Hydro Jetting Service in San Diego, CA: Pros & Cons, Technology Step-by-Step, Pricing
Hydro jetting is a simple and environmentally friendly solution for removing clogs and debris from pipes, providing cleaning. This method uses high-pressure water jets to break up clogs, clear debris, and restore proper flow in the plumbing system.
At Almco Plumbing, we use advanced jetting technology to ensure your pipes stay clean and operational without any invasive techniques. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits, process, and considerations of hydro jetting.
Hydro jetting is a pipe cleaning technology that uses highly pressurized water to remove clogs, debris, and buildup from the interior walls of sewer systems. This powerful technique involves directing streams of water, typically pressurized between 1,500 and 4,000 PSI, through special nozzles designed to target and effectively dislodge clogs.
Hydro jetting cleans the entire interior of the pipe, restoring optimal flow and preventing future clogs. This method is effective for both residential and commercial customers, making it a popular solution for stubborn clogs, grease buildup and invasive root systems.
Almco Plumbing includes hydro jetting as part of its advanced techniques to ensure pipes are thoroughly cleaned, especially when other solutions are not available.
When Do You Need to Use Hydro Jetting?
Hydro jetting effectively removes stubborn clogs and preserves pipeline functionality. Here are some common situations where this technology is needed:
Heavy Clogs: High-pressure water jets are used to break through even the toughest clogs caused by grease, soap scum, or debris.
Recurring Clogs: When clogs occur again and again despite previous cleaning attempts, water jetting can be used to completely remove the remaining debris or buildup to prevent future problems.
Cleaning Up to 300 Feet of Pipe: Hydro jetting can remove clogs and debris from sewer and drain lines up to 300 feet in length. The alternative carbide chain descaling technology is limited to only 100 feet of pipe.
Tree Root Invasion: Trees and brush that grow into sewer cracks cause clogs and new damage to the pipe. Hydro jetting can remove such roots while clearing the pipe of accumulated debris.
Grease & Mineral Deposits: High water pressure is good at washing away layers of grease, mineral deposits, and other debris that build up on the inside walls of pipes over time. Hydro jetting quickly and efficiently removes these deposits, restoring the pipe to its original diameter.
Preventive Maintenance for Older Pipes: For older sewer or drain lines that are prone to clogs, low-pressure hydro jetting is a great way to prevent clogs and blockages and keep the pipes flowing and functioning properly. Highly recommended to use for commercial kitchens like restaurants, bakeries and pizza places, and others to flash and remove grease build up in the sewer system before the grease drop.
Almco Plumbing has extensive experience using hydro jetting on a variety of sewer and drain systems, so we will recommend the option that will solve your plumbing system’s specific problems and provide reliable results.
Hydro Jetting Process Step-by-Step
Hydro jetting involves several steps to ensure that your pipes are properly cleaned and not damaged. Here is a step-by-step description.
Step 1: Initial Inspection
Before hydro jetting begins, an Almco professional plumber shall inspect the pipes with a camera to determine the degree of blockage, pipe material, and any damage or weaknesses that may require special attention.
Step 2: Install Water Jetting Equipment
A high-pressure water jetting machine is prepared and a specialized nozzle is selected based on the type of clog and the diameter of the pipe. This equipment is connected to a flexible hose that can be moved through the pipe system. Entry points into the sewer or drain are located, such as cleanouts, and the hose is carefully inserted into the pipe.
Step 3: Flushing with High-Pressure Water
Water is applied at a pressure of 1,500 to 4,000 PSI (pounds per square inch), depending on the type of clog and pipe strength. A hose with a nozzle is advanced through the pipe, removing grease, sediment, roots, and other clogs. The process continues until the entire line is free of any remaining debris. Hydro jetting also cleans the inside walls of the pipes, restoring them to nearly their original condition.
Step 4: Final Inspection
After flushing, a camera inspection is performed to ensure that the clog has been removed completely and the pipe is in good condition. Finally, the system is tested for proper flow.
Almco Plumbing’s skilled professionals carefully and thoroughly perform all stages of hydro jetting to restore your pipes to cleanliness and functionality. In most cases, we also recommend an additional epoxy pipe lining to protect cast iron, clay or ABS pipes from corrosion, new clogs, and root intrusion.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting is an efficient and environmentally friendly solution for cleaning pipes and restoring functionality. Like any plumbing method, it comes with its own set of advantages and limitations. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons.
Advantages of Hydro Jetting
Highly Effective Cleaning: Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to remove grease, debris, scale, and even tree roots from pipes. It’s more thorough than most traditional snaking methods.
Trenchless: As a trenchless technology, hydro jetting requires no digging, preserving yard and property structures.
Prevents Future Problems: By removing debris and clogs, hydro jetting reduces the likelihood of recurring clogs and backups.
Environmentally Friendly: Hydro jetting uses water pressure instead of chemicals, making it an environmentally friendly solution for cleaning pipes.
