It’s never good to hear about buildup in a sewer system. There are between 23,000 and 75,000 sanitary sewer overflows in the United States each year as a result of slow drainage, blockages, and spills. An 800-foot-long, 143-ton “fatberg” that was recently discovered in England garnered headlines throughout the world due to its enormous size.
Just picture being able to power wash a driveway or a car as fast and easily as you could power wash your sewer pipes. This is possible using hydro jetting. To keep your plumbing free of obstructions, it sprays buildup away.
What does “water jetting” entail, and how does it operate? The steps for hydro jetting a sewer line are detailed here, along with some advantages of hydro jetting.
What is Hydro Jetting?
Professional plumbers utilize the hydro jetting method to clear clogged or slowly flowing sewage systems. It removes heavy buildup from sewer lines with water as fast and readily as if it were trash on the road. It can quickly remove blockages made of a variety of substances, including baby wipes that have hardened and food residue.
A very powerful plumbing technique is hydro jetting. But, plumbers must apply this technique carefully. The high water pressure of hydro jetting can be too much for older pipelines to handle without cracking. Hydro jetting won’t be of any use if sewage lines have already collapsed or been damaged.
How does Hydro-jetting Work?
An instrument called a jetter is used by a plumber during hydro jetting. The jetter is made up of a water tank, a hose, a nozzle, and an apparatus that squeezes the water in the nozzle before releasing it. Depending on the size of the drain or the nature of the clog, the nozzle may come in a variety of sizes and shapes. To cut through tough obstructions like roots, ice, or hardened accumulation, for example, use a chisel-type nozzle.
A plumber begins the procedure by inserting a nozzle into the sewer line, typically through the cleanout aperture. A high-pressure water blast is then fired down the sewer system by the plumber using the jetter. To clear blockages and wash away accumulated material, the water is frequently pressured at up to 3,500 pounds per square inch (psi), which gives it considerable speed and power as it moves down the line.
In order to obtain a good look at the clogs’ locations and what they contain, a plumber first runs a small video camera down the sewage system before hydro jetting. As an illustration, the problem may occasionally be a tangle of tree roots rather than a mass of solidified trash. Even against root obstructions, hydro jetting can be helpful, but the plumber will frequently need to use a snake first to break the roots down into smaller pieces.
Benefits of Hydro-jetting
Here are some reasons you should try hydro-jetting:
- Hydro jetting has excellent effectiveness.
A blockage rarely withstands tens of thousands of pounds of water pressure. Also, it is effective at removing obstructions rapidly, allowing cities and companies to restart their sewer systems as soon as feasible.
- It is a complete procedure
Snaking techniques frequently leave some accumulation on the pipe walls. The center of the clog can be broken up by the snake because it is much thinner than the pipe, but it has more trouble clearing the sides of the blockage of debris. When using hydro jetting, the rush of pressured water floods the whole pipe’s cross section, leaving little residue in its wake.
- It is a versatile technique
Hydro jetting’s ability to solve home and commercial drainage-related issues is another significant benefit. Not every drain service company uses cutting-edge equipment to unclog a pipe utilizing high-pressure water jetting. Also, a qualified and experienced hydro jetter technician can assure that there is no chance of clogging in the near future.
Uses of Hydro-jetting
When performing sewage clearing tasks that demand a thorough, powerful approach, such as:
- cleaning the pipe walls
- Cleaning up a sluggish system
- chopping up oil and grease
- removing trash and sludge
- eliminating tree roots
- Extraction of calcified scale
- breaking through ice jams
- removing sand and silt
Hydro jetting is useful in a variety of situations and is practically required in the following ones:
Older structures: The beauty and charm of older, historical structures enchant onlookers. But, below ground, their sewer pipe walls frequently have accumulated over many years. Even though a snake can break up some of that buildup, especially around the pipe walls, it won’t be able to do so completely. It is frequently a good idea to employ hydro jetting for a deeper clean if building managers find that they need to continually snake their pipes to get the water flowing.
Restaurants: The plumbing in restaurants is often susceptible to damage. Even with sink traps in place to catch larger particles, all kinds of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) and other food remnants end up going down the drain. FOG is responsible for about half of all sewer overflows in the US because the residues eventually harden and create clogs on the pipe walls. Hydro jetting is usually required for a thorough system flush because snaking can’t get rid of all the buildup.
Commercial sewers and municipal pipes often require a different approach when it comes to cleaning them. In a home or small business, the sewer pipes are usually small enough that a snake can clean them effectively and economically. However, commercial and municipal sewer lines have such large diameters that a traditional augur will make only a small dent in the buildup. Because hydro jetting can cover a large area with pressurized water, it is often more suitable for capacious commercial and municipal plumbing.
