Regular drain cleaning is an essential part of any homeowner’s plumbing maintenance schedule. Simply put, hydro jetting is a form of drain cleaning. While previously drain cleaning mainly involved rooter service, thanks to technological developments, hydro jetting has become an option for clearing tough clogs in your home. They both can improve water flow and remove obstructions, but the two methods are very different in their execution, outcomes, and potential uses.
Method
Plungers, drain snakes, and augers are some of the mechanical instruments commonly used for conventional drain cleaning. Drain snakes and augers are long and flexible enough to reach deeper into the plumbing system and break apart or extract obstacles, while plungers create suction to remove smaller clogs.
Hydro jetting is a technique that uses high-pressure water streams to clean pipes and remove obstructions. This was previously used primarily for sewer main lines, but recent developments allow for residential use. Once placed into the drain, a specialized nozzle propels water at high pressure, effectively scouring the inside of the pipe.
We also offer hydro-steaming, which is particularly helpful for kitchen drains. The heat loosens grease and helps sanitize the drain.
Pressure
Drain snakes and augers apply minimum pressure on pipe walls, while plungers rely on personal force. Hydro jetting, on the other hand, uses water pressure that varies from 1,500 to 4,000 PSI, depending on the task and the tools utilized. Because of the tremendous pressure it uses, hydro jetting can clear even the most stubborn obstructions and deposits that other cleaning techniques fail to remove. The high-pressure water jet can slice through tree roots and hair clogs, scour away grease, and flush out years of buildup.
Effectiveness
In many cases, mechanical tools can only alleviate the symptoms, not the underlying cause of a blockage. This is why recurring obstructions are so common with these methods.
Hydro jetting is much more effective. The high-pressure water stream can clear the pipe of the current obstruction and remove the accumulation that causes further blockages down the road. This all-inclusive cleaning method eliminates drain issues more effectively and over a longer period.
Scope
There are certain limitations to the traditional methods of drain cleaning. They work best when used to clear up blockages in specific areas of the plumbing system, like the trap under the sink or the drain from the toilet.
Hydro jetting’s range of uses is more extensive. It can be used to clean the whole plumbing system, from the main line to the lateral lines and even the municipal sewer system. The high-pressure water can reach areas that are out of the reach of more conventional tools.
Speed
In certain cases, a drain snake or plunger can unclog a drain in just a few minutes. However, these approaches might take a while to fix bigger or more complicated problems. Although hydro jetting may require more time to set up, it can clean a whole plumbing system far faster and more effectively. A single session is usually all it takes for the high-pressure water stream to eliminate obstructions and clean pipe walls.
Safety
While chemical cleaners may resolve a clog, they pose risks to your safety and can harm some types of pipes. Augers and drain snakes have the potential to harm pipe walls and fittings.
Hydro jetting is a safe drain cleaning method, but only when performed by an expert. They can use it to clean a wide variety of pipe materials, including PVC, copper and cast iron. The excessive pressure could make the problem much worse if you try to hydro jet the drains yourself. Also, we usually recommend having a camera inspection of the drain to ensure pipe integrity.
Cost
The approach taken and the severity of the clog determine the cost of drain cleaning services. Traditional drain cleaning methods are usually cheaper for small, localized blockages. This is because the process usually requires less specialized expertise, and the equipment is inexpensive.
Hydro jetting is usually more expensive than other methods because it is a more complicated technology. Both the equipment and the personnel need to have specific training, which drives up the price. However, when looking at the big picture, hydro jetting might be the more cost-effective option for serious or long-lasting plumbing problems. Due to its thoroughness and preventive benefits, it can prolong the life of the plumbing system and decrease the frequency of service calls.
Environmental Impact
Chemical drain cleaners, the backbone of many conventional drain cleaning technologies, pose serious environmental and plumbing system risks. These substances can easily pollute water sources and erode pipes. Most environmental experts agree that hydro jetting, which only uses water, is much better for the environment. It effectively removes oil and debris without using harmful chemicals, reducing the likelihood that these contaminants may end up in the water system.
Longevity
While conventional techniques can temporarily alleviate clogs, they don’t tackle the underlying source of reoccurring difficulties. This can cause problems to persist and lead to more service calls.
Hydro jetting’s results are longer-lasting because they thoroughly clean the inside of the pipes. It’s also worth noting that hydro jetting can greatly reduce the frequency of rooter service by removing not just obstructions but also the buildup that causes subsequent jams.
Suitability
Each solution’s viability depends on the kind and severity of the plumbing problem. Traditional drain cleaning procedures can be useful for emergency repairs and regular maintenance of kitchen sinks, bathroom drains, and toilets.
However, when dealing with systemic problems or more severe obstructions, hydro jetting is the way to go. It works wonders on large-scale plumbing systems, clearing big sewer lines while getting rid of persistent blockages. Hydro jetting is also great for preventative maintenance, particularly in older structures or places where tree roots can easily penetrate.
How to Pick the Right Type for Your Home
There are a number of considerations to explore before deciding between hydro jetting and conventional drain cleaning for your house. Think about how often and what kind of plumbing problems you have. Conventional approaches might work for small, infrequent blockages in specific fixtures. Hydro jetting might work better if you’re dealing with persistent clogs or tree root incursions.
Think about how old your plumbing system is and how good it is. Homes with older, more delicate plumbing may need a more delicate method, whereas systems that are more modern can usually handle hydro jetting without any problems.
Get in touch with a professional plumber who can evaluate your unique needs. They can use a camera to assess the situation and suggest a cleaning procedure based on their findings. The plumbing system’s complexity and the obstruction’s depth determine the normal time required for a camera inspection, which can range from 30 minutes to an hour. Finding the sweet spot between efficiency, affordability, and your plumbing system’s longevity will determine your best course of action.
Markool Heating & Cooling helps homeowners in Frederick, MD, with HVAC installations and maintenance, water heater installations, sewer repairs, air duct cleaning, plumbing and more. Contact us today to schedule hydro jetting for your home.
