What Is Hydro-Jetting?

Toronto plumber feeding sewer inspection camera into a floor drain while footage is being broadcast on a monitor.

If you’ve got tree roots in your septic system, clogged drains, or other persistent plumbing problems, chances are that professional plumbers will get out the hydro-jetting machine to tackle the problem. In fact, hydro-jetting is one of our most commonly used procedures while we’re performing drain repair in Toronto. But what exactly is hydro-jetting, and why is it effective? Explore how using a hydro-jet works, step-by-step, by reading this deep dive!

Hydro-Jetting: A Brief Overview

Before we explain how hydro-jetting works, it’s important to understand the purpose of this state-of-the-art plumbing procedure. As you go about your everyday life, your home’s pipes and drains eventually become caked in grime, slime, gunk, and junk. The purpose of hydro-jetting services is to clear away this residue on drain and pipe walls, leaving you with sewer lines that perform more effectively. This can save you time and money in multiple ways, from cutting back your utility bills to eliminating potentially damaging buildup before serious issues occur.

Step 1: Inspection

Before starting any work on your pipes or sewer system, your plumber will first do a visual and video inspection to spot damage, assess the level of buildup, and ensure any old or fragile pipes can handle high-pressure water jets. Some older systems may need an alternative cleaning method (such as plumbing snakes) as hydro-jetting does involve water being blasted against pipe walls at up to 35,000 psi! A competent plumber will always make sure they do not pressurize the water at a level that will harm your system and inform you if hydro-jetting might not be possible in your specific situation.

Step 2: The Jetting Begins

The plumber will position the hydro-jetting machine in the optimal location to remove clogs and clean out your plumbing system thoroughly. Then, the machine will send high-pressure water jets through the pipes. Gravity works with the machine to send the water safely out of your system and into municipal wastewater drains.

Step 3: Clogs Are Dislodged

As the hydro-jetting machine continues to work its magic, your pipes’ walls are rinsed clean of years of gross, built-on gunk. Because clogged or grimy pipes sometimes end up causing other items to get stuck in a sort of “vicious cycle,” hydro-jetting doesn’t just clean your pipes — it can also cut back on future clogs during the following months or even years!

Step 4: Your Drains Are Clean!

Once your plumber is satisfied that the hydro-jetting process is complete, they will inspect the system again to be absolutely sure that your drains are good to go. Once they’ve given the OK, it’s time to breathe a sigh of relief! You’ll benefit from more comfortable showers, less frequent drain clogs, and smaller utility bills thanks to their hard work — and the whole procedure rarely takes longer than an afternoon or two!

Now that you know how hydro-jetting works, are you ready to clean out your pipes? Same Day Plumbing specializes in Bayview plumbing and heating, so our team is ready to help. Book service today and see what hydro-jetting can do for YOU!