What is Sewer Jetting? Everything You Need to Know

A well-maintained sewer system is essential for a healthy, safe, and clean home environment. Neglecting proper sewer maintenance can lead to a cascade of problems – ranging from frustrating blockages to hazardous backups that can disrupt daily life and pose serious health risks.

Studies have found that roughly 46% of homeowners research DIY solutions for drain and plumbing issues. However, without the right tools, knowledge, and know-how, DIY efforts can often make matters worse or cause additional damage to the pipes.

Professional sewer jetting is the most effective way to clean out clogged drain lines. This powerful cleaning process (also known as hydro jetting) uses a high-pressure water hose to blast away any debris or buildup that’s causing blockages in your pipes.  

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about sewer jetting. We’ll explain how the process works, the benefits of sewer jetting, and why it’s important for your home. Let’s get started!

What is Sewer Jetting?

To understand why sewer jetting is the ideal solution for cleaning out blocked drains, let’s break down how it works:

Sewer jetting works by sending a stream of high-pressure water through your pipes to blast away any debris or buildup. This powerful, continuous stream of water can clear out clogs that are too tough for ordinary plungers and drain snakes to handle.

Perhaps the blockage is too far down the line, or the clog is too thick and stubborn for manual removal. No matter how challenging a clog may be, professional hydro jetting services can take care of the problem quickly and effectively.

It’s highly effective in removing grease, sludge, grime, sand, silt, and other debris that can slow down or block your drain lines. This makes hydro jetting a great solution for both residential and commercial properties.

What Causes Drain Backups that Require Sewer Jetting?

A variety of factors can cause sewer system backups, and understanding these causes is crucial to preventing future issues and knowing when sewer jetting is necessary.

Here are some common culprits behind drain backups:

Accumulation of Debris

Over time, debris such as hair, soap scum, food particles, and small objects can accumulate in your drainpipes. These materials can build up and create blockages, leading to slow draining or backups.

Grease and Oil

When cooking grease and oil are poured down the drain, they can solidify and stick to the walls of the pipes. This accumulation can narrow the pipe diameter, reducing water flow and causing backups.

Scale Buildup

Mineral deposits and scale can accumulate on the interior of pipes over time, particularly in areas with hard water. This buildup can reduce the diameter of the pipes and restrict water flow, leading to blockages.

Foreign Objects

Foreign objects accidentally flushed down the toilet or washed down the sink can also lead to clogs. Items like sanitary products, wipes, and paper towels can get lodged in the pipes and cause backups.

What are the Benefits of Sewer Jetting?

Sewer jetting offers a variety of benefits for home and business owners. Here are just a few of the advantages you’ll experience when you use hydro jetting services to clear your pipes:

Non-Invasive

One of the significant benefits of sewer jetting is its non-invasive nature. Unlike traditional methods that might involve digging up your yard or breaking into walls to access the pipes, sewer jetting is done entirely through the existing plumbing system.

Using powerful jets of water, technicians can break up and remove blockages without the need for any invasive procedures. This means you’ll experience minimal disruption to your landscaping or property while still being able to clear your drains.

Environmentally Friendly

Sewer jetting is an environmentally friendly method for cleaning your pipes. Unlike chemical drain cleaners, this process uses only plain water and does not require any harsh chemicals that can leach into the ground and contaminate soil or water sources.

Additionally, since this method does not involve any digging, you can be assured that it will cause minimal disruption to the environment around your property.

Faster Cleaning

On average, most sewer jetting services only take one to two hours – making it a quick and efficient solution for clearing out stubborn clogs. This is far less time than it would take to perform traditional excavation techniques, making sewer jetting a great way to get your drains back in working condition fast.

Cost Efficient

As a bonus, sewer jetting is also surprisingly affordable. The lack of excavation and the quick cleaning time makes it a much more cost-effective solution than traditional repair methods. And with its non-invasive nature, you won’t have to worry about additional costs associated with landscaping or other repairs that might be needed after excavation.

How Often Should Sewer Jetting be Performed?

The frequency of sewer jetting depends on several factors. This includes the usage of your plumbing system, the age of your pipes, and any specific issues you’ve encountered in the past. As a general guideline, it’s recommended to have your sewer lines professionally jetted every 18 to 22 months for preventive maintenance.

Regular sewer jetting can help prevent the accumulation of debris, grease, and scale that can lead to blockages and backups. By staying ahead of potential problems, you can avoid the inconvenience and expense of emergency plumbing issues down the line.

More frequent sewer jetting might be necessary for commercial properties – especially those with high usage rates or specific industrial processes that generate more debris. Consult with a professional plumber to determine the optimal schedule for your specific situation.

Conclusion

Sewer jetting is an effective and efficient way to keep your sewer lines clear and prevent future problems. Not only is it much less disruptive than traditional excavation-based repairs, but it can also help you avoid unnecessary costs and complications in the long run.

Need to schedule your next sewer jetting service? Duncan Plumbing has you covered! With decades of experience and the latest in plumbing technology, we’ll make sure that your sewer lines are up to par and ready for whatever comes their way. Contact us today to get started!