What Is Sewer Jetting & When Do You Need It?
Blocked drains and sewer lines cause major disruptions to households and they are incredibly unhygienic, so they need to be unblocked immediately. For many years, homeowners have tried using regular plumbing tools or chemical drain cleaners to resolve the problem, only to have the drain block again after a few days or weeks. Cue the need for sewer jetting.
Plumbers have realized that blocked drains can become a chronic problem unless the blockage is completely cleared and the drain is cleaned and maintained regularly. Don’t be surprised if the next time you call a plumber for a blocked drain, he recommends sewer jetting.
What Is Sewer Jetting?
Sewer jetting, otherwise known as hydro jetting or water jetting, is a safe, efficient, environmentally friendly, and non-invasive drain cleaning system. This helps homeowners to restore and keep their plumbing’s drainage system healthy, clean, and free from hazardous and stubborn blockages. Sewer jetting can be used to maintain drains or clear blockages on residential, commercial, or municipal sewer drainage systems.
All other drain cleaning systems may be able to tackle blockage problems, but do not have the added advantage of maintaining the sewer line and keeping it in the best possible condition.
What Causes Sewer Drains To Block?
The sewer drain is the main artery connecting all the waste drains in the home. Wastewater from the shower, bathtub, toilet, and all kitchen sinks and garbage disposals all drain into the main sewer drain.
Due to the nature of what the sewer drains transport, they often become blocked, causing major inconvenience and cost to the household. Apart from the drains being damaged due to root invasion, some things that cause drains to block are:
- Hair
- Dental Floss
- Baby wipes
- Cooking oil and grease
- Food particles and other debris
- The inevitable mineral buildup.
Signs That There Is A Blockage In The Sewer System Include:
- The toilet makes strange gurgling noises or overflows when flushed.
- There is a bad smell coming out of the drains.
- The drains don’t drain at all or drain very slowly.
- Water backs up in other drains when the toilet is flushed.
How Does Sewer Jetting Work?
Depending on the size of the blocked drain, water is pumped under pressure, via a hose and special nozzle, into the drain. The pressurized water, released at 1,500 PSI to 4000 PSI, gushes down the drain and dislodges any stubborn clogs and dirt, washing it down into the main sewer system.
The size of the drain or pipe, and the severity and location of the blockage, will determine:
- The size and length of the hose used.
- The type of nozzle used.
- The pressure and amount of water that is used.
How Often Should Sewer Jetting Be Done?
Sewer jetting is safe, non-invasive, environmentally friendly, and very necessary if you want to maintain a healthy sewer drainage system. Done at regular intervals, jetting your lines helps to prevent future blockages, ultimately saving you a lot of frustration, time, and money. A professional plumber will advise you regarding plumbing maintenance and how often sewer jetting should be scheduled.
This will depend on:
- The age and general condition of the pipes.
- How often the drains and pipes are being used.
A typical residential home should schedule sewer jetting every 18 to 24 months. It’s also advisable to have jetting done before moving into a new home or premises, ensuring that you don’t inherit any blockages already present or currently in the making.
Why Is Sewer Jetting “Do It Yourself” Not Advisable?
Showing off your “do it yourself” skills with sewer jetting is not advisable; you need to contact a licensed, professional and experienced plumber.
Some reasons for this include:
- The drain will need to be properly assessed by someone with the correct tools and equipment before hydro jetting is attempted. If the drain is blocked due to root invasion, pumping pressurized water through the drain will cause major damage.
- Working with water pumped under high pressure can be very dangerous. The water can cause major damage to property and injury to people near the site.
- For the procedure to be effective, you need the proper pumps, hoses, and nozzles. “Do It Yourself” enthusiasts may not have access to the correct equipment.
- Professional plumbers will know what safety clothing and equipment are required, e.g. safety goggles and shoe covers, and will be properly equipped for the task.
Contact Art Rooter, Sewer & Drain Cleaning For Sewer Jetting
Art Rooter, Sewer & Drain Cleaning are experts in their field and licensed and insured in the State of Florida. Our technicians are known for being clean and courteous and for getting the job done right the first time around.
Conducting a thorough video inspection before they commence, they allow you to see the blockage in the sewer line for yourself. After the job is done, they do a thorough cleanup and follow up with their customers a few days later. This is to ensure 100% satisfaction and that the blockage has been cleared.
If you suspect that you have a blocked sewer line, call Art Rooter, Sewer & Drain Cleaning at 1-888-773-1524 Monday to Saturday 8 am to 8 pm, at no extra charge on weekends during regular hours, and Sundays for emergencies only.
