Hydro jets are high-pressure water systems, highly regarded as the ‘last word’ in cleaning pipes and clearing blockages. However, are they always the best option for drain repairs? In this blog, we’re going to explore hydro jetting services in depth, defining what it is, the benefits for repairs, and listing some factors to consider to help you decide what’s best for your home or business.
There’s also an introduction to Drain Fixers, a drain specialist based in Melbourne offering hydro jetting and other advanced sewer cleaning and repair services.
Let’s get started.
What is hydro jetting?
Hydro jetting, or water jetting, is a high-powered tool that blasts pressurised water through your pipes for the deepest of cleans. This is more than garden hose pressure — hydro jets can max out at a staggering 60,000 PSI for certain industrial jobs. That’s enough to blow away even the thickest, grimiest sludge and debris.
To get things going, technicians feed a flexible hose into a drain or sewer line and then connect it to a high-pressure unit. Then, with special nozzles attached, they go scorched earth on anything that’s in the pipes.
It’s all clean and natural, but the sheer power of water can get rid of:
- Grease and fats
- Sludge
- Soap scum
- Sand and mud
- Food waste
- Tree roots
It can chew through pretty much anything that stands in its way. As it’s powerful and doesn’t require any additional chemicals, it’s a great way to restore your pipes to near-new condition.
6 benefits of hydro jet drain cleaning
The technical qualities of hydro jetting are clear, but why is it such an effective method for drain cleaning? Here are six reasons Australian homeowners and businesses rely on hydro jets to keep things running smoothly.
1. It works on almost any type of property or pipe
Hydro jetting is powerful, but it isn’t just for big commercial jobs. It also works really well in homes, too. Take, for example, a blocked kitchen line or a slow moving sewer. Hydro jets can adapt to each situation (when wielded by a pro) and provide excellent, targeted drain repairs.
It can be used on a variety of pipes as well, including:
- Cast iron pipes
- PVC and resin-based pipes
- Clay and concrete sewer lines
- Steel lines
- Stormwater drains
It’s a match for all sorts of pipelines and emergencies, especially in areas where traditional snaking simply isn’t up to the task. Hydro jets are great for smashing through grease, dirt, root clusters — any blockages that have really built up and compacted.
And because the high water pressure scours the whole pipe interior, all the bacteria and bad smells are blasted away with it.
2. It’s non-invasive and trenchless
The trouble with many traditional repairs is that they require big digs and excavation. The work can often be an eyesore and cause damage – ripping up soils, breaking concrete, and carving out trenches creates a huge mess that’s expensive to clean up and repair later.
Hydro jetting services are incredibly gentle in comparison. There’s:
- No excavation
- No cutting into walls or floors
- No damage to landscaping
- Minimal disruption to your home or business
Drain specialists can simply access the system through an existing cleanout point and get to work right away. It’s fast and tidy, and perfect for most properties where digging is either unwanted, or very costly or impossible to achieve.
3. It’s better for the environment
The lack of physical digs is much better for the environment and surrounding habitats, which will be undisturbed by hydro jets. Water is also less hazardous than shop-bought chemical drain cleaners. These are typically harsh and corrosive, a combo that’s not exactly conducive to long-term pipe health!
Hydro jetting simply uses water at a very high pressure. That’s it.
- No toxic chemicals washing into your waterways
- Safe for pipes when done by trained professionals
- No fumes or hazardous waste that needs to be disposed of afterwards
And while the pressure is high, the total water usage is usually far less than people expect. Hydro jets are also more efficient and won’t require repeat performances, like with chemical treatments.
4. It helps prevent future clogs
Hydro jets are used in the first stage of pipe relining and section repairs by the team at Drain Fixers. This sets up the drain for maintenance and upgrades that truly last, for generations, not just a few months. It does this by cleaning the pipe walls, getting rid of all the buildup that would otherwise sit there and cause the next blockage.
Most of our drain cleaning services start with hydro jets, including:
- Pipe relining
- Sewer repairs
- CCTV inspections
- Root treatment
Hydro jetting is great for cleaning systems after a new home purchase, too. It flushes out all the dirt and build-up from previous owners, so you start life in the property without pipe problems and clogs.
5. Faster and cleaner than old methods
Below-ground sewer cleaning isn’t for the faint-hearted. Traditional digging is a long, back-breaking task that exposes specialists to dirt, sewage, bacteria, fumes, and more during a working day.
In comparison, hydro jetting is much safer and more sanitary. It helps plumbers by:
- Keeping the waste inside the pipe
- Minimising contact with sewage
- Cutting out the foul odours that often come with manual excavation
- Handling the entire job from above ground
It’s faster, too. Most jobs with hydro jetting are completed on the same day.
6. It’s very effective on tough blockages
Where basic plungers and sneakers fail, hydro jets succeed. It can clear blockages that most tools barely touch, things like heavy grease buildup and hardened mineral deposits. And while it’s incredibly strong, it can also weave its way through tricky bends and long stretches of underground pipe.
Drawbacks of hydro jetting (and things to consider)
Hydro jet drain cleaning in Melbourne is ideal for most tasks, but there are situations where it might not be a perfect fit.
- Not suitable for severely damaged pipes – if a pipe has broken or collapsed, a high pressure jet might make a bad situation even worse. That’s why a CCTV inspection must be done first to diagnose the problem.
- Requires professional training – hydro jets are strong and difficult to wield. Using it incorrectly can injure the operator and damage pipes, so always turn to a pro for the task at hand.
- Might require a cleanout – if your home doesn’t have an access point, the plumber may need to create one before using a hydro jet.
- Not always the cheapest – hydro jets are very effective and prevent future issues, but the upfront cost is likely to be higher than basic snaking.
Conclusion – is hydro jetting worth it?
For most properties and most situations, hydro jetting is the best way to clear blockages and clean out drains for good. It’s powerful, yet safe for the environment, and can be used for a variety of tasks, big and small. If you’re ready to take the plunge with water jets, Drain Fixers has a team of pros ready to wield them, along with a range of tools, to repair your pipes.
We can visit your property and complete an inspection for free (there are $0 call-out charges). You’ll also get a personalised quote. Our technicians will likely use water jets at one stage of a multi-phase process to clean and repair your drains.
To get started, contact us today or call 1800 652 834 to make an inquiry or booking, and we’ll get right back to you.