Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clear grease, scale, and other buildup from the inside of drain and sewer lines. A drain snake breaks up or dislodges a clog so water can flow through the line again, while hydro jetting cleans buildup from the pipe walls.
We provide hydro jetting across San Francisco and the East Bay for recurring clogs, grease buildup, and other stubborn drain problems. It’s one of the methods we use as part of our broader drain cleaning service. If you have a one-time blockage, our clogged drain service may be a better fit.
| Method | Best for | What it leaves behind |
|---|---|---|
| Snaking | A single, localized clog | A hole punched through the blockage |
| Hydro jetting | Grease buildup and root intrusion | Pipe walls scoured clean |
What Is Hydro Jetting?
Hydro jetting uses a specialized hose and nozzle to send water through a drain or sewer line. The high pressure helps clean the pipe by breaking up buildup and flushing out debris.
A drain snake is a cable with a small head that only breaks up whatever’s blocking the pipe. It doesn’t address grease, scale, or buildup coating the walls. If clogs keep coming back, hydro jetting can be a good option.
When We Recommend Hydro Jetting
- Grease buildup has narrowed a kitchen or restaurant drain line
- A drain keeps clogging in the same spot after snaking
- A sewer video inspection shows scale or debris along the pipe walls
- Tree roots have worked their way into a sewer line
- A commercial property needs preventive drain maintenance
Hydro jetting can clear some root intrusion, but it won’t repair cracks or other pipe damage. If the line itself needs work, see our sewer line repair service.
Is Hydro Jetting Safe for Older Pipes?
It depends on the condition of the pipe. Older or damaged lines may not be good candidates for high-pressure cleaning, so we check the plumbing before recommending hydro jetting.
If we find cracks, corrosion, or other damage, we’ll explain the options and recommend a cleaning or repair method that makes sense for the condition of the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is hydro jetting different from snaking?
Snaking uses a mechanical cable to break through or remove a clog. Hydro jetting uses pressurized water to clear buildup from the pipe walls.
Is hydro jetting safe for old pipes?
It can be, depending on the condition of the line. We check the plumbing first and won’t recommend hydro jetting if the pipe appears too fragile or damaged for high-pressure cleaning.
How often should hydro jetting be done?
It depends on the property and how the drains are used. Homes may need hydro jetting for recurring clogs or heavy buildup, while restaurants and other high-use commercial properties may benefit from more regular service.
Does hydro jetting damage pipes?
Not if the pipe is in good condition and the water pressure is appropriate for the line. We evaluate the plumbing first and recommend another method if the pipe is damaged or too fragile for hydro jetting.
Get Your Pipes Truly Clean
If snaking hasn’t solved a recurring clog or buildup keeps coming back, hydro jetting may be the next step. Call, text, or schedule online, and we’ll determine whether it’s the right method for your plumbing.