Is hydro-jetting safe for pipes? Hydro-jetting is an excellent solution for serious plumbing blockages. But is it always safe for your pipes? We break it down for you here.
Sometimes plungers and drain snakes just don’t cut it for tough drain clogs. When you need to break through a blockage so your water can drain properly, it may be necessary to try a high-pressure tool—instead of poking a hole through the debris that is clogging your drain, a hydro jet will completely clear the pipe.
The question that many homeowners have, however, is whether this method of drain cleaning is safe for their pipes. In most cases, hydro-jetting is absolutely safe and will not damage your pipes, but a few exceptions exist to prove the rule.
Here are a few scenarios to consider.
3 Scenarios When You Should Avoid Hydro-Jetting
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Your plumbing is damaged.
If your plumbing is damaged, hydro-jetting can make your problems exponentially worse. This method of drain and pipe cleaning uses a high-pressure stream of water to cut through, break apart, and push debris and sludge out of your home’s plumbing system. When your pipes have weak points—from rust or corrosion, for example—the pressure can be great enough to bust through the pipe.
When you have a broken drain or sewer pipe, the escaping water can cause serious problems, even total failure if the soil surrounding the pipe settles or erodes.
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Your plumbing is old.
Many homes were built 50 or more years ago, and some of them still have the original plumbing. The materials we use for plumbing today are much more resilient than their forebears. For example, PVC pipes are not prone to corrosion and breakage like old cast iron and clay pipes are, so hydro-jetting them is not as risky (though some risk still exists).
It is always critical to consider your plumbing’s age when looking for drain cleaning solutions.
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Your plumber is inexperienced.
Unlike a drain snake, using a hydro jet is reserved for professionals. However, it is critical that homeowners understand that not all plumbing professionals have the experience and industry knowledge required to keep their plumbing intact during the process.
A trained, experienced professional knows to inspect pipes for issues like those listed above before beginning work. Only amateurs begin work before a complete inspection that ensures the pipes in question are strong enough to withstand pressure up to 4000 psi.
Is Hydro Jetting Safe for Pipes?
This question gets a lot of attention in the plumbing community: is hydro jetting safe for pipes? The answer is a resounding yes, as long as a licensed plumber does it.
Hydro jetting is a process that uses high-pressure water to clean and clear pipes. Many people are skeptical of this process because they believe it can be dangerous.
However, there are many safety features built into the hydro jetting process. First, the water is delivered using a continuous stream, which prevents it from building up in the pipe. Second, the water is delivered at high pressure, which makes it easier to break down dirt and debris. Finally, the water is delivered in a focused area, making cleaning the pipe easier.
Does Hydro-Jetting Need a Professional?
Hydro-jetting systems should be used with caution and only by professionals. In other words, don’t try to DIY your own hydro jet system or purchase a machine on your own. They are trained to use the right safety precautions and can also recommend the right nozzle for the job.
Also, using a hydro-jetting system eliminates the need to snake or remove chemicals yourself, which is always risky and can cause further damage. Instead, let a professional take care of it for you, and you won’t have any problems with your drain!
Pros
- The process is fast and efficient, which can help you get the job done quickly.
- It is relatively safe compared to other methods, such as drilling and blasting. This is because it doesn’t involve any potential for Dust Explosions (which can cause serious injury) or fire.
- It is environmentally friendly – it doesn’t use harmful chemicals or explosives, so it has a minimal environmental impact.
In a nutshell, hydro jetting is an excellent option for repairing or replacing pipelines – it’s fast, safe, and environmentally friendly!
Cons
Hydro jetting is a popular method of repairing and maintaining pipes, but there are some cons to consider before using this technique.
- First, hydro jetting can damage the surrounding area, especially if the pipe is buried underground.
- Second, jetting pipes are not always effective and may even create more problems.
- Finally, hydro jetting requires special equipment, so it’s not always practical for small businesses or home repairs.
When Do You Need Hydro Jet Cleaning?
It is advisable to get regular hydro-jetting every year or every other year on your business’ sewer line. This is especially important because restaurants and other establishments accumulate grease in the pipes. In addition, food grease can build up in the pipes, rendering them unusable.
If you don’t get an annual hydro jet cleaning, choosing hydro-jetting over snaking can still be a good idea when you have a clog in the sewer lines. Hydro jet drain cleaning will remove the debris and remove your clogged line from being blocked again. Snaking also removes material but doesn’t create a hole through the clog, so water will continue to flow until it’s fixed.
Talk to the Hydro-Jetting Experts at Custom Plumbing of Arizona
Is hydro-jetting safe for pipes? The plumbing experts at Custom Plumbing of Arizona are experienced in using a hydro jet to clear the worst clogs. If we think your pipes are too old or frail to handle the high pressure, we will work with you to come up with another solution.
We are here to help you keep your plumbing working. Get in touch with us today and we will send someone to your home to complete your free estimate.