Sewer jetting is one of the most effective ways to clear slow or obstructed sewer lines. With professional plumbing expertise from bluefrog, this drain cleaning method can resolve immediate concerns while protecting your plumbing system’s long-term health and preventing future plumbing emergencies.
What is Sewer Jetting?
Sewer jetting, also known as hydro jetting, is a professional plumbing system cleaning method. It uses highly pressurized water, usually between 3,000 and 8,000 PSI, to remove debris and obstructions from the sewer and drain lines. Jetting is an alternative to other sewer cleaning methods, such as mechanical drain augering or chemical drain cleaners.
This process involves specialized equipment, including a water tank, motor and hose reel connected to a jetting nozzle. Your plumber feeds this hose into an access point, and its stream of water is powerful enough to cut through grease, tree roots and hardened debris while flushing everything downstream to restore flow. It also scours the pipe walls to remove mineral and sludge buildup that narrows the passage.
Ahead of jetting, plumbers perform sewer camera inspections. This method allows them to thoroughly assess your plumbing system, pinpoint clogs and verify that the pipes can withstand the water pressure.
When Is Sewer Jetting the Better Drain Cleaning Method?
Sewer jetting is most effective in situations where standard cleaning methods, such as chemical treatments or snaking, can’t address the entire extent of the buildup or clear obstructions.
Recurring or stubborn clogs, for instance, typically indicate buildup along pipe walls. Jetting scrubs this buildup away and restores full pipe diameter, enabling proper flow and reducing the likelihood of future clogs. In contrast, augering pushes or pulls obstructions from the system but doesn’t address material coating the inside of the pipes.
Jetting also provides non-invasive access to deeper points in your plumbing system, such as the main sewer line, where obstructions can cause backups in multiple fixtures throughout your home. Main sewer lines are vulnerable to tree root intrusion, and high-pressure jetting has enough force to remove roots without excavating the line.
How Often Should You Clean Your Sewer Lines?
For most homes, sewer jetting every 18 to 24 months sufficiently addresses normal buildup. Exact cleaning and maintenance service intervals depend on several factors, including:
- Age and condition of your plumbing system: Older pipes may require more frequent cleaning.
- Household size and water usage: Heavier plumbing demand can accelerate buildup in your pipes.
- Risk of root damage: Lawns with trees and shrubs located near main lines may be prone to root intrusion.
If your home experiences symptoms indicating sewer line problems, you may need sewer jetting services sooner than standard intervals. Refer to a bluefrog plumber for professional assistance if you notice multiple slow drains, gurgling noises from fixtures, unpleasant sewage odors or plumbing backups.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY Sewer Line Cleaning
Sewer jetting is more complex than simply flushing water through your sewer and drain lines. Jetting machines operate at extreme pressures, and incorrect use of this equipment can cause backflows, flooding, water damage and injuries. Improper jetting can force water into cracked or unsealed joints and cause leaks inside walls or underground. In some cases, attempting to clear blockages without professional knowledge and experience may worsen cracks or shift misaligned pipe sections, potentially rupturing pipes and causing permanent damage.
Licensed plumbers have the training to assess your plumbing system with specialized camera equipment, often allowing them to identify and resolve problems right away. Professional jetting also supports long-term system health by optimizing water flow and preventing emergency plumbing situations.
For high-quality and efficient sewer jetting, contact the plumbing team at bluefrog Plumbing and Drain. Our certified technicians offer reliable sewer jetting service that clears tough clogs and restores your plumbing system’s performance.
