Hydro-Jetting Overview
Hydro-jetting is a common solution when calling a plumber to address clogged drains. It is particularly effective for drains with high F.O.G. (fats, oils, and grease) and food debris, such as kitchen drain lines. Additionally, hydro-jetting works exceptionally well on restroom drains affected by urine scale or backups caused by wet wipes or paper towels. You might be wondering: what exactly is hydro-jetting, and why should you consider it for your drain lines?
What is Hydro Jetting?
A hydro-jetter is a machine that works similarly to a power washer but operates at much higher pressures. The jetting machine can push up to 25 gallons of water per minute at pressures reaching 4,000 PSI. The operator guides the hydro-jetting hose through the drain, spraying water 360 degrees. Like a battering ram, the high-pressure water removes even the toughest clogs while thoroughly cleaning the pipe, leaving it in like-new condition.
Benefits: Why should I Jet my drain lines?
Over the last 30 years since hydro-jetters first hit the plumbing market, they have quickly and easily matched and, in most cases, surpassed traditional drain cleaning methods. The most significant limitation of conventional cleaning methods is that they leave most of the clog behind. Chemical cleaners will leave behind most of the clog once they have created a hole to pass through. Cable Machines will only puncture a hole or break up a clog but still leave most of the debris in the line. When using a hydro-jetter on a drain line, it can blast away all of the debris and build-up clogging the pipe. Hydro-Jetters can also reach further into the plumbing system and treat the pipe’s interior surface.
Benefits of Hydro Jetting:
- Versatility in clearing all sorts of blockages
- 360 Degree cleaning of the pipe interior
- F.O.G. (Fats, Oils & Grease) Build-up
- Long-lasting results
What are the limitations of a Hydro-Jetter?
Hydro-jetting is an excellent solution-so much so that you might wonder why bother with other drain cleaning methods. However, like any technique, it has limitations, the most significant being weak pipes. Older cast iron pipes are particularly vulnerable, as they become brittle over time and may not withstand the pressure of a hydro-jetter. Additionally, there is a risk of flooding the drain onto the floor, especially when jetting floor sink P-traps. This issue is typically mitigated by cabling the P-trap before deploying the hydro-jetting hose.
Limitations of Hydro-Jetting:
- Loose or frail pipes can be damaged
- Dense clogs close to entry point
- Potential for flooding
Final Thoughts
Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to call us at 888-267-9711 or email us at customerservice@versadrain.com .
Alexis Tompkins
Project Coordinator - At Versa Drain, we love to share our passion and expertise, which is why I enjoy finding time to write these articles to help you find "Your choice for the right fix."
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