Speak With Your Local Sewer and Hydro-jetting Specialist
Interested in hydro-jetting? You can reach out to us today at N.W. Sewer and Drain . We’re excited to help you sort out any drain issues you might be facing in your home or office building. Ideally, consulting an experienced local sewer and drain cleaning company should be your following line of action if you are experiencing slow-moving drains, foul odor, or clogged drains in your home and need help figuring out what else to do.
At N.W. Sewer & Drain, we have a well-trained and ready-to-move team on standby. We serve the Seattle metropolitan area, including Bellevue, Kirkland, Shoreline, Renton, Lake Forest Park, Mountlake Terrace, Auburn, Everett, Marysville, Mount Vernon, and other surrounding areas.
N.W. Sewer & Drain provides top-notch drain cleaning and sewer repair services in the greater Seattle area, and we’ve been in the business for nearly 20 years. Contact us today at 206-931-7728 to schedule an inspection of your sewer line and pipes.
FAQ Section on Hydro Jetting for Sewer Cleaning
1. What is hydro jetting, and how does it work?
Hydro jetting is a high-pressure cleaning method used by professional plumbers to clear blockages and clean sewer lines. Imagine using a supercharged power washer for your pipes. A specialized nozzle releases water at pressures up to 3,500 psi, blasting away clogs, grease, and debris from the pipe walls. This process is effective for various blockages, from hardened grease to tree roots.
2. Why should I consider hydro jetting for my sewer system?
Hydro jetting offers several advantages over traditional methods. It’s incredibly thorough, clearing out every bit of buildup along the pipe walls, not just the center of the clog. This comprehensive clean means fewer future issues. Plus, it’s versatile enough to tackle residential, commercial, and municipal sewer systems, making it a go-to solution for stubborn blockages.
3. Is hydro jetting safe for all types of pipes?
Hydro jetting is generally safe for most modern plumbing systems. However, it might not be suitable for older or fragile pipes, as the high pressure could cause damage. Before hydro jetting, a professional plumber will typically inspect the pipes with a camera to ensure they can withstand the pressure. If pipes are already damaged or too old, alternative methods might be recommended.
4. How often should I hydro jet my sewer lines?
The frequency of hydro jetting depends on your system’s condition and usage. For residential properties, an annual or bi-annual cleaning might suffice. Restaurants and commercial properties, which experience heavier usage and more grease buildup, might need more frequent hydro jetting, perhaps every six months. Regular maintenance helps prevent major blockages and keeps your system running smoothly.
5. Can hydro jetting remove tree roots from my sewer lines?
Yes, hydro jetting is effective at removing tree roots that infiltrate sewer lines. The high-pressure water can cut through roots, breaking them down and flushing them out of the system. However, if roots are particularly thick, a plumber might use a mechanical snake first to break them up before hydro jetting for a thorough clean.
6. How does hydro jetting compare to traditional snaking?
While snaking can clear blockages, it often leaves residue on the pipe walls, which can lead to future clogs. Hydro jetting, on the other hand, provides a more comprehensive clean, washing away all debris and buildup. This thorough cleaning process reduces the likelihood of recurring blockages and helps maintain optimal pipe function.
7. What are the signs that I need hydro jetting?
Common signs that your sewer system might need hydro jetting include slow drains, frequent clogs, foul odors, and water backups. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to call a professional plumber. They can assess your system and determine if hydro jetting is the best solution for your situation.
8. Can hydro jetting help with grease buildup in restaurant plumbing?
Absolutely! Hydro jetting is particularly effective at removing grease buildup, which is a common problem in restaurant plumbing. Grease can harden and adhere to pipe walls, causing serious blockages. The high-pressure water from hydro jetting cuts through grease, flushing it out and leaving the pipes clear and clean. This process helps prevent future clogs and keeps the plumbing system in optimal condition.
9. How long does the hydro jetting process take?
The duration of hydro jetting depends on the extent of the blockage and the length of the pipes. For a standard residential sewer line, the process might take about one to two hours. However, larger or more complex systems, like those in commercial properties, could take longer. Your plumber will provide a more accurate timeframe based on your specific situation.
10. Is hydro jetting environmentally friendly?
Yes, hydro jetting is an environmentally friendly method of sewer cleaning. It uses only water to clear blockages, avoiding the need for harsh chemicals that can harm the environment. This makes it a safe and sustainable choice for maintaining your sewer system, ensuring both effective cleaning and environmental protection.
Understanding Hydro Jetting for Sewer SystemsIt’s never good to hear about buildup in a sewer system. There are between 23,000 and 75,000 sanitary sewer overflows in the United States each year as a result of slow drainage, blockages, and spills. An 800-foot-long, 143-ton “fatberg” that was recently discovered in England garnered headlines throughout the world due to its enormous size.
