Many homeowners have never had their sewer lines cleaned, and it is a common mistake. People often believe that the water they pour down the drain naturally cleans their drain pipes. On the contrary, everything you put down the drain leaves behind some form of sediment or debris that can build up over time.
Chances are you only get your sewer lines checked when you notice water backing up into your sink or bathroom fixtures. Even when this happens, most people cross their fingers and hope that removing the clog will only be a simple, affordable clean-up job. Unfortunately, this type of care is unsustainable. Severe sewer line issues can easily cost thousands of dollars to fix—a headache no one wants.
So what’s the solution? An easy tactic to prevent this from becoming your reality is getting regular maintenance on your sewer lines. Just like going to the dentist regularly, the pipes in your home or business need routine cleaning. If your drain is already clogged do not fret; both problems can be solved by what is known as hydro jetting. In this article you will learn the basics of hydro jetting, why you should strongly consider hydro jetting, and of course the cost of hydro jetting.
What is Hydro Jetting?
Hydro jetting, for those unfamiliar, is a process that utilizes highly pressurized water to effectively clean sewer and pipe drains. It serves as a robust solution for resolving stubborn clogs, offering relief to those tired of grappling with backed-up drains.
To delve deeper into the process, consider the following scenario:
A hose, equipped with a high-pressure nozzle at one end and a vacuum pump at the other, is employed. Water is expelled at pressures typically ranging from 1,500 to as high as 4,000 pounds per square inch (psi). This pressurized water is then directed into the pipe, where its forceful flow dislodges various debris such as grease, hair, food particles, and grime from the inner lining of the sewer pipe.
Hydro Jetting Service Process
Hydro jetting involves these steps:
- Camera Inspection: Initially, a thorough inspection is conducted by inserting a sewer camera down the clogged pipe. This allows the plumber to assess the condition of the pipe and determine the appropriate nozzle for the hydro jetting process.
- Hose and Nozzle Setup: The hose and nozzle, connected to the water pump, are then inserted into the cleanout access point.
- Pressure Adjustment: The plumbing professional sets the water pump to the correct pressure level (psi) for the specific situation.
- Hydro Jetting: Upon activating the pump, high-pressure water is expelled from the nozzle into the pipe. This forceful flow effectively clears debris and buildup from the drain and sewer.
- Gravity Utilization: It’s crucial to conduct hydro jetting via the cleanout, capitalizing on gravity. The pressurized water travels up the drain pipes, exerting enough force to break down blockages. As the obstruction is dislodged, the debris is carried down the sewer lines by the water flow.
- This method ensures thorough cleaning and efficient removal of blockages, restoring proper flow within the drainage system.
Why We Recommend Hydro jetting
Hydro jetting stands out as the premier choice among plumbers for several compelling reasons:
- Reliability: Hydro jetting consistently delivers results without fail.
- Versatility: The adjustable water pressure of hydro jetting enables plumbers to tackle drains of any size. With the ability to fine-tune the pressure, they can effectively dislodge buildup or debris.
- Enhanced Maintenance: Unlike traditional snaking methods, hydro jetting doesn’t merely clear clogs but also eliminates residue along the pipe lining. This thorough cleaning minimizes the risk of future clogs, ensuring better long-term maintenance for your sewer line.
- Eco-Friendly: Hydro jetting relies solely on water to power wash pipes, making it an environmentally conscious choice with no chemical involvement.
- Long-Term Savings: While initial plumbing service may be required, hydro jetting proves cost-effective over time. By power washing the pipe lining and removing all debris and buildup, it serves as a proactive measure against potential clogs, ultimately saving you money on future repairs.
How Much Does Hydro Jetting a Drain and Sewer Line Cost?
Determining hydro jet drain cleaning costs depends on the type of pipes in your home or business. Hydro jetting entails hiring a plumber and using specialized equipment. But don’t let the upfront costs keep you from scheduling hydro jet service, especially if you have very clogged pipes. When it comes to hydro jetting, you can consider the service as 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.
Pricing Factors for Hydro Jet Services
A couple of factors that affect the hydro jet cleaning cost are the 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 will raise the price. Routine maintenance and regularly scheduled services can prevent this large-scale cost. But if you haven’t kept up with regular maintenance, hydro jetting can take care of any serious clog.
The cost of hydro jetting the pipes and drains of a commercial establishment will be more than what you would pay for a residential hydro jet service. That’s because hydro jetting a commercial property requires the use of more sophisticated equipment.
