Tag Archives: how does hydro jetting work

May '24

Unleashing the Power of Hydro Jetting: Say Goodbye to Drain Clogs in Chicago

A clogged drain is one of the most frustrating plumbing problems in the home. Once a drain starts to clog, the problem never goes away. As Harper Management team explains, that is because most drain-cleaning solutions never really solve the problem; they offer a temporary fix.

To help you understand how this happens, below is a detailed explanation of how and why clogs and blockages occur in your home’s drains. The post also shows you the most effective method for fixing and preventing drain clogs in your home.

How and why do drain clogs happen?

It is almost impossible not to have clogs inside a modern drainage system. The simple reason for this is that the wastewater from the various plumbing fixtures in your home always carries some semi-solid and solid materials.

These non-liquid materials are deposited inside the pipe as water enters the system. That happens because the water current is not strong enough to wash the debris out of the line, or it could also be because the slope of the pipe is insufficient.

This buildup process starts slowly, with small amounts of debris, but with time, the rate of buildup increases until enough material has accumulated to interfere with water flow through the pipes. That can eventually lead the drains in your home to stop working.

Why drain clogs and blockages never go away?

When your drains stop working, the next step is to find a way to unclog the pipes. Some people do this with a chemical drain cleaner (an absolutely bad idea) or a DIY home remedy. You can also unclog your drain by having a plumber perform a sewer rodding of the pipes.

But regardless of which solution you use, the drain problems are almost sure to return after a short time. The reason this happens is that the drain-cleaning method you used didn’t solve the actual problem; it just provided a short-term solution.

Most of these methods focus on restoring the water flow inside your drain pipes. They do this by poking/burning a hole through the clog or simply pushing aside the debris. The rubbish inside the pipe is not removed, and with time, it causes yet another blockage.

These less-than-ideal methods for dealing with drain clogs cause homeowners more stress and waste hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. But thankfully, there is one drain-cleaning method that solves the problem.

a hydro jetting being performed on clogged drains in chicago.

Hydro-jetting does not just poke a hole through the blockage inside your drain lines; it will scour the sides and bottom of the drainpipes to fully dislodge any buildup.

Hydro-jetting and Why it is the perfect drain-cleaning method

Hydro-jetting is a drain-cleaning method that relies on the power of high-pressure water to clear debris from clogged drains. To clear a clogged line, water is pumped into the pipe at pressures high enough to dislodge any blockage in the system without damaging the pipes.

The typical hydro-jetting setup uses special equipment known as a “Jetter” which has the following components:

A tank of water where the water for the operation is stored.
A flexible metal hose is inserted into the drain that is about to be cleaned.
A steel nozzle that comes in a range of shapes and sizes.
A pressurizing device to increase the water pressure.

To clear a clogged drain, the hose – with the nozzle mounted on one end – is inserted into the drain line through a cleanout. The nozzle for the operation is chosen based on the size, materials and age of the pipe, as well as the kind of blockages inside the system.

A blast of high-pressure water is then sent into the pipe as the hose travels through the line. The water pressure can be as high as 3,500 pounds per square inch (psi). That is enough pressure to shear away tree roots and remove debris inside the line.

The benefits of this drain-cleaning method over other methods include:

Thorough cleaning: Hydro-jetting does not just poke a hole through the blockage inside your drain lines; it will scour the sides and bottom of the drainpipes to fully dislodge any buildup.
Total waste removal: In addition to dislodging clogs, hydro-jetting will wash the debris out of your drain pipes. Other drain-cleaning methods leave these materials inside the pipes, worsening problems with drain clogs for a long time.
Hydro-jetting is safe: No harmful chemicals are used in hydro-jetting. The process uses only water or heated water. This makes it safe for the environment. Moreover, the water pressure used in hydro-jetting can be adjusted to ensure the safety of your pipes.

Finally, hydro-jetting is probably the only drain-cleaning method that can be used as an effective measure to prevent drain clogs. By hydro jetting your drains every year, you will drastically reduce the risk of drain clogs in your home and cut your overall drain maintenance costs.

Aug '23

Exploring the Hydro Jetting Process: A Guide for Property Managers in Maintaining Drainage Systems

Drainage systems are an essential component of any property’s infrastructure, ensuring the efficient flow of water and wastewater. Property managers play a crucial role in ensuring the proper maintenance of these systems to prevent clogs and backups. One highly effective method for keeping drains clean and functional is the hydro jetting process. In this guide, we will explore the hydro jetting process in detail, highlighting its benefits and considerations for property managers.

What is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting is a process that utilizes high-pressure water streams to clear clogs, debris, and mineral deposits from drain pipes and sewer lines. It involves the use of specialized equipment that delivers water at pressures of up to 4000 PSI (pounds per square inch), effectively removing blockages and restoring optimal water flow. This technique is extremely effective in eliminating stubborn clogs that traditional drain cleaning methods such as a sewer rodding service may not be able to tackle.

The Benefits of Hydro Jetting

Effective and efficient: Hydro jetting is a highly effective and efficient method for clearing even the most stubborn clogs. The high-pressure water streams can break up and flush away debris, grease, and roots that may be obstructing the drains.

Prevents future clogs: Hydro jetting not only removes existing blockages but also helps prevent future clogs. The powerful water jets thoroughly clean the pipes, removing any residue that could lead to future buildup and backups.

Environmentally friendly: Unlike harsh chemicals used in some drain cleaning methods, hydro jetting relies solely on water, making it an environmentally friendly option. It does not introduce any harmful substances into the drain or sewer system.

