One of the standard issues regularly faced by homeowners is clogged drains and pipes in their house. Calling a plumber to snake the drain and clear whatever is holding up the works is the typical fix for a problem like this. However, a newer process called hydro jetting (or water jetting), is quickly becoming the fastest and easiest way to clear home plumbing clogs and keep pipes clear longer.
Like a pressure washer for drains, hydro jetting uses focused jets of water to clean debris and buildup – even roots – out of drains and pipes. But, having 1500 to 4000 pounds per square inch (psi) of water used in your pipes might make you wonder if it is safe for your plumbing. (For comparison, the water from a typical garden hose has a psi of 40-60.) Read on to learn more about hydro jetting and how it affects pipes.
Wondering if hydro jetting is right for your home? Plumbing Kings offers hydro jetting services throughout the Las Vegas Valley.
Is Hydro Jetting Safe for Pipes?
Hydro jetting is one of the safest and most effective ways to clear plumbing blockages. It uses a hose that forces a continuous stream of high-pressure water through pipes to clear clogs from the entire diameter of the pipe. Whereas a drain snake merely punches a hole through a blockage, hydro jetting cleans the entire clog out of the pipe, leaving the inside clear of debris. Chronic issues, like grease or hair buildup, are easily resolved with hydro jetting, and the incidence of recurrence is reduced significantly.
While it is a bit more expensive than typical snaking procedures, hydro jetting is usually a much less frequent procedure and can save you money in the long run. Not having your home systems clogged on a regular basis is probably worth the extra money. You can have your plumbing cleaned once instead of getting charged for multiple visits by a plumber to snake the drains.
A popular concern, however, is whether the use of high-pressure water to clean your home’s pipes and cut through clogs is safe for your plumbing. Generally speaking, yes, it is safe for pipes. The only time there might be an issue is when the pipes are older or already damaged. The best way to ensure hydro jetting will not be a problem is to use an experienced, qualified plumber to do the job. The expert will check the pipes ahead of time with a small camera to identify any cracks or other compromised areas in the system.
Can Hydro Jetting Ruin PVC Pipe?
If your home does not have older pipes, you may wonder if hydro jetting is safe for newer pipes, specifically PVC pipes. According to professional plumbers, the answer is yes, it is safe for PVC pipes and most other types of plumbing. PVC pipes are very sturdy and are able to hold up to a lot, including hydro jetting. The nozzles used in pumping the water through drains, downspouts, and water pipes are angled and do not hit the inside of the pipes full-force. If the hose if left sitting in the same spot in a pipe for too long, it might cause damage, but a trained professional would know not to let that happen.
While snaking a drain can help break through large clogs in pipes, it does not clear built-up material that collects on pipe walls. Hydro jetting can remove all of the debris within a pipe safely and easily. The power of hydro jetting can even cut through tree roots that have grown through pipes – something previous methods of drain clearing could never do. As long as you use a licensed professional who understands the proper way to use hydro jetting, your pipes will be fine. So, if you have issues with constantly clogged pipes or drains, consider trying a plumber who uses hydro jetting. You will be happy you did!
