How does hydro jetting work?

Author: Bradley Cronin  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 10, 2025

It works by using high pressure water jet nozzles that shoot a powerful stream of water into the pipe, blasting away buildups and rinsing them away with ease. This process can be quicker and more effective than using manual methods such as brush cleaning or augers.

What is the process of hydro jetting?

Hydro jetting is a method used to clean slow-moving drains and clogged sewage lines. Water jetting is a method frequently used by professional plumbing contractors, employing a hydro jetting machine which uses a blast of water at very high pressure up to 4000 psi to remove hard, stubborn blockages.

Can hydro jetting damage old pipes?

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.

How effective is hydro jetting?

Highly Effective

Believe it or not, there isn't any obstruction that hydro jetting can't remove. It easily washes away the most stubborn blockages, allowing the water to flow smoothly. The high level of pressure is more than enough to tackle even the smallest dust particle.

Is hydrojetting better than snaking?

Hydro jetting works better on gritty soil, sand, mud, small rocks type pipe blockages, than on a greasy fabric blockage of pipes, where snaking a blockage might work better.

What is Hydro Jetting? How Does Hydro Jetting Work? Benefits of Hydro Jetting

Why is hydro jetting so expensive?

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: cost. Hydro jetting can be pricier than traditional methods due to the equipment and expertise required, with average hydro jetting costs ranging anywhere from $800 to $2,500 depending on the scope and complexity of the piping system.

How much does Roto Rooter charge for hydro jetting?

A sewer camera inspection costs $125 to $500 if you hire a local plumber or $295 to $350 from Roto-Rooter. Cleaning a main sewer line costs $150 to $500 for snaking or $250 to $800 for hydro jetting, depending on the individual plumber's rates.

How long does hydro jetting last?

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.

What are the disadvantages of hydro blasting?

The Dangers of Hydroblasting
  • High pressure impact. High-pressure water cleaning is normally performed using jet streams that can have the velocity of a 45-caliber bullet (and more) and do just as much damage. ...
  • Chemical exposure. ...
  • Musculoskeletal injury. ...
  • Machinery/Equipment. ...
  • Confined spaces.

Can you use a pressure washer as a hydro jetter?

Every pressure washer can be converted into a hydro jetter using a simple conversion kit. Let's begin with all the accessories you'll need for the best jetting kit possible.

What are the dangers of hydro jetting?

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.

Does Roto Rooter use hydro jetting?

Roto-Rooter's hydro jetting service is the most effective solution for unclogging and cleaning commercial, industrial, and municipal sewers and drainpipes containing grease, sludge, sediment, or mud. Conventional mechanical drain cleaning machines can only poke holes through these...

What is the life expectancy of plumbing pipes?

Pipe Material

Regardless of the material, each of these plumbing products have a life span that you should know so you can gauge whether you need an upgrade. Brass, cast iron, and galvanized steel have a life span of 80 to 100 years, copper lasts 70 to 80 years, and PVC piping only survives for 24 to 50 years.

How much does it cost to hydro jet a sewer line?

Average cost of hydro jetting

“In California, expect to pay a flat rate of $500 to hydro jet a kitchen or bathroom sink, or $1,000 for a sewer or toilet,” says Rave.

Is hydro jetting safe for old pipes?

A hydro jetting machine is capable of delivering so much pressure that it can damage old fragile pipes. For this reason, you need a professional plumber to assess your pipes first before choosing hydro jetting as a method of clearing them.

Can hydro jetting remove roots?

Hydro jetting is a powerful way to remove tree roots from your sewer pipes. This method uses strong water jets to cut through and remove roots, along with any grease and debris clogging your pipes. It's a clean and non-invasive approach—meaning it won't mess up your yard because there's no digging involved.

What is the difference between hydro blasting and hydro jetting?

Hydroblasting is a technique for cleaning internal and external surfaces, like the pipe or tank cleaning. Waterjetting or UHP water jetting can effectively remove a wide variety of tough dirt in difficult to reach points or locations in a safe and efficient method.

What are the disadvantages of hydrotreating?

Hydrotreating is carried out at mild reaction conditions. However, the fuel obtained through this method is generally poor in quality as bio-oil yield gets suppressed in this process, and deactivation of catalysts and clogging of reactor takes place during this process (Xiu and Shahbazi, 2012).

What are the negative effects of hydro?

A dam and reservoir can also change natural water temperatures, water chemistry, river flow characteristics, and silt loads. All of these changes can affect the ecology and the physical characteristics of the river. These changes may have negative effects on native plants and on animals in and around the river.

Is hydro jetting better than snaking?

Typically, professional plumbers will start with a snake, since most clogs are relatively minor. But hydro jetting may be the best option for clogs in multiple drains or severe clogs that continue to recur.

How much psi is needed for a sewer jetter?

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.

Is hydrojetting worth it?

While hydrojetting is a great option for most clogged sewer lines, there are some cases where it will not be effective. If you have a broken pipe or extensive damage to your sewer line, hydrojetting may not be able to fix the problem.

What is the difference between Roto-Rooter and hydro jet?

While rooters scrape the sides of a pipe, the hydro jetter will blast off all debris in the pipe and wash it out. In addition to being 30-50% more efficient, the hydro nozzles spraying pressurized water can be as aggressive or gentle as they need to be – which makes a huge difference in the quality of the work.

What is Roto-Rooter hourly rate?

Average Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup hourly pay ranges from approximately $14.54 per hour for Maintenance Technician to $28.39 per hour for Manager.

Is water jetting expensive?

You'll pay around $475 on average for hydro jetting costs, but it can cost as little as $100 or as much as $2,000.

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