Hydro jetting is fundamental to drain cleaning. It’s one of the four ‘core’ processes we used for pipe relining at Drain Fixers, but it has multiple other uses too. Where it really excels is clearing the most stubborn of clogs and blockages to restore smooth water flows in homes and business premises. It’s cost-effective and environmentally friendly, too.
In this blog, we’re going to explain exactly what hydro jetting is, why it’s better than many other cleaning methods, and how the pros incorporate water jets into drain cleaning routines across Melbourne.
What is hydro-jetting?
Hydro jetting is simply a ‘fancy’ term for water jetting. In Greek, hydro literally translates to “water”, and it’s this compound that does all the work, blasting through big blockages and scouring the inside of pipes until they are squeaky clean.
There’s no digging and no chemicals. It’s all natural and sustainable.
Drain specialists carry out the process through a clean out point, which gives direct access to the affected line. A flexible, heavy-duty hose is lowered inside the drain, and the hydro jetting machine pumps water — sometimes 3,000 to 5,000 PSI depending on the severity of the blockage — through specially designed nozzles.
It’s excellent tech that creates a real force to be reckoned with. The high pressure can work wonders, helping to:
- Break down thick grease, old sludge, and other ‘nasties’ that sit in the line for years.
- Push out dirt, food scraps, and whatever else has been washed down.
- Deal with problematic tree roots that slowly creep into pipes.
- Clear the pipe enough to restore its proper width and flow.
Many technicians also use CCTV cameras or sonar devices to pinpoint pipe problems and then follow up with hydro jets armed with very specific nozzles for a target, deep clean that lasts.
How do you know that you need hydro-jetting?
Sewer snakes and other traditional tools have their uses, but they are simply not powerful enough to cut through stubborn blockages. A snake will usually just spin through the sludge, and it can even cause damage to the pipe when it rotates. When things aren’t budging, hydro jets can save the day.
Hydro jetting is especially useful for:
- Main sewer line blockages
- Stormwater drains filled with sediment
- Downspouts packed with leaves and organic debris
- Older pipes that regularly collect grease and sludge
- New homeowners who want the very best clean before moving in
If you’re seeing your drains slow down and water back up into sinks and showers (with bad smells, too), it’s probably time to call in a sewer cleaning specialist, who can wield a hydro jet.
Or if you’ve recently purchased a property with an older plumbing system, a full inspection and hydro jet will provide a clean bill of health and prevent sudden, costly repairs.
Why choose hydro jetting over other drain cleaning methods?
There’s a common trend of relying on chemical cleaners and drain snakes, especially for quick DIY patch-ups. But these tools are quite limited, and you can end up wasting time and money on store-bought solutions that don’t get the job done. You won’t have these worries with hydro jetting — you get a full internal clean of the pipe, every time.
The water pressure of up to 5,000 PSI can cut through everything in its path. It’ll loosen stubborn grime, flush out everything that shouldn’t be there, and scrub the pipe walls clean. It’s a brute force method that specialists can wield with finesse. And it’s all gentle, too, as there are no acids or toxic fumes.
Hydro jetting is simply indispensable for drain cleaning services. It’s very reliable, and for owners with pipe issues that keep coming back, it can act as a ‘system reset’, giving your drains a new lease of life for decades afterwards.
How to incorporate hydro jetting into drain cleaning
Hydro jets are best used by professional plumbers, who will have the skill set and experience to deploy the tech to maximise its efficiency and repair your pipes.
Here’s how they use hydro jetting for sewer cleaning in Melbourne.
1. Start with a camera check
Before the water jets come in, a specialist will start by sending a small CCTV camera down the line and into your drains to see what’s actually going on. At this point, it could be a crack, a big lump of fat, or a complete blockage. The camera inspection will shed light on the mystery and clear a path for the jetting hose to follow up and get to work.
2. Follow with a pressure wash
Once the pipe’s prepped and ready, the pros can pick a nozzle and set the right pressure for the job at hand. Some machines can really hit high PSI numbers — you won’t have to worry about there not being enough force. Next, the hose makes its way through the pipe, around bends and joints, until it’s in a position to blast the blockage and complete a deep clean.
3. End with one last look
When everything’s flushed out, the camera goes back in one more time to make sure it’s all gone as planned. The specialist can then confirm the blockage has been banished and that the pipe is clean, ready to be used.
It might sound like a heavy-duty job, but it’s all in a day’s work for a pro.
When to call a professional at Drain Fixers
If your DIY fixers are no longer working, it might be time to call in a specialist with a hydro jet. It’s one of the most powerful tools available to Melbourne residents for drain cleaning. It’s safe for pipes, environmentally friendly, and does the job of scouring pipes much better than most traditional techniques. Just a single hydro jet can restore water flow and keep drainage systems clear for years.
Drain Fixers provides professional hydro jetting that makes light work of even the toughest blockages. Our team is ready and waiting to use high-pressure equipment, plus CCTVs, robotic cutting, and other industry-leading tech to get your drains back up and running to 100% capacity.
Contact us today to book your free quote and inspection for drain cleaning services in Melbourne.