What Is Hydro-jetting?
At its core, hydro-jetting is high-pressure drain cleaning. It relies on specialized equipment to deliver a pressurized stream of water into a drain, clearing away clogs, grease, tree roots, and other debris. Currently, hydro-jetting is the only technology available that clears sewer line clogs. It’s also best left to the professionals! Not only is hydro-jetting a delicate craft, but the equipment itself can cost homeowners thousands of dollars.
Hydro-jetting can remove these obstructions that cause sewer line problems:
Tree Roots and Other Plant Matter
Tree roots can span tens of feet away from the trunk. These roots can uproot sidewalks, threaten a home’s foundation, and, perhaps worst of all, start growing inside sewer systems. Here’s how this happens:
- A leak in the sewer line releases water
- Tree roots grow toward the moist dirt
- The roots begin growing through the pipe’s gap and into the plumbing system
Hydro-jetting clears away tree roots before they cause irreversible damage. It’s also a non-invasive way of addressing this problem without having to remove large sections of pipe. A professional can determine the extent of root intrusion and offer the homeowner some options. In addition to hydro-jetting, they may suggest cutting down trees to prevent future issues.
Grease, Oils, and Fats
The University of Florida warns against pouring grease, fats, and oils down the drain. A homeowner might think, “Out of sight, out of mind.” This is wrong. Over time, these substances can build up inside a sewer line and congeal into a “fatberg.” These are large globs of material that bind together and impede water flow. Fatbergs can lead to serious clogs, burst pipes, and other issues.
Thankfully, hydro-jetting can break apart these substances. The water pressure wears down on the fatberg and causes it to dissolve. How much water a plumber needs to use depends on the fatberg’s size, composition, and weight. It could take anywhere from a few gallons to a few hundred gallons to remedy the problem.
The best way to address fatbergs is to avoid them in the first place. Homeowners should refrain from pouring grease, fats, and oils down the drain. They should pour these substances into a plastic bag, then toss the bag into the trash can.
Non-Flushable Materials (And Yes; That Includes “Flushable” Wipes)
According to the Polk County Utilities Commission, homeowners should refrain from flushing these items down the toilet:
- Baby wipes
- Napkins and paper towel
- Condoms
- Menstrual products, such as tampons and pads
- Food residue
- Q-tips and cotton balls
- Medications
- Diapers
- Hair and beard clippings
Sometimes, however, these items make their way into the toilet anyway. When that happens too often, the items above can cause serious obstructions. Thankfully, hydro-jetting can break down these substances and push them deeper into the sewer main. They can also prevent main sewer line clogs and sewer line backup from happening in the future.
About All Pro Plumbing
All Pro Plumbing is all pros and no cons. Since 1996, these professionals have offered 24-hour emergency services, outstanding service, and licensed plumbers. There’s nothing hydro jetting can’t fix with these professionals handling an issue. One can set up an appointment today for more information on their drain cleaning services.