefits range from as follows:
- Cleaning and unclogging
- Consistent cleaning across the pipe
- Strong residue removal
- Washes away bacteria
- Fairly cheap and safe for the environment
This is just a shortlist of the benefits hydro-jetting brings to cleaning out a sewer line. As mentioned, there are other methods for cleaning out a clogged sewer line. Hydro-jetting combines a safe and effective technique with a fairly cheap and clean outcome.
The benefits of hydro-jetting sewer lines tend to outweigh its competition. Like any process, however, it is not perfect. Some may be curious as to what the pros and cons of hydro-jetting a sewer line are.
The Pros and Cons of Hydro-Jetting a Sewer
As mentioned, hydro-jetting a sewer line is mainly for major blockages. If a sewer pipe has a minor blockage, the line can be unclogged with the following alternatives:
- Basic plungers
- Plumbing snakes
These items should only be utilized for simple pipe blockages. In this case, using a hydro-jet has major downsides. Using a hydro-jet for simple pipe blockages can potentially damage your pipes.
Plungers and snakes, however, cannot clear out major pipe blockages and residue build up along the walls. If your sewage pipes have major amounts of residue build up along the walls, then a hydro-jet will have great benefits. The key here is assessing the blockage beforehand.
If you are considering hydro-jetting, an inspection of the sewer line will automatically come beforehand. Many may be unaware of when they need a hydro-jet for their sewer lines. Gathering all of the facts before committing to a hydro-jet is important.
How Do You Know If You Need a Hydro-Jet?
Knowing when you need a hydro-jet for your sewer line can be determined by a thorough inspection from a professional. It is best to contact a professional plumber first and arrange for a thorough inspection of the pipes. Once the inspection begins, the plumber will look for certain things that include, but are not limited to:
- Excessive grime or debris build up
- Intrusion of tree roots
- Excessive buildup of blockage such as non-degradable wipes and materials
- Build up of other blockages such as stones and rocks
If your sewer lines face any of the listed issues, then it is likely you may need a hydro-jetting service. As mentioned, consult a professional plumber beforehand. Only a qualified professional can properly assess whether your sewer line needs hydro-jetting. These assessments do not usually take too long to complete.
If your sewer line has been completely blocked, then you will have no other option but a hydro-jet. Simple plunging or snaking will not clear a completely blocked pipe effectively. Keep in mind that the more complicated the blockage, the more expensive the hydro-jetting will be.
Consult a Professional for Hydro-Jetting
It cannot be emphasized enough how important it is to consult a professional plumber before hydro-jetting your sewer line. Plumbers need to be certified and have the right experience to work with a hydro-jet. The hydro-jet controls a lot of water pressure, which can go awry if you are not experienced enough to handle it.
- Make sure you contact a professional plumber before hydro-jetting your pipes
- Research the plumber you are considering to ensure that they have the certifications and experience necessary to operate a hydro-jet
- A professional plumber should have proper equipment for inspections handy, such as video equipment
- The plumber should also have all necessary hydro-jet equipment on hand for the task
There are many professional plumbers and plumbing services available for hydro-jetting a sewer line. The Sewer Surgeon is one such service on the market. They specialize in both urban and residential environments. Sewer Surgeon also offers free estimates for hydro-jetting services.
The important takeaway here is to always consult a professional plumber when considering hydro-jetting your sewer line. It is also important to research your plumber to make sure they have the credentials and experience necessary to perform this service.
Conclusion
Hydro-jetting is an effective way of clearing a completely blocked sewer line. Hydro-jetting should only be used in case of severe pipe blockages, however. Make sure to have your sewer lines inspected before choosing hydro-jetting as your option. Some pipe blockages can be small and may not require hydro-jetting.
It is also important to consult with a professional plumber with experience to determine whether hydro-jetting is needed. If a proper inspection is done and a plumber determines your pipes are completely blocked, then hydro-jetting is the best (and only) way to unclog your sewer pipes.
Sources:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-key-benefits-hydro-jet-cleaning-your-sewer-lines-drains-mazza/
https://casewersurgeon.com/residential-plumbing-services/hydro-jetting-glendora-ca/
