What is Hydrojetting and When Do You Need It for Drains?

Hydrojetting is a popular practice in plumbing, for its wide range of benefits. For instance, hydrojetting drains is done regularly for upkeep and maintenance, but can also bust up tree roots and help homeowners avoid invasive repairs. 

So, if you’re not yet familiar with the high pressure practice, this is the guide for you. Here, we’ll dive deep into the basic definition, what it’s used for, the most common applications, and how it works. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about hydrojetting. 

What is Hydrojetting? 

Hydrojetting is a drain (and various surfaces!) cleaning method that uses high-pressure water streams to remove buildup, debris, and obstructions. The technique uses a specialized nozzle that’s attached to a flexible hoses. This is connected to a pump that pressurizes the water to levels of anywhere from 7,000 to 60,000 PSI (pounds per square inch). 

How it Works 

To begin, a nozzle is inserted into the area that needs cleaning – such as a sewer line, or clogged drain. The high pressure water is then powered on, and “jets” the interior surfaces clean. This removes built-up grease, mineral deposits, and is so strong can even breakdown tree roots. 

Hydrojetting is commonly used in plumbing maintenance, industrial cleaning, and surface preparation, offering a more thorough and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical or mechanical cleaning methods. To understand the high pressure practice even more, let’s cover the benefits of it more in-depth, next. 

The Benefits of Hydrojetting 

From residential plumbing to industrial equipment, hydrojetting offers a range of benefits that make it an invaluable tool for professionals and homeowners alike. Let’s cover all of the top advantages, now. 

Unparalleled Cleaning Power

The primary advantage of hydrojetting lies in its sheer cleaning power. By propelling water at pressures up to 60,000 PSI, it’s capable of removing even the most stubborn buildup and debris. This makes it particularly effective for clearing clogged pipes, sewers, and drains where conventional methods might fall short. The high-pressure stream can cut through grease, mineral deposits, and even tree roots, restoring optimal flow and functionality to plumbing systems.

Comprehensive and Thorough Cleaning

Unlike traditional snake or auger methods that merely punch holes through blockages, hydrojetting provides a comprehensive cleaning solution. The pressurized water scours the entire circumference of pipes, removing not just the immediate obstruction but also the accumulated residue on pipe walls. This thorough cleaning helps prevent future clogs and extends the lifespan of your plumbing system.

Environmentally Friendly

In an era of increasing environmental consciousness, hydrojetting stands out as an eco-friendly cleaning option. It relies solely on water, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals that can harm the environment and potentially damage pipes over time. This makes it a safe choice for both residential and commercial applications, particularly in areas with strict environmental regulations.

Time Efficiency

Hydrojetting can clean pipes and surfaces much faster than traditional methods, reducing downtime for businesses and minimizing inconvenience for homeowners. Moreover, its thorough cleaning action often results in longer intervals between maintenance sessions, further reducing long-term costs.

Non-Invasive Solution

For property owners, one of the most appealing aspects of hydrojetting is its non-invasive nature. Unlike some plumbing repairs that may require digging or dismantling of fixtures, it can often be performed through existing access points. This minimizes disruption to landscapes, flooring, and walls, saving both time and money on restoration work.

Preventive Maintenance

Regular hydrojetting can serve as an excellent preventive maintenance measure. By periodically cleaning pipes and drains, you can prevent the buildup of materials that lead to clogs and backups. This proactive approach can help avoid costly emergency repairs and extend the life of your plumbing system.

The Most Common Uses 

Of course, while hydrojetting is a common practice amongst plumbing and sewer maintenance, it’s also beneficial for other uses, too. Here’s a few other ways the practice can be effective. 

1. Industrial Cleaning: In industrial settings, hydrojetting proves invaluable for cleaning heat exchangers and boiler, descaling pipes and tubes in manufacturing plants, Removing buildup in oil and gas pipelines and cleaning industrial tanks and vessels. 
2. Surface Preparation: Construction and renovation projects often employ use the practice for removing old paint or coatings from surfaces, cleaning concrete before resurfacing and preparing metal surfaces for welding or new coatings. 
3. Graffiti Removal: Got graffiti? Hydrojetting can handle that! The pressure is capable of removing graffit from buildings, bridges, and other structures, without damaging underlying surfaces. 
4. Vehicle and Equipment Cleaning: The automotive and transportation industries utilize the high pressure method for cleaning heavy machinery and construction equipment, cleaning large vehicles (think buses and trucks!) and degreasing engine components. 
5. Marine Cleaning: What can be done for trucks and cars, can be done for boats too. Hydrojetting is used in marine applications by cleaning hulls on ships and boats, moving barnacles from underwater structures and cleaning offshore rigs and platforms. 
6. Food and Agriculture: Last but not least, hydrojetting is commonly used on farms, orchards, and manufacturing plants for its beneficial cleaning effects. It’s used to clean processing equipment, santize livestock holding areas (and slaughterhouses) and cleaning irrigation systems or water treatment facilities. 

The Final Word: Work with WaterWork Plumbing 

Interested in reaping the benefits of hydrojetting for your home or business? Or, has it been recommended already to unclog a pesky pipe or drain? Then, you’re in the right place. WaterWork Plumbing offers hydrojetting, emergency and preventative plumbing services for residential and commercial purposes. 
From Ypsilanti to Oxford, Dearborn Heights to Shelby Township and everywhere in between – count on WaterWork Plumbing to make your plumbing, work better. Get in touch to schedule a hydrojetting or general plumbing service appointment, or check out our resources for more educational guides and more.