Suitable for Many Pipe Materials: It works well on a variety of materials, including PVC, cast iron and clay pipes.
Versatility: Effective for residential, commercial, and industrial properties with pipe lengths up to 300 feet.
Disadvantages of Hydro Jetting
Potential for Pipe Damage: Pipes that are old, fragile, or severely corroded may not withstand the high pressure and could be damaged during the process.
Not a Structural Repair: Hydro jetting cleans pipes but does not address problems such as cracks, collapse, or misalignment.
Costly for Small Blockages: Hydro jetting can be more expensive than simpler methods such as snaking for small, localized blockages.
Not a DIY Technology: High-pressure equipment must be operated by qualified professionals to prevent damage and ensure careful cleaning.
Hydro jetting is an excellent plumbing cleaning and maintenance solution for removing stubborn or severe clogs. Almco Plumbing’s experts ensure that the process is performed safely and effectively, with minimal risk to property and long-lasting results.
Hydro Jetting vs. Carbide Chain: Which is Better for Descaling
The choice between hydro jetting and carbide chain descaling depends on the condition of the pipes, the type of scale, and the overall goal of the cleaning process. Both solutions have advantages, and their effectiveness varies depending on the situation.
Hydro Jetting
Pros
Best for removing soft clogs, grease, sludge, and loose debris from sewer and drain lines.
Cleans pipes thoroughly without damaging durable materials such as PVC or clay.
Cons
Not effective on heavy scale or hardened mineral deposits.
May not be suitable for severely corroded or damaged pipes as high pressure may worsen the condition.
Best for removing roots, hard scale, rust and corrosion, especially in cast iron pipes.
Highly effective for cleaning old, corroded cast iron pipes, removing thick scale and hard obstructions.
Prepares pipes for epoxy lining or other rehabilitation methods.
Cons
Not suitable for brittle pipes.
This makes hydro jetting ideal for preventive maintenance and periodic cleaning. It is also well suited for quick removal of grease, sludge or soft debris when pipes are in good condition.
Carbide chains work very well to remove thick scale, rust or corrosion, especially in older cast iron pipes. It’s also a better choice for preparing pipes for epoxy pipe lining.
Almco Plumbing’s Prices for Hydro Jetting Services
Almco Plumbing offers transparent pricing on all of our services, including hydro jetting, no hidden fees, and the best long-term results. Hydro jetting technology not only removes clogs, but also revitalizes the plumbing system, saving you money on future repairs. Below are Almco Plumbing’s approximate prices for specific hydro jetting jobs.
Type of Work
Average Price, $*
Clean Out One Branch Hydro Jett
Start price $750
Hydro Jett Through the Roof
$1,100–$1,500
Whole House Hydro Jett
$900–$1,500
Descale or Cutting the Roots
$1,200–$1,800
*The above prices are for guidance only and do not constitute an offer.
Hydro jetting is a technique that uses high-pressure jets of water to remove clogs, debris and scale from pipes.
When should I use hydro jetting?
Hydro jetting is good for stubborn clogs, slow drains, recurring clogs, tree root intrusion, or for routine maintenance to keep pipes clear.
Is hydro jetting safe for all types of pipes?
Yes, hydro jetting is safe for all modern pipe materials such as PVC, copper and steel. However, a professional camera inspection is required to ensure that aging or severely damaged pipes can withstand the water pressure.
Can hydro jetting remove tree roots?
Yes, hydro jetting is highly effective at removing tree roots that invade sewer lines.
When should hydro jetting not be used?
Hydro jetting is not recommended for extremely old or severely damaged pipes as the high pressure water can cause further deterioration. We also do not use this technology on pipes with large cracks, collapses, or misalignments. A camera inspection will help identify these conditions in advance.
Is hydro jetting better than traditional snaking?
Yes, hydro jetting provides a more thorough cleaning than snaking because it scrubs the pipe walls to remove buildup and prevent future clogs.
How long does a hydro jetting service take?
The time varies depending on the severity of the clog and the length of the pipes but typically takes 1–2 hours to 4–5 hours for residential sewer systems.
Does hydro jetting prevent future clogs?
Yes, hydro jetting removes debris and smoothes the inside of the pipe, reducing the likelihood of future clogs. But only if the sewage system works properly and is not damaged.
Is hydro jetting environmentally friendly?
Hydro jetting uses only water, making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to chemical-based drain cleaning methods.
Do I need a camera inspection before hydro jetting?
Yes, a camera inspection is very important to assess the condition of the pipes and determine if they are suitable for hydro jetting.
How much does hydro jetting near San Diego cost?
The cost depends on the complexity and length of the pipes to be cleaned. Almco Plumbing offers hydro jetting services starting at $650 for residential properties, with prices adjusted for extensive clogs or large systems.
How often should I schedule hydro jetting?
For homes, hydro jetting is recommended every 1–2 years as maintenance. Commercial properties such as hotels or high traffic resorts and restaurants may require more frequent service.
