Hydro-jetting Tools
Hydro-jetting Tools | Main Line Issues | Plumbing
Stubborn clogs, slow drains, and unpleasant backups often point to one culprit: main line issues. HEP’s state-of-the-art hydro-jetting tools unleash a high-pressure water stream that scours pipe walls clean, blasting away grease, root intrusions, and years of mineral buildup without harsh chemicals. The result is a fully restored flow and a healthier plumbing system—delivered quickly, safely, and with precision.
Whether you’re facing recurring blockages at home or unexpected stoppages at your business, our licensed technicians diagnose, document, and resolve main line issues on the spot. Count on HEP to keep water moving where it belongs, protect your property from costly damage, and provide peace of mind with every jet of water. Schedule your hydro-jetting service today and feel the difference of pipes that perform like new.
FAQs
What is hydro-jetting and how does it clear main sewer lines?
Hydro-jetting is a method of drain and sewer cleaning that uses a specialized nozzle attached to a high-pressure water hose—typically 3,000–8,000 PSI for residential work and up to 20,000 PSI for commercial lines. The nozzle is fed through the clean-out and blasts water in multiple directions, scouring grease, scale, sludge, and small tree roots from the pipe walls while propelling debris downstream to the municipal sewer or septic tank. Because it cleans the full internal diameter of the pipe, hydro-jetting restores maximum flow capacity instead of simply punching a hole through the clog like a mechanical snake.
When should I choose hydro-jetting over traditional cable snaking?
Snaking is ideal for soft, localized obstructions such as paper wads or hair near a fixture, but it has limits on heavy buildup and recurring main-line issues. Hydro-jetting is recommended when: • Multiple fixtures back up at once, indicating a main-line obstruction. • You have chronic grease or sludge accumulation from kitchen drains. • The line has root intrusions that a cable can’t fully remove. • A real-estate inspection reveals heavy scale or mineral deposits. • You want preventive maintenance before problems start. In short, use snaking for quick spot fixes; choose hydro-jetting for thorough, long-lasting cleaning or severe blockages.
Is hydro-jetting safe for older or fragile pipes?
Yes—with the right precautions. Professional plumbers assess the pipe material, age, and structural integrity via camera inspection before jetting. For PVC, ABS, or sound cast-iron lines, normal jetting pressures are safe. For older clay or corroded cast-iron, technicians lower the pressure, use a wide spray angle nozzle, and keep the jet moving to avoid focused pressure on one spot. If the camera shows cracks, collapses, or missing sections, spot repairs or pipe lining are recommended before jetting. DIY jetting without inspection can damage vulnerable pipes, so always rely on trained pros for aging systems.
How long do the results of hydro-jetting last, and will it prevent future clogs?
Because hydro-jetting strips the pipe walls clean, its effects typically last 1–5 years for residential lines, depending on usage habits, pipe condition, and external factors such as root growth. In commercial kitchens with heavy grease output, quarterly or semi-annual jetting may be needed. While no method permanently prevents all future clogs, hydro-jetting provides the longest maintenance interval available and greatly reduces the likelihood of emergency backups when paired with best practices like using enzyme treatments, limiting grease disposal, and scheduling periodic inspections.
What preparation is required before a technician performs hydro-jetting on my main line?
1. Clear access: Ensure the main clean-out fitting (usually outside or in the basement) is reachable and not buried under landscaping or storage. 2. Stop water use: Refrain from using toilets, sinks, or laundry during the service so the technician can monitor flow and keep the line free of fresh waste. 3. Camera inspection: Most plumbers will run a video camera first to verify clog location and pipe condition; allow time for this step. 4. Secure valuables: High-pressure hoses can bring water back toward the work area; move items that could get wet. 5. Inform the technician of past issues: Mention prior repairs, material types, and any septic system details so they can choose the proper nozzle and pressure.
Can I rent hydro-jetting equipment and clean the main line myself?
While rental centers do offer small hydro-jet units, main-line jetting is rarely a DIY project. Professional rigs deliver higher pressure and flow (measured in gallons per minute) than consumer models, ensuring full pipe wall cleaning. More importantly, pros combine jetting with video inspection, know the correct pressure for different pipe materials, and carry specialized safety gear. Incorrect nozzle selection or lingering in one spot can crack pipes or force water into the home. For branch lines up to 1½" you might safely use a low-pressure DIY jet, but for 3–6" main lines, hiring a licensed plumber protects both your plumbing and your wallet.