Hydro jetting services also require 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. 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. And let’s face it—clogged drains are an inconvenience for homeowners and business owners alike. Plus, hydro jetting may prevent clogs from happening in the future.
The hydro jetting cost will include:
- A service fee
- Equipment
- Supplies
- Sewer camera
Pipe material and condition
The type of pipe in your sewer system plays a factor in the overall hydro jetting cost too. You’ll pay a different price if you have clay pipes versus polyurethane pipes. The condition of the pipes will also affect the price. Remember, hydro jetting requires water pressure that can reach up to 4,000 PSI. If your pipes are in bad condition, it can damage the pipes. That’s why it’s important to hire an experienced hydro jet expert who can inspect your pipes and recommend whether to move forward with hydro jet service.
Complexity of the plumbing system
The plumbing system in a residential property is usually not that complex. However, commercial properties often have a much more complex and larger plumbing system. You should expect to pay more if you require hydro jetting in a commercial property: more pipes, more blockages, and more money. However, once you go with hydro jet service, the pipes in your property will be free-flowing!
Location and accessibility of drains
Here’s the thing about many sewer lines: They’re usually located in a crawl space, garage, or basement. Many drains are not that easy to reach, and when they’re hard to get to, you can expect to pay more because it can take the hydro jet expert more time to access the drains.
And in commercial properties, the pipes and sewer lines may be covered up or sealed off so that employees or customers don’t get near them. This can make it difficult to access the drains, bumping up the cost of hydro jet service.
There are other factors to consider when calculating hydro jetting costs. For example, while the water pressure from the hydro jet is forceful and strong enough to remove tree roots, tree root removal may bump up the price. Sometimes the clog is so bad that the pipe damage is serious enough that it can damage your toilet. If that’s the case, you might have to get a new toilet. But hey, it’s also a good excuse to get that new fancy toilet you’ve had your eye on!
More hydro jetting cost factors include:
- Repairs or sewer line replacement
- Installing a two-way sewer cleanout
- Cleaning up a sewage backup (for health and safety concerns, hire a professional)
Hydro Jetting Costs Compared to Other Drain Cleaning Methods
So, how does hydro jetting compare to other drain cleaning methods? Well, one of the most common ways to unclog a pipe or sewer line is via a sewer line snake. Hydro jetting costs a bit more than sewer line snaking. If you go the route of snaking, you can expect to pay from $200 to $600. Hydro jetting will cost a bit more, but it is superior to snaking, which we will explain.
Snaking a drain
Snaking requires using a long, flexible metal rod. This rod is then inserted into the sewer line to clean out whatever is creating the clog. At the end of the rod are some sharp blades and at the top, there’s a machine that rotates the rod and the blades. The snake blades do a good job of cutting through clogs caused by tree roots, debris, or hair. But snaking will only break through the clogs. Hydro jetting goes the extra mile.
Chemical Cleaners
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.
Hydro jetting
Here’s why hydro jetting is superior to snaking and chemical cleaning: it doesn’t just clear the clog; it will also clear out any scum, fat, and debris that is inside the pipes. The hydro jet process uses clean water to clear out the pipes. And it cleans the pipes out at such a force that is powerful enough to cut through anything that gets in its way.
There are several other drain cleaning methods, such as pouring hot water down a drain or using a plunger. But let’s face it, while it may be much more cost-effective, those methods do not even come close to clearing a drain like hydro jetting can.
Choosing the Right Experts
Hydro jetting demands a high level of expertise, making it imperative to engage a seasoned professional plumber. This process entails employing water pressure of up to 4,000 PSI, a force significantly higher than the typical 40 to 60 PSI found in residential water systems, and even surpassing that of some pressure washers. Consequently, an inexperienced plumber may be at risk of injury. Therefore, it is essential to inquire with the plumbing company about the technician’s proficiency and experience before proceeding.
Furthermore, hydro jetting necessitates specialized and costly technology and equipment. Not all plumbing companies offer this service due to the investment required. It is advisable to opt for a long-standing, reputable company with a history of trustworthiness in your community, such as Bill Howe. Such companies take pride in their seasoned plumbers and possess the necessary equipment to tackle the most challenging tasks with confidence.
Clear Your Sewer Line Today
Hydro jetting is the standard amongst plumbers now for clearing sewer lines. Clogs will build over time if they are not handled properly. We recommend getting your pipes serviced on a regular basis.
Call Bill Howe (1-800-245-5469) today and save yourself the hassle!
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