Most people don’t like to think about their pipes. Sure, they are vital to our homes and businesses, such as bringing in clean water and carrying out waste. But they’re out of sight and, for the most part, not in most people’s minds. That is until something goes wrong. Some of the most common plumbing issues, like leaky faucets and clogged toilets, can be easy to DIY. Other issues such as burst pipes, are catastrophes that require professional attention. The clogged pipe falls somewhere in the middle. Most people assume they can DIY a clogged pipe with liquid drain cleaners (a poor choice) or snakes (often ineffective, especially in the hands of a novice). This brings us to hydro-jetting.
What Is Hydro-Jetting?
Hydro-jetting is a process of clearing clogs in pipes using incredibly high-pressure water. The water is blasted through a special hose and nozzle at 1500 to 5000 psi, which is dangerously high unless you’re a professional. Your plumber will also check the pipe with a camera to analyze what they are working with. Even if these weren’t highly specialized tools, the work itself is too hazardous for anyone other than a professional. Hydro-jetting is not a task you can or should DIY.
How Does It Work?
The plumber will begin by scoping the pipes with a special camera to see where the clogs are. This information gathering also helps the plumber determine how much pressure is needed and safe. The machine includes a tank that pressurizes the water, a hose made to withstand the pressure, and a nozzle that sprays in multiple directions at one time, including backward.
The force of the water dislodges anything in the pipe and then the water flows downstream carrying all that nastiness with it. It is an incredibly efficient process that truly cleans your pipes. It is more effective at removing clogs from grease buildup or hair clogs, mainly because it clears out the clog and cleans the sides of the pipe walls where the clog buildup is.
Are There Risks with The Benefits?
Hydro-blasting doesn’t just get rid of a clog; it truly cleans the pipes so that new clogs have a more challenging time forming. This results in a clean that lasts up to 4 times longer than other methods, saving you money in the long run. When it is done by a professional, the procedure is safe. Even with older pipes that can’t withstand super high pressure, a professional would be able to see what pressure is clear to use.
Get in Touch With B&D Today!
Dealing with any plumbing concerns that require a professional to step in? Struggling with an absolute plumbing emergency that can’t wait? Let B&D Plumbing know. B&D Plumbing Inc. services the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Get in touch with us by calling (301) 595-1141 or follow us on social media including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. As a small, family-owned business, we understand how important your home is—and we offer exceptional service that matches!