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.
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.
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.
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.
During hydro jetting, a plumber uses special equipment known as a jetter. The jetter contains a tank of water, a hose, a nozzle and a device that pressurizes the water in the nozzle so it can shoot out when released. The nozzle may have a different shape or size depending on the drain size or the clog's composition.
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.
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.
While there are several factors that can affect the hourly cost of running a waterjet, on average, it can cost anywhere between $20/hr - $40/hr to run a waterjet with a single abrasive cutting head at 60,000 psi (does not include labor or capital repayment).
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.
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.
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.
The average cost of hydro jetting a main sewer line in 2022 is $700-1,100 (Forbes).
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.
While this process is an important first step in pipe lining, it's even more beneficial as a preventive care application. Using hydro jetting to remove clogs during their early stages can help you avoid costly pipe damages. Leaving minor clogs unattended can cause plumbing system failures in a short time.
One of the main disadvantages is that waterjets have a high initial and maintenance cost, due to the complexity and precision of their components. Waterjets also require more fuel than other propulsion systems, especially at low speeds, because they have to overcome the drag and friction of the water.
There are different consumables, different power requirements, cost of water, and most importantly, the cost of abrasive. Garnet abrasive can account for as much as 75 percent of the total hourly operating cost of a waterjet cutting system.
The high-level answer is that abrasive waterjets can cut through 12 inches of most materials. Many users report cutting material even thicker than that. Most abrasive waterjet cutting, however, is done in material that is 3 inches thick or less.
However, if done improperly or in the wrong circumstances, it can cause burst pipes. This is rare. But you want to avoid hydro jetting if: Your Pipes Are Old: Even durable clay, copper, cast iron, and polymer composite pipes like PVC and ABS water lines can become vulnerable as they age.
The main risks in high-pressure water jetting are: the water jet may pierce the skin. contaminated material may be injected into the body. flying debris may hit and injure a person (including eye injuries) a flailing hose, an out of control nozzle or a separated hose coupling may hit a person.
Hydro jetting is a highly effective method for clearing tree roots and restoring your plumbing system to optimal condition.
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.
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.
Water pressure above 2,000 PSI requires a full face shield, and at 4,000 PSI the water jet can literally tear an eyeball from its socket. Heavy duty, waterproof gloves (insulated, if running hot water) are needed to protect the hands. Rubber boots with metatarsal guards are highly recommended.