There’s nothing fun about a home drain, toilet, or tub backup. Unfortunately, a plunger isn’t always going to do the trick – and snaking a drain on your own may not get to the true root of the problem. These residential plumbing problems are a nuisance, and often downright embarrassing.
Fortunately, homeowners now have an ideal solution for dealing with backed-up lines: Hydro-jetting. Also known as water jetting, residential hydro-jetting effectively clears out blockages in pipes and works as an ideal preventative measure to keep them clean and in good working order.
What Is Residential Hydro-Jetting?
Hydro-jetting is considered high-pressure plumbing, or as we like to say, “power washing for your pipes.” The hydro-jetting process involves placing a high-pressure water hose with a specialized nozzle into clogged pipes to blast water through the line. As the hydrojet is snaked through the line, forward jets of water break apart any material clogging the line, forcing it through the pipe. Meanwhile, rearward-facing sprays clean up the mess, scraping residual materials away from the sides of the pipe and creating a backwash of water that forces any remaining debris down the line.
Depending on the extent of the clog and the condition of the pipes, residential hydro-jetting water pressure is typically set at about 1,500 psi (pounds per square inch) but can go as high as 5,000 psi. In comparison, a typical firefighter fire hose only blasts water at about 300 psi. So, water-jet snaking is definitely a job for a professional plumber.
Who Needs Residential Hydro-Jetting?
Hydro-jetting is the perfect solution for most clogged pipes at residential properties. With hydro-jetting, we can remove the most common home clogging agents, such as:
- Hair buildup
- Grease blockages
- Tree root infestation
- Food oil, cooking waste, etc.
Hydro-jetting is usually the first approach we recommend to clear blocked residential pipelines. It removes debris instantly, without disruption or backflow. We can jet home pipelines of various sizes, from 1-1/2” to 48" in diameter.
Of course, you probably don’t think much about your building's plumbing system – until it’s too late. With regularly-scheduled hydro-jetting maintenance, homeowners can avoid and prevent major plumbing problems.
5 Signs You Need Residential Hydro-Jetting
While residential hydro-jetting can be scheduled regularly as a preventative measure, there are signs that you may need help from hydro-jetting machines ASAP.
1. Slow Drain Pipes
Slow draining pipes can be a nuisance, or even a disaster! Drains can get progressively slower over time, and while it could be a simple issue like a clogged garbage disposal, it could also be a sign of a larger issue. If you’ve tried a DIY drain unclogger or have actually tried snaking it yourself with no results, you may need to consider residential hydro-jetting.
2. Noisy Drain Pipes
Drains shouldn’t make noises that sound straight out of a horror movie! Screeching or hissing noises mean that there’s unwanted air in the system because of a clogged or blocked vent stack (the pipe that extends from the sewer system to the roof, releasing noxious gases and keeping water pressure moving freely). Hydro-jetting can clean the vent stack and prevent blockage and negative pressure that restricts water and waste flow.
3. Smelly Drain Pipes
We don’t expect pipes to smell good, but a particularly foul smell can mean that there has been a leak that might be caused by excess pressure from a clog. A clogged drain line that normally forces water and waste out could be clogged, allowing buildup of material that over time begins to smell.
4. Deteriorating Drain Pipes
Some homes have older supply lines and drain lines, often built of PVC, copper, cast iron, brass, or steel. While most metal pipes have a lifespan of up to 80 years, some may max out early (Orangeburg piping, for example) and require residential hydro-jetting to maintain effectiveness.
5. Water Bill Increases
If you’re like most homeowners, you watch your water bill like a hawk! If you notice that there’s a sudden increase in cost not attributable to a specific time of year (summer lawn sprinkling) or event (such as filling a large pool), it could mean that something is wrong with your plumbing.
Risks of Delaying Residential Hydro-Jetting
Residential plumbing problems get worse the longer you wait. By hydro-jetting, you can remove clogs and reduce the buildup of grease and materials lining the interior of piping that could result in:
- Sewer line clogs causing wastewater to back up into your property
- Corrosion of a water heater impacting temperatures
- Home damage due to flooding pipelines
- Exposure of health hazards to you and your family members
What Does Residential Hydro-Jetting Consist Of?
The basic mechanics of high-pressure drain cleaning are relatively simple, so the technique can be easily scaled to meet the needs of almost any residential property. Although hydro-jetting can be applied to multiple pipe materials, including concrete, steel, cast iron, PVC, and clay, a video inspection is usually performed initially to determine whether or not the pipe has any pre-existing damage. Given the immense power of the water being flushed through the line, the pressure may have to be adjusted to avoid causing damage to weakened sections.
The Cost of Residential Hydro-Jetting in Sacramento County
The cost of residential hydro-jetting will vary depending on the severity of the blockage. On average, residential hydro-jetting will cost you about $300-$500 (perhaps up to $1,000 for severe blockages).
While hydro-jetting will cost you more than rooter or snaking techniques, it will save you money in the long run. Why? Because hydro-jetting clears out the entire pipe, reduces the chances of future blockages. It’s also very efficient and takes less time than traditional line cleaning methods.
How to Hire the Right Plumbing Company for Residential Hydro-Jetting in Sacramento
Residential hydro-jetting, whether used for an emergency or as pipe-clogging prevention, has many benefits. It’s fast, effective, and it’s also environmentally-friendly, using nothing but water to unclog pipes – no chemicals!
If you’ve got a clogged drain, whether it’s a simple buildup of hair or an intruding tree root, make sure you hire a water jetting company that understands residential hydro-jetting and works to save you money!
Residential Hydro-Jetting Service from Express Sewer & Drain
Residential plumbing problems happen – sometimes at the worst times. Don’t be caught off guard. With Express Sewer & Drain, you can schedule regular residential hydro-jetting as a preventative measure. Of course, we’ll also be there if you’re experiencing a plumbing emergency!
Our team consists of drain clog clearing experts with years of experience clearing residential pipelines. We’re also invested in ongoing education for our plumbing experts that puts us a step above competitors. We deliver custom levels of service not available anywhere else to the Sacramento area. If we can help you, we’ll be there for you. Contact us today.