Cost-effective: Although hydro jetting may initially seem more expensive than other drain cleaning methods, it offers long-term cost savings. Regular hydro jetting can help prevent costly repairs and replacements by maintaining the drainage system’s optimal functionality.

When to Consider Hydro Jetting

While hydro jetting is an effective method for maintaining drainage systems, it may not always be necessary. Property managers should consider hydro jetting when:

– Frequent backups and slow drains occur despite traditional cleaning methods.

– Tree roots have infiltrated the drain pipes, causing recurring clogs.

– There are signs of significant debris or mineral buildup in the pipes.

The Hydro Jetting Process

Inspection: A thorough sewer camera inspection of the drainage system is conducted using a specialized camera to identify the location and severity of clogs and potential issues.

Preparation: Before hydro jetting, the area surrounding the drain pipes is properly protected, and access points are sealed to prevent any water leakage.

High-pressure water jetting: Using a hydro jetting machine, water at high pressure is directed into the pipes. This pressurized water stream effectively breaks up and flushes away the clogs, debris, and mineral deposits.

Post-inspection: Once the hydro jetting process is complete, another inspection is conducted to ensure the drainage system is thoroughly cleaned and free from any remaining blockages.

Considerations and Safety Measures

Professional expertise: Hydro jetting should be performed by trained professionals who have experience in handling the equipment and understanding the specific needs of drainage systems.

Safety precautions: Property managers should ensure that adequate safety measures are taken during the hydro jetting process, such as wearing protective gear and adhering to proper protocols.

Regular maintenance: To maximize the benefits of hydro jetting, property managers should establish a regular maintenance schedule. This proactive approach helps prevent major clogs and ensures the optimal functioning of the drainage system.

Summing It Up

Hydro jetting is a powerful and effective technique for maintaining drainage systems in properties. Property managers play a crucial role in ensuring the cleanliness and functionality of these systems, and hydro jetting presents a viable solution for handling persistent clogs and obstructions. By understanding the benefits, process, and considerations associated with hydro jetting, property managers can effectively maintain drainage systems, prevent backups, and minimize costly repairs and replacements.

Dec '21

Is Hydro Jetting the Drain Cleaning Solution You Need?

Unfortunately, blocked drains in the home are a common problem. A blocked drain is a huge pain as it will reduce water flow, slow down or prevent drainage, and damage the plumbing. But as Blue Door Realty says, the worst is the possibility of disgusting wastewater backing up into your home.

Thankfully, there are many ways to deal with a blocked drain. Anyone can unclog a blocked drain if they know how to use a rodding machine or snake. But plungers and drain snakes are only good if the cause of the blockage is close to the drain opening.

For blockages deep inside the drain system plungers and drain snakes won’t work. Finding the right solution for removing a drain clog is vital and this depends on the cause of the blockage, its position inside the drain, and how long the problem has been there.

The most common causes of drain blockages are hair, pieces of food, grease, soap, oil, mineral buildup, and items that accidentally fall into the drain. If any of these items manage to find their way deep into the drain system, they can’t be removed with a plunger.

For complex blockages like that, an advanced solution like hydro jetting is what you need. Hydro jetting will dislodge clogs no matter how deep they are inside the drain system. What is hydro jetting drain cleaning, what are its pros and when should you use this method in your home?

Hydro jetting drain cleaning: how it works and its benefits

Hydro jetting removes drain clogs by blasting them with high-pressure water via a special hose threaded into the plumbing system. This has an attached nozzle, which is able to create a stream of high-pressured water with a force of up to 4,000 psi (pound-force per square inch).

This is enough pressure to break down obstructions, shear away tree roots, and remove buildup. Hydro jetting can be used for pipes of various sizes and to resolve the most severe drain clogs. The size and design of the nozzle can be altered to suit the pipe and type of blockage.

What are the advantages of hydro jetting over other methods of drain cleaning?

It is quick

When you have a blocked drain, speed is of the essence. With hydro jetting, you don’t have to wait long before you can start to use your drains again. The process can be completed in a few hours.

It is not messy

Plumbing jobs almost always create a mess. You will not have this problem when you use hydro jetting. Since hydro jetting flushes away the obstructions inside the drain, you will not have to deal with any smelly unsanitary mess.

It is safe

Because you will not come into contact with wastewater from the drain or any stuff inside the pipes, hydro jetting does not expose you or your family to the risk of disease or illness.

Doesn’t use dangerous chemicals

Hydro jetting uses only water. No strong chemicals will be forced into your drain system. So you can be sure of the safety of your pipes and drain.

It is versatile

Hydro jetting can be used for pipes of all sizes and any type of blockage. All that’s needed is a nozzle that matches the size of the pipe and the nature of the problem.

It removes sludge

One of the hardest types of drain clogs to remove is sludge. Whether it is sludge caused by soap scum, oil and grease, or coffee grinds, hydro jetting will remove it completely.

Useful for preventing clogs

You can use hydro jetting to protect your drain pipes and maintain the function of the drain system by having the system flushed occasionally.

Does your drain need hydro jetting?

You will need hydro jetting if any of these drain problems apply to you:

Major blockages

If you have substantial scale accumulation in your drain pipes, or you are dealing with tree root intrusion, silt, or heavy sludge buildup, the most effective way to solve the problem is with hydro jetting. Mineral/sludge buildup, if not dealt with effectively can damage your drain pipes. Hydro jetting is a more affordable option than replacing sewer pipes.

Your drain needs maintenance

If you want a way to maintain drain pipes that is effective but does not take a lot of time, hydro jetting is the recommended solution. It will clear away the debris inside sewer lines and return them to how they were at installation.