When Traditional Drain Cleaning Isn't Enough
When a drain stops draining, the first goal is simple: get the water moving again. But sometimes, opening the drain is only part of the solution.
A traditional drain cleaning with a cable or drain snake can be an effective way to break through a blockage and restore flow. However, if a drain has recurring problems, heavy buildup, or conditions that make it difficult for a standard cable to thoroughly clean the pipe, a different approach may be beneficial.
That's where hydro jetting comes in.
What Is Hydro Jetting?
Hydro jetting uses highly pressurized water to clean the inside of a drain or sewer pipe. Instead of simply creating a path through a blockage, the water is directed through a specialized jetting nozzle that helps scour buildup from the walls of the pipe.
Depending on the type of buildup and the condition of the plumbing system, hydro jetting can help remove things such as:
- Grease and grease buildup
- Soap and sludge
- Mineral deposits
- Food and organic buildup
- Other debris that has accumulated inside the pipe
The goal is to clean more of the pipe—not simply make a hole through the obstruction.
Hydro Jetting vs. Traditional Drain Snaking
A drain snake and a hydro jetter serve different purposes, and one isn't necessarily better than the other in every situation.
A drain cable is designed to break through or clear a blockage so water can flow again. In many residential drain calls, this is exactly what is needed.
Hydro jetting takes drain cleaning a step further by using pressurized water to clean the interior walls of the pipe. This can be particularly helpful when there is significant buildup or when a drain has a history of recurring blockages.
Think of it this way: snaking a drain can open a path through a blockage, while hydro jetting can help clean the pipe itself.
The right method depends on the plumbing system, the type of blockage, and the condition of the pipe.
When Is Hydro Jetting a Good Option?
Hydro jetting isn't necessary for every clogged drain. In fact, there are situations where a traditional drain cleaning is the more appropriate solution.
Hydro jetting may be recommended when:
Frequently Asked Questions
Restore the Flow—and Help Keep It That Way
A clogged drain is frustrating, but repeatedly clearing the same blockage can be even more frustrating.
Sometimes the best solution isn't simply to get through the clog. It's to address the buildup that is contributing to the problem in the first place.
Hydro jetting provides a powerful way to clean the inside of appropriate drain and sewer lines and can be especially useful for recurring blockages, heavy buildup, and commercial plumbing systems.
If your drain continues to clog after being cleaned, ask your plumbing professional whether hydro jetting may be a good option for your system.
Quality Service Plumbing can help evaluate your drain, explain the available options, and recommend the cleaning method that makes the most sense for your plumbing system. Get in touch with us today to schedule your evaluation.
