Last month we introduced drain-cleaning options and went over cable drain cleaning. Now let’s look at the other method: hydro-jetting.
What Is Hydro-Jetting?
Jetting or hydro-jetting is a process that utilizes high water pressure to clear a drain. A flexible hose has a ‘head’ on it that pushes the hose downstream, while at the same time punching through a clog. This technique was originally used to clean main sewer lines under the street, from one manhole to another. The only equipment available was sized for that job, so it was huge and could never be used on drain lines in buildings or even the building main sewer line.
Today, plumbing and drain cleaning companies can choose from dozens of different sizes of equipment – from trailer- or van-mounted units to portable hand-truck sized ones, all the way down to small jetting systems contained in their own self-contained toolbox using a ¼” high pressure hose.
When Should Hydro-Jetting Be Used?
Jetting drains can be a good, quick, and thorough way to clean a clogged drain. Today’s jetters can be regulated so the water flow and water pressure fit the pipe size, the location, and the need. If there are roots in a main sewer line, a trailered jetter has the high-water pressure and fancy spinning ‘heads’ to cut the roots out and clear the drain very effectively. In commercial applications where there can be lots of grease in the drains, hydro-jetting can often clean the pipes far better than a cable machine without using harsh chemicals. Small floor drains, sink drains and tub-shower drains all can be ‘jetted’ and cleaned thoroughly by an experienced tech using the right equipment.
What Are the Risks of Hydro-Jetting?
When jetting inside a building or home there is a danger of flooding from back-wash. The operator needs to have the proper equipment and enough experience to control and prevent ‘back-wash’ flooding, or a huge amount of damage can result. A good company will match the operator and the equipment to the job and will also have plenty of insurance coverage if the worst happens and everything floods, so be careful about using untrained people and unlicensed companies to hydro-jet drains.
Hydro-jetting is not a job for a handyman or DIYer.
What Causes Clogged Drains?
Ideally, plumbing systems that are properly designed and installed will normally never clog. I have installed both residential and commercial drain systems that are going on 40-years of continuous use and the vast majority have never clogged. But life isn’t ideal. Pipes get damaged and shift. Ground settles. All kinds of foreign objects get flushed or put down a drain. Grease gets dumped or builds up over time. Garbage disposals get overloaded and stuff pipes full at the worst times.
Servicing and maintaining drainpipes is something that has to be done from time to time. When drains clog, it’s best to be prepared with a professional who can offer the best solution for any situation. The next time you run into a clogged pipe or just decide it’s time for some preventive maintenance, look to Day & Nite Plumbing & Heating.
by Bruce Davis, Sr.
Since 1954, Day & Nite Plumbing & Heating, a family owned and operated company, has been meeting the plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning needs of homeowners and businesses in Seattle and the surrounding areas. Whether you have a plumbing emergency, or you need a heating and cooling home comfort system, “Do it Right! Call them anytime “Day or Nite”. Be sure to browse here for in-depth answers to homeowner’s top plumbing and heating questions, or send your own questions directly to the experts.
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