Hydro jetting uses water under high pressure to blast away stubborn clogs in your main drain or sewer line. Some hydro jets also have scouring heads to clean any remaining debris from the walls of the drainpipe. The power and effectiveness of hydro jetting is great for clogged sewer lines, but it has its cons as well as its pros.
Pro: Hydro Jetting Works Beautifully
Hydro jetting blasts away really tough clogs with nothing but water applied at between 1,500 and 4,000 pounds per square inch. There’s no need for harsh cleansers or even gentler, environmentally friendly ones that use bacteria or enzymes. Hydro jetting not only washes away clogs caused by grease, hair, bits of food, and other debris, but also destroys tree roots that have infiltrated the sewer line. This is important because tree roots can grow so invasively that they can cause the sewer pipe to crack.
Pro: Hydro Jetting Cleans Completely
Most other drain cleaning methods, such as snakes or chemical cleaners, clean only one section of the drain. Hydro jetting clears the entire length of the drain. This helps to keep the line clear for a good stretch of time.
Con: Hydro Jetting by Itself May Not Be Enough
Some clogs are so severe that hydro jetting with water alone can’t remove them. A very bad clog might be a job for a hydro jet with a scouring head.
Con: Hydro Jetting Might Be Too Powerful for Some Pipes
The water pressure of a hydro jet might be too much for a pipe that’s weakened or old. That’s why you need to have a professional plumber take a look at your sewer pipe or main drain. They’ll be able to tell whether the pipe is strong enough to bear up under the pressure of a hydro jet.
Con: Hydro Jetting Might Not Be Able to Clear a Damaged Pipe
Hydro jetting might not be able to clear a pipe that’s already damaged, such as a bellied sewer line in which part of the pipe has sagged. Because the normal angle of the pipe has been interrupted, waste accumulates in the sag and is hard to remove with just a hydro jet.
Con: Hydro Jetting Can Be Expensive
The equipment used for hydro jetting, combined with the special skill of the plumber, makes it more expensive than other ways to clear your main drain. Still, hydro jetting is a good option to consider if you have a clog in your sewer line.
Before deciding for or against hydro jetting for your sewer line, it’s best to consult a local plumbing contractor that specializes in this service. They can tell you whether hydro jetting is right for you. If you live in Phoenix, AZ or a surrounding area and need hydro jetting services, make your first call to Ace Home Services.