The Ultimate Guide To Hydro-Jetting
For plumbers, anything that can make their life easier on the job site is quickly adopted into everyday practices. New technology, new practices, or even a new wrench can be a welcome addition to a contractor's toolbox.
Hydro-jetting - a practice that involves shooting high-pressure water inside a pipe - is a relatively recent technique that has gained widespread praise from plumbers everywhere. Not only is a hydro-jet simple to operate and relatively harmless, but it can also save the homeowner thousands in repair bills than if the problem had been attempted through more traditional means.
How Does Hydro-Jetting Work?
First, a plumber takes a snake camera and runs it through the pipes to determine the source of the blockage. If the clog is significant enough that it can't simply be dislodged by the snake itself or if there is a significant amount of debris left over that the clog could re-form, the hydro-jetting hose is lowered next to the snake. Once it arrives, it blasts pressured water at a rate of up to 20 gallons per minute to clean the inside of the pipe. Any debris that is stuck to the wall is cleaned out and flushed down the pipe.
When Is It Appropriate?
Typically, hydro-jetting is only used when there are really stubborn clogs that need a little extra push to get them to dislodge. Another reason to use hydro-jet pipe cleaning services is if a clog keeps returning after traditional pipe cleaning methods are used. In these situations, usually the gunk and mineral build-up that accumulates on the inside of the pipe has hardened and keeps collecting more debris, creating a bottleneck that needs to be forcibly removed. One final reason to use hydro-jetting is to dislodge a clog that is deep inside the pipe. While snakes can handle surface-level clogs, they can lose their efficiency over longer distances. Hydro-jet pipe cleaning stays effective no matter how far away the clog is.
Are There Any Risks?
Even though hydro-jetting is a fantastic tool to take care of stubborn clogs, it's not always appropriate. If a home is older and has a copper or galvanized steel piping system, hydro-jetting could damage the sides of the pipe. Also, if the pipe is next to a tree root, the force from inside the pipe and the pressure from the tree root system trying to break in could also cause it to snap. Regardless, it's best to ask your plumber what they recommend as the best path moving forward.
To learn more, contact a resource that offers hydro-jetting services.