All the waste we have at home typically ends up in one of two places: the garbage bin or down our sewer system. We provide our garbage can a proper cleaning whenever they get grimy but we do not apply the same tender loving care for sewer lines. In fact, many home owners have never had their sewer lines cleaned and it is a common mistake. Most homeowners believe that the water they pour down the drain will naturally clean the drain pipes in their plumbing. On the contrary, everything you put down the drain is leaving behind some form of sediment or debris. Chances are you only get your sewer lines checked when there is a clog in your pipe or you notice the water is backing up into your sink or bathroom fixtures. Even when this happens most people cross their fingers and hope that it will only be a simple clean up job that will cost them a small amount. This type of care is not sustainable. Severe sewer line issues can easily cost thousands of dollars to fix, a headache no one wants. An easy tactic to prevent this from becoming your reality is to practice the habit of getting regular maintenance on your sewer lines. Just like going to the dentist regularly, your pipes need routine cleaning as well. If your drain is already clogged do not fret; both problems can be solved by the same solution: hydro jetting. In this article you will learn the basics of hydro jetting, why you should strongly consider it, and of course the cost of service.
What is Hydro Jetting?
If a drain in your home is clogged the first tool you reach for is the plunger. Sometimes it works, other times it is unsuccessful. If a plunger cannot unclog a clogged drain that means the obstruction is much more severe and it requires professional tools. The most effective and common options are snaking the drain, hydro jetting, or chemical drain cleaners. Chemicals should be used as a last resort as they have a higher chance of doing more harm than good in comparison to the other options. That leaves you with the big two: hydro jetting or snaking. Hydro jetting is a much more advanced and modernized method that was brought about with the advancement of technology and tools becoming much more compact. It should only be performed by a professional. Water is released from a hose attached to a high-pressure nozzle at one end and a vacuum pump at the other. The water is released around 1,500 psi but it can reach as high as 4,000. The hose is fed into the pipe and the power of the water dislodges debris, grease, and grime from the lining of the sewer pipe.
Hydro jetting typically involves these steps:
- A camera inspection is performed by inserting a sewer camera down the clogged pipe allowing the plumbing to decide which nozzle is appropriate to use for hydro jetting.
- The hose and nozzle, connected to the water pump, is inserted into the cleanout.
- Setting the pump at the correct psi, the plumbing will turn on the pump releasing the water from the hose. The high pressurized water will clear the debris or buildup from the drain and sewer.
This should be done via the cleanout, as hydro jetting takes advantage of gravity. Water goes up the drain pipes, with enough pressure to break down the blockage. When it does, the debris will finally flow down the sewer lines, together with the water used to dislodge it.
Benefits of Hydro Jetting – Is it Worth it?
With how powerful and technical hydro jetting is you may wonder if it is worth it compared to the other methods. Drain snakes and drain chemicals can be purchased at local hardware stores and do not require calling a plumbing to use so it can be alluring. No matter how durable you may think your sewer lines are, chemical drain cleaners should only be used as a last resort. Chemical cleaners can corrode your pipes, cause harm to the user if handled improperly, and are terrible for the environment. Snaking a drain can be effective but does take some time. Without the proper tools of a professional, specifically a camera to check the obstruction, snaking a drain can take several attempts and lots of time to yield only semi-effective results.
Hydro jetting is the most recommended method of plumbers for numerous reasons:
– It does not fail
– the adjustable water pressure of hydro jetting allows the plumber to unclog any size drain. Plumbers can easily change the water pressure until the buildup or debris is completely dislodged.
– Better for maintenance
– Snaking a drain may clear a clogged drain but it does not removed residue along the lining of the pipe which may lead to future clogs. Hydro jetting‘s use of water removes all grime and buildup along the edges giving better maintenance to your sewer line.
– Environmentally friendly
– hydro jetting uses only water to power wash your pipes making it incredibly environmentally conscious. No chemicals involved.
– Savings in the long term
– Although you need to hire plumbing services you will save money in the long run. Power washing the lining of your pipes eliminates all debris and buildup that could cause a clog later, making it a great preventative method.
How Much Does Hydro Jetting a Drain and Sewer Line Cost?
With everything hydro jetting entails, hiring a plumber and the special equipment required, the service sounds like it will be quite expensive. It is true the upfront cost can set you back a few bills but you should consider the service an investment in your plumbing. Regular hydro jetting services range from $250-600 for ordinary jobs. However, if your pipes are neglected and a clog becomes severe, the price can reach as high as $1000 or more! A couple factors that change the cost of the service are location of the blockage and the type of blockage. Clogs deeper in your sewer line will be more expensive than a clog near the drains or openings of your sewer line. The type of blockage will affect the cost because routine materials like hair and food are inexpensive but removing roots is a much more difficult process and it will raise the price. Routine maintenance and regularly scheduled services can prevent this large-scale cost. Hydro jetting a commercial establishment, on the other hand, is guaranteed to cost more. They require more sophisticated equipment which can raise the price. Hydro jetting services also requires a camera inspection prior to the service to examine what condition the pipes are in. Sewer camera services can cost $300-400 but in certain situations the service may be provided gratis. Although these numbers seem high, they are a fraction of the cost of a complete sewer line replacement. Hundreds of dollars for hydro jetting is pennies compared to the thousands you will spend replacing an entire sewer main. Hydro jetting lessens the chance of prematurely having your sewer line replaced.
Hydro jetting is the standard amongst plumbers now for clearing sewer lines. Clogs will build over time if they are not handled properly. Just as you should go to the dentist routinely to have your teeth checked and cleaned, you should also have pipes serviced on a regular basis. Don’t let a metaphorical cavity turn into a full-on root canal. Call Bill Howe (1-800-245-5469) today and save yourself the hassle!
