Sooner or later, all homeowners have to contend with clogged pipes. Some of these clogs are fairly minor and can be cleared with a plunger or a snake, while others are a little more stubborn and require more work. Many of these more severe plumbing problems can be solved with hydro jetting.
Hydro jetting involves using high-pressure jets of water to clear debris in pipes and restore them to their peak flow capacity. The results of hydro jetting last between one and three years, depending on the condition and usage of the pipes.
Hydro jetting provides an effective method of clearing out practically any clog you might have. It isn’t, however, a permanent solution to your plumbing problems, but it is far more affordable than most other emergency plumbing repairs.
What Hydro Jetting Really Does (and Doesn’t Do)
As we’ve explained above, hydro jetting is spraying high-pressure jets of water to remove debris from inside a pipe. When done correctly, it completely eradicates clogs and buildup on the inside of pipes and can even help remove tree roots that have invaded your plumbing.
It completely clears your pipes and “resets” your plumbing, but it doesn’t technically fix your pipes. Buildup and clogs can and will still form inside your pipes, making hydro jetting an effective yet temporary solution to your plumbing problems.
How Long Hydro Jetting Typically Lasts
For most single-family homes, hydro jetting results typically last between one and three years. That timeline is a little shorter for apartments and commercial buildings.
Hydro jetting typically lasts longer when used on newer or lower usage plumbing systems. Meanwhile, factors such as greasy buildup, scaling from hard water, and roots from nearby trees can cause the results to fade more quickly.
Factors that Affect Hydro Jetting Longevity
Several factors can affect hydro jetting longevity, not the least of which is the condition of your pipes. Newer pipes that are in good condition will stay cleaner longer, while older pipes that may be corroded or otherwise damaged will require more frequent cleanings. Naturally, pipes made from materials such as cast iron that corrode more easily will also need to be jetted more frequently.
The type of debris in your plumbing will also be a factor. Grease, oil, and food debris all clog pipes quickly, which is why kitchen pipes in restaurants need to be cleaned more often than bathroom plumbing that contains mostly hair and soap scum. Plumbing that sees a lot of use will also need to be cleaned often, as will pipes in homes with hard water.
How to Make Hydro Jetting Last Longer
The best way to make hydro jetting last longer is with preventative maintenance. This means avoiding what gets dumped down your drains and flushed down your toilet.
Cooking grease, pasta, rice, and egg shells should always go in the trash instead of down your kitchen sink, and the only things that should ever be flushed down your toilet are human waste and toilet paper.
If you must use a drain cleaner to get rid of a clog, look for enzyme-based or biological cleaners. Chemical drain cleaners can corrode your pipes and lead to bigger problems down the road.
Regular inspection by a plumbing professional will also help you get the most out of hydro jetting. A plumber can inspect your drains and sewer line with a flexible camera, which will help find and eliminate minor problems before they get out of hand.
When It’s Time to Re-Jet Your Plumbing
Hydro jetting results typically last for one to three years. This is a rather large window of time, but it gives you an idea of when you should re-jet your plumbing. If it’s been at least three years, you should absolutely call a plumber to schedule a hydro jetting, even if everything seems to be working smoothly.
This kind of proactive hydro jetting can eliminate problems before they arise and save you thousands of dollars in repairs down the road. You should also call a plumber to have your pipes jetted if you notice signs such as foul odors, slow drains, frequent clogs, or gurgling sounds.
Hydro Jetting Vs. Alternatives
Of course, there are alternatives to hydro jetting your pipes when you have a plumbing problem. As useful as hydro jetting is, it’s also a temporary solution. If you’re looking for something more permanent, you can always repipe your home or have a new liner installed in your sewer line. Unfortunately, this is incredibly time-consuming and expensive, so it should be reserved for when your pipes are damaged beyond repair.
If you don’t want to spend money on hydro jetting, you can have some clogs removed with a plumbing snake or a chemical drain cleaner. These usually work well enough to allow water to flow through a clogged pipe, but they aren’t permanent solutions either.
In fact, a chemical drain cleaner can make your problems worse by corroding your pipes or exposing you to dangerous caustic chemicals. Snaking a drain is much safer and effective, but it doesn’t deliver the same results as hydro jetting.
Your best course of action when it comes to maintaining your plumbing is preventive hydro jetting at least once every two years. This may seem expensive if you’re on a tight budget, but it does clear your pipes in the safest possible way and can prevent serious damage caused by stubborn clogs, corrosion, or invading tree roots, all of which can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair.
Choosing the Right Provider for Lasting Results
Hydro jetting is a task that should only be left to professionals. That being said, you should always take the time to shop around and find the best providers for the job.
The right plumbing service will use the proper equipment, they’ll have the training necessary to complete the job properly the first time, and they’ll have the proper credentials and insurance to protect both you and themselves.
Ask providers what kind of PSI they’ll need to clear your pipes, what nozzles they’ll use, and whether they will perform an inspection with a camera before beginning the job. Look for online reviews, recommendations from friends, and anything else that will point to previous hydro jetting jobs well done.
FAQs About Hydro Jetting Longevity
How long can hydro jetting keep pipes clean?
Hydro jetting can keep pipes clean for one to three years. This depends on factors such as the state and age of your pipes and what kind of debris is being cleared out.
Does hydro jetting prevent future clogs completely?
Hydro jetting essentially resets your plumbing, but it doesn’t prevent future clogs. There will still be debris moving through your pipes, and it will build up in the future.
How often should I hydro jet my drains?
You should hydro jet your drains at least once every two years. Older plumbing or plumbing that is used more frequently will need to be jetted more frequently.
Can hydro jetting damage old or fragile pipes?
Hydro jetting can damage older or damaged pipes, especially if it’s done incorrectly. This is why you should leave it to a professional who will inspect your plumbing before doing anything else.
Will grease or roots shorten the effects?
Grease and tree roots will shorten the effects of hydro jetting, but the process will still be worth your time since it will clear out clogs and buildup. You’ll just need to have your pipes jetted more often.
Is hydro jetting worth it for regular maintenance?
When done correctly, hydro jetting will remove practically any clog and any kind of debris from your pipes. It’s essentially a reset for your plumbing and absolutely worth it.
Call Us for Your Hydro Jetting Needs
Even though hydro jetting isn’t a permanent solution to your plumbing problems, it still delivers long-lasting results and will clear out practically anything that may be clogging your pipes. We recommend pairing hydro jetting with regular plumbing inspections and generally being careful about what goes down your drains.
Whether you have a clogged drain or a blocked pipe that requires thorough hydro jetting, we at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Fort Myers, FL will be happy to assist you. Our punctual plumbers will deliver top-notch service that will keep your plumbing running smoothly. Contact us today to learn more about our services.