skip to main content
What Is Hydro Jet Sewer Line Cleaning and When Should You Do It?

What Is Hydro Jet Sewer Line Cleaning and When Should You Do It?

If your home is serviced by a sewer line, there are few things that you have to be concerned about, considering that most of your waste flows away from your home and eventually to a treatment plant. However, sometimes sewer lines back up, which can be extremely problematic. 

Backed-up sewer lines are almost worse than a clogged septic tank due to the possibility that they can be anywhere in the system, starting from your home to anywhere that the sewer line connects to the main line. Much like a septic tank, it will emit terrible odors from the drains in your home. This can be extremely frustrating when several homes or businesses are connected to the same outflow pipe. This can happen in situations where several businesses are in the same building, or in the case of condos and townhomes.

If you are concerned that there is an excessive buildup in your sewer line, it may be time to have your sewer line connections hydro jetted. This cleaning service is an excellent way to remove debris that may have built up over time.

What Is Hydro Jet Sewer Line Cleaning?

Hydro jetting is a way that professional plumbers can clean slow-moving or clogged-up sewage lines. It uses a large volume of water to break down heavy buildup from sewer pipes as quickly as possible. One great way to describe hydro jetting is that it is similar to pressure-washing concrete. High-pressure water is used to force its way through the debris, breaking up clogs of just about any kind.

This technique is a very effective way to deal with catastrophic plumbing issues. However, older pipes may not be able to withstand the high water pressure, and if a sewer line is broken or collapsed, hydro jetting will more than likely damage the pipes further. A good hydro jet professional will be able to assess your pipes for these possibilities before beginning.

How Does It Work?

Much like power washing, hydro jet sewer cleaning relies on highly pressurized water. Hydro jet machines utilize a special nozzle that guides a hose through the pipe to break up and wash away any waste that is built up. The nozzle itself has a powerful forward-facing jet, along with several rear-facing jets. 

Hydro jetting is like using a high-powered version of a drain auger. The pressure from the water will create a hole through any blockages. The rear jets will propel the nozzle further forward, while washing debris back. 

When cleaning a sewer line, a technician will typically start at the cleanout nearest to the main sewer line. The plumber will then slowly work their way toward the building using the retractable hydro jet hose until it gets to the building. Because of the way that hydro jet equipment washes debris back where it comes from, these blockages will slowly break down and flow back toward the city, instead of the building where the clog may have started.

Some hydro-jet equipment also has a small camera that allows plumbers to see if there are any additional blockages throughout the system. In some cases, Hydro jets can not break up materials, but if they have the opportunity to have an eye on what is going below the surface. In this case, the hydro jet professional or plumber can begin to put together some sort of strategy to begin solving blockages that a hydro jet cannot handle.

Benefits of Hydro Jetting Your Sewer Line

Hydro jetting is a highly effective method for cleaning and clearing sewer lines using high-pressure water streams. Here are some significant benefits of hydro jetting your sewer line:

  • Thorough Cleaning: Hydro jetting, utilizing high-pressure water jets, offers a thorough cleaning solution for your sewer lines. The force of the water reaches deep within the pipes, effectively removing stubborn debris like grease, sediment, tree roots, and mineral buildup.
  • Effective Clog Removal: Say goodbye to clogs and blockages with the highly effective hydro jetting method. The high-pressure water jets break apart and flush away even the most persistent obstructions, ensuring a fully cleared sewer line and allowing wastewater to flow freely.
  • Preventative Maintenance: Keep your sewer line in top condition through regular hydro jetting, not just for clog removal but also for preventative maintenance. This proactive approach helps prevent future clogs by keeping the sewer line clean and debris-free.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Choose the eco-friendly option for sewer line cleaning with hydro jetting. By relying on the power of water instead of harsh chemicals, hydro jetting eliminates the need for chemical drain cleaners, reducing the environmental impact of the cleaning process.
  • Long-Term Cost Savings: Hydro jetting proves to be a smart investment with long-term cost savings. By maintaining a clean and clear sewer line, you minimize the risk of major clogs or pipe damage that can result in expensive repairs or replacements down the line.
  • Improved Sewer Line Performance: Experience improved performance from your sewer line after a hydro jetting session. The increased flow capacity allows for the smooth movement of wastewater through the pipes, reducing the likelihood of backups, foul odors, and potential health hazards. It also ensures proper drainage and protects your property from water damage.

When Does a Sewer Line Need To Be Hydro Jetted

Honestly, your sewer lines need to be maintained just like any other system throughout your home. We recommend that your home or business's main sewer line should be hydro jetted every one to two years. This is especially important for restaurants or any place that is known to accumulate grease in its pipes.

Additionally, if you are experiencing a clog that a simple snake can not clear, it may be time to reach out to have your pipes hydro jetted. Snaking is not nearly as powerful as a hydro jet, and it does not flush clean water through the system, so that it can get truly clean. 

Viking Environmental and Septic Services - Your One-Stop Shop for Getting Out of Stinky Situations

If you are looking for a company that can maintain your sewer or septic tank system, Viking Environmental and Septic Services is here to help. With great customer service and plenty of years of experience, Viking Environmental and Septic Services is ready to handle whatever you throw at it!

For more information about how Viking Environmental and Septic Services can help, or if there is some sort of septic or sewer problem, please contact us. We are here to help!