Just picture being able to power wash a driveway or a car as fast and easily as you could power wash your sewer pipes. This is possible using hydro jetting. To keep your plumbing free of obstructions, it sprays buildup away.
What is Hydro Jetting?
Professional plumbers utilize the hydro jetting method to clear clogged or slowly flowing sewage systems. It removes heavy buildup from sewer lines with water as fast and readily as if it were trash on the road. It can quickly remove blockages made of a variety of substances, including baby wipes that have hardened and food residue.
A very powerful plumbing technique is hydro jetting. But, plumbers must apply this technique carefully. The high water pressure of hydro jetting can be too much for older pipelines to handle without cracking. Hydro jetting won’t be of any use if sewage lines have already collapsed or been damaged.
How Does Hydro Jetting Work?
An instrument called a jetter is used by a plumber during hydro jetting. The jetter is made up of a water tank, a hose, a nozzle, and an apparatus that squeezes the water in the nozzle before releasing it. Depending on the size of the drain or the nature of the clog, the nozzle may come in a variety of sizes and shapes. To cut through tough obstructions like roots, ice, or hardened accumulation, for example, use a chisel-type nozzle.
A plumber begins the procedure by inserting a nozzle into the sewer line, typically through the cleanout aperture. A high-pressure water blast is then fired down the sewer system by the plumber using the jetter. To clear blockages and wash away accumulated material, the water is frequently pressured at up to 3,500 pounds per square inch (psi), which gives it considerable speed and power as it moves down the line.
In order to obtain a good look at the clogs’ locations and what they contain, a plumber first runs a small video camera down the sewage system before hydro jetting. As an illustration, the problem may occasionally be a tangle of tree roots rather than a mass of solidified trash. Even against root obstructions, hydro jetting can be helpful, but the plumber will frequently need to use a snake first to break the roots down into smaller pieces.
Benefits of Hydro Jetting
Here are some reasons you should try hydro jetting:
Hydro jetting has excellent effectiveness.
A blockage rarely withstands tens of thousands of pounds of water pressure. Also, it is effective at removing obstructions rapidly, allowing cities and companies to restart their sewer systems as soon as feasible.
It is a complete procedure.
Snaking techniques frequently leave some accumulation on the pipe walls. The center of the clog can be broken up by the snake because it is much thinner than the pipe, but it has more trouble clearing the sides of the blockage of debris. When using hydro jetting, the rush of pressured water floods the whole pipe’s cross section, leaving little residue in its wake.
It is a versatile technique.
Hydro jetting’s ability to solve home and commercial drainage-related issues is another significant benefit. Not every drain service company uses cutting-edge equipment to unclog a pipe utilizing high-pressure water jetting. Also, a qualified and experienced hydro jetter technician can assure that there is no chance of clogging in the near future.
Uses of Hydro Jetting
When performing sewage clearing tasks that demand a thorough, powerful approach, such as:
- Cleaning the pipe walls
- Cleaning up a sluggish system
- Chopping up oil and grease
- Removing trash and sludge
- Eliminating tree roots
- Extraction of calcified scale
- Breaking through ice jams
- Removing sand and silt
Hydro jetting is useful in a variety of situations and is practically required in the following ones:
Older structuresThe beauty and charm of older, historical structures enchant onlookers. But, below ground, their sewer pipe walls frequently have accumulated over many years. Even though a snake can break up some of that buildup, especially around the pipe walls, it won’t be able to do so completely. It is frequently a good idea to employ hydro jetting for a deeper clean if building managers find that they need to continually snake their pipes to get the water flowing.
Restaurants: The plumbing in restaurants is often susceptible to damage. Even with sink traps in place to catch larger particles, all kinds of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) and other food remnants end up going down the drain. FOG is responsible for about half of all sewer overflows in the US because the residues eventually harden and create clogs on the pipe walls. Hydro jetting is usually required for a thorough system flush because snaking can’t get rid of all the buildup.
Commercial sewers and municipal pipes often require a different approach when it comes to cleaning them. In a home or small business, the sewer pipes are usually small enough that a snake can clean them effectively and economically. However, commercial and municipal sewer lines have such large diameters that a traditional augur will make only a small dent in the buildup. Because hydro jetting can cover a large area with pressurized water, it is often more suitable for capacious commercial and municipal plumbing.
Speak With Your Local Sewer and Hydro Jetting Specialist
Interested in hydro jetting? You can reach out to us today at N.W. Sewer and Drain. We’re excited to help you sort out any drain issues
