Hydro jetting is almost always a safe and effective option for PVC pipes, but we definitely wouldn't recommend it if you have an older home with original cast-iron or clay pipes. In this case, hydro jetting could seriously damage the pipe and force you to pay even more for expensive sewer line repair or replacement.
Hydro jetting is generally safe for most modern pipes but can pose risks to older, fragile pipes or materials like clay and cast iron without proper precautions. It's essential to have a professional assessment to ensure safety.
What can a water jet cut? Virtually any material can be cut with a water jet. We frequently cut mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron, wood, stone, concrete, ceramic tile, plastics, copper, flexible gasket materials, carbon fiber, and leather.
One of the best tools for cleaning cast iron pipes is a cast iron pipe descaler. But, if you don't have a descaler, you can use vinegar and baking soda solution. Apart from cleaning the exterior surface of the pipes, you can establish a plumbing maintenance program with a safe and organic enzymatic drain cleaner.
If done incorrectly, it could damage aging pipes. For example, cast iron pipes can be brittle due to rust and corrosion. Too much pressure in hydro jet drain cleaning could crack or collapse them.
Common hazards and risks include the water jet piercing the skin, being hit by flying debris and exposure to noise. Other hazards associated with high pressure water jetting include working in confined spaces, fall hazards, respiratory and eye hazards, electric shock and potential exposure to hazardous chemicals.
How long do results from hydro jetting last? As this is a powerful approach used by a plumber, the results often last for several months or even years in some cases. In fact, drain and sewer lines often flow much better – which also reduces issues with clogs and backups.
It's important to not use anything too aggressive such as steel wool, sponges or other abrasive cleaning methods as these will strip your seasoning. For particularly difficult to clean messes, fill your pan halfway full with water and heat over the stove.
Older cast iron sewer systems tend to clog up more frequently due to the roughness inside the pipes. Long before the cast iron has fully deteriorated to the point of leaking, the beginning of this process creates rough surfaces inside that allow particulates and grease more surface area to build on.
The Problem with Cast Iron Pipes
Over time, the pipes can rust from the inside out, leading to leaks and blockages. Cracks and Breaks: The corrosion weakens the pipe walls, making them vulnerable to cracking and breaking. Tree roots can also penetrate these weakened pipes, causing further damage.
Materials That Waterjets Cannot Cut
Tempered glass cannot be cut because it has internal tension. It breaks itself when a cut crosses its tension zones. A piece of tempered glass that shattered after a waterjet started cutting it.
Soaking cast iron in water is a recipe for rust. If you need to remove sticky or stubborn stuck-on food, use a nylon scrubbing brush or a pan scraper and rinse under warm water. Be sure to thoroughly dry your pan. Note: If you do accidentally leave your pan in water for too long and it develops rust, don't panic!
The air carbon-arc process does not require oxidation to maintain the cut, so it can gouge or cut metals that the OFC process cannot. Most common metals (e.g., carbon steel, stainless steel, many copper alloys and cast irons) can be cut using the air carbon-arc process.
In many cases, there are only a few problematic areas that are damaged and need replacement. If this is the case, trenchless pipe relining is the best option to repair your cast iron drain pipe.
Of course, hydro-jetting will cost a little more than your regular drain cleaning services. Yet, in the long term, it will save you money. This method clears the entire pipe, eliminating problems for years into the future, and that saves you time and money without a doubt.
Wear and tear is normal in residential pipe systems. One frequently asked question is “How long do cast iron drain pipes last?” Cast iron waste pipes last anywhere between 50 and 100 years. However, it may be time to replace cast iron pipes long before their lifetime is up.
Why is cast iron pipe not used anymore? Due to their heavy nature and propensity for clogging and corrosion, cast iron sewer pipes have fallen out of favor and are largely supplanted by PVC or ABS pipes.
Prolonged use of any drain cleaning chemical will weaken the integrity of cast iron and eventually the bottom of the pipes will rot out and fall apart. PVC pipes also can be damaged!
Deteriorating cast iron pipes develop small cracks that eventually grow into holes and bigger breaks that cannot be patched. One of the most troubling issues associated with these breaks is “black water”— a form of dark, dirty water full of backed-up sewage, bacteria, and fungi.
Will Soap Ruin Cast Iron? Using soap will not ruin your pan. It is totally fine on enameled cast iron, and on plain cast iron, too. It's not going to destroy your seasoning.
Add hot water: Wash the skillet by hand using hot water and a sponge or stiff brush (here's our favorite brush, which is designed specifically for cast-iron). Avoid using the dishwasher, soap, or steel wool, as these may strip the pan's seasoning. Make sure to use tongs or wear gloves if the water is extra hot!
When you schedule hydro jet drain cleaning near you, it helps to know the process is safe for all pipes, so long as they're structurally sound. However, if done improperly or in the wrong circumstances, it can cause burst pipes.
How much does it cost to Hydrojet old pipes? On average, hydro jetting old pipes can cost between $350 and $600, though in more severe cases it could be up to $1,000 or higher. The same pricing goes for descaling sewer pipe cost.
Experience has shown that a 3,500 to 4,000 psi jetter with 6 or more gpm and the right nozzle or tool will cut out root masses, chop up hard grease, and carve out hard settled dirt. We've shipped dozens of jetters that do 9 gpm/4,000 psi for cutting out this kind of crud from 3- to 8-inch drains and sewers.