How Hydro Jetting Work In Pipes Without Damage
If your home’s pipes are clogged, you may be able to clean them through a process called hydro jetting. This involves flushing them with a high-pressure water jet powerful enough to dislodge grease, limescale, sediment buildup, bacteria, and even tree roots.
You may be wondering if such a process is safe for your pipes. Water being pushed through at an extremely high pressure setting might be bad, right? In truth, it’s generally a very safe process. Let’s look at how hydro jetting works, how it manages to avoid damaging pipes, and signs that your home’s pipes could benefit from it.
How Does Hydro Jetting Work? What Are the Benefits?
Hydro jetting uses a special nozzle to send high-pressure water (usually between 1400 and 4000 psi) through pipes, which removes obstructions like tree roots, grease, and other debris that ordinary techniques like snaking wouldn’t be able to handle.
The high pressure allows it to clean more effectively, as it creates a jet that blasts through the pipe. Think of the water pressure in your shower. If the setting is at its lowest, it’s more gentle. On the highest setting, the water comes much faster, and you’ll be able to feel the higher pressure.
One of the major benefits is that it’s a very environmentally friendly procedure, as no harsh chemicals are used to clean the pipes. It also increases the lifespan of your pipes, as it thoroughly cleans the inside of the piping. This removes limescale and other buildup that can cause your pipes to corrode over time.
How Does Hydro Jetting Avoid Damaging Pipes?
Although there is still a small risk of pipe damage, a hydro jet operated properly is considered safe. First, it’s non-invasive, which means there are no strong chemicals used that can cause damage. This makes it a more environmentally friendly option, as well as providing cleaner pipes that last longer.
It’s also intended for stronger pipes in good condition, like those made of steel or PVC. These materials are durable enough to withstand the higher pressure and are not likely to be damaged. It’s not commonly used in older pipes, such as those made of cast iron or clay, as they are more likely to be damaged.
However, the most important safety step in the process involves a thorough pipe inspection before any water is sent. Your plumber will use a small video camera to inspect the inside of the pipe to ensure that your pipes are strong enough to withstand the pressure.
Because most people don’t have access to cameras small enough to fit through a pipe, this is one of the many reasons why it’s recommended to call a plumber instead of attempting a DIY operation. One small mistake could result in thousands of dollars in damages or potential injuries.
When Does a Hydro Jet Damage Pipes?
Unfortunately, a hydro jet can still damage some types of home piping, and it isn’t recommended in every case. Older styles of pipes were usually made with cast iron or clay, and these materials are susceptible to erosion caused by water damage.
Pipes can also be damaged if the nozzle used isn’t the correct size. A nozzle that isn’t large enough won’t create enough pressure and won’t clean as thoroughly. However, a nozzle that’s too large can create too much backpressure on the jet and damage pipes. It’s crucial to know your plumbing system and the size of the pipes used throughout.
If your faucets have rusty or discolored water coming from them, this is usually a sign of corrosion, which means you won’t be able to use a hydro jet safely. It’s also a bad idea to use it if your pipes leak, as the high-pressure water will cause an even larger break and your pipes will burst.
Can I Hydro Jet My Own Pipes?
Using a hydro jet to clean pipes is a complex process that is often best left to the professionals. When done properly, it’s a great way to make sure your home’s pipes are thoroughly declogged and cleaned.
However, it’s really easy to make mistakes if you aren’t a professional plumber. These mistakes can damage your pipes and potentially cost thousands of dollars in repairs. It can also cause damage to you or other members of your household if they’re hit with the spray. Being struck with water at 2000 psi can cause severe damage and potentially lead to hospitalization.
Unless you have extensive experience in the plumbing industry, it’s highly recommended that you get a licensed plumber to handle the operation.
Clean Your Pipes Right in Pompano Beach with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
If done correctly, hydro jetting is a very safe procedure that cleans out almost any obstruction or clogs in your home’s pipes. It avoids the use of harsh chemicals while thoroughly cleaning your pipes. It is both a remedy and a preventative measure, as it solves your immediate problem while also extending the lifespan of the pipe.
If your home’s pipes in Pompano Beach, Florida, or the surrounding areas are suffering from clogs or blockages and it’s time to clean them out, you’ll want to call the experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Our highly trained, experienced technicians will examine your home’s pipes and thoroughly clean them with our advanced hydro jets, making sure that they’ll last a long time.
Don’t wait around for some other plumber to show up whenever it’s most convenient for their schedule. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Pompano Beach, if there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay! We know your time is valuable, so we’ll be there when we say we will. Guaranteed.
