Can I Do Hydro Jetting Myself? Read Before You Try

Clogged drains are frustrating, and when you face them frequently, you want a quick solution. Sometimes your kitchen sink drains slowly. The next day, water backs up in your shower. You try a plunger. Maybe even a store-bought drain cleaner. But the problem keeps coming back.

When you search online for a more effective solution, you learn about Hydro Jetting. Yes, it’s the perfect method to get rid of stubborn clogs. But if you’re thinking of doing it yourself, you need to understand the challenges involved. 

“Is Hydro Jetting really a DIY task? Do you know and understand what equipment is needed for the process? How to get it done smoothly without damaging the pipes?”

These are a few crucial questions that you must revisit before jumping into the task after watching a few YouTuber videos.

This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about hydro jetting and understand what’s right for your plumbing system.

What Is Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting is a professional method of drain cleaning. It uses very high-pressure water to blast away grease, sludge, tree roots, soap buildup, and debris from inside your pipes.

• Hydro Jetting cleans the entire pipe wall.
• It removes years of buildup.
• It helps restore proper flow.
• It also helps prevent recurring blockages.

Professional-grade systems used for hot water hydro jetting services can generate between 3,000 and 4,000 PSI or more. That’s powerful enough to cut through tree roots.

Is Hydro Jetting a DIY Task?

While it’s possible to try hydro jetting yourself, it’s important to understand what professional hydro jetting actually involves. Some equipment rental shops offer residential-grade hydro jetters, and there are “jetter kits” available that connect to a standard pressure washer. 

But will it really help? The answer is no because a rental machine is not as good as the ones professional plumbers use.

• Most rental machines generate lower pressure and are less effective.
• You won’t know the correct PSI for your pipe type, so you won’t be able to adjust pressure according to it.
• You may not locate the clog. Professionals use modern cameras to detect the buildup location.
• Almost all rental units use cold water. While okay for sand or hair, they won't touch hardened grease.
• Professionals use different nozzles for different problems. There’s one for roots, one for grease, and one for scale. A DIY kit usually comes with a single nozzle.

Hydro jetting isn’t just about spraying water into a drain. It requires inspection, correct nozzle selection, pressure calibration, and understanding pipe materials.

The Real Risks of DIY Hydro Jetting

Before attempting DIY hydro jetting drain cleaning. The locals should understand what’s at stake.

1. You Could Damage Your Pipes

All pipes can’t be treated the same way. Older homes may have clay pipes, cast iron pipes, and aging or corroded lines.

High-pressure water can crack weakened pipes. And once that happens, you’ll also need excavation and expensive repairs.

A professional plumbing team performs camera inspections before jetting to confirm your system can handle the pressure.

2. You Might Miss the Root Cause

It’s not always the hair or soap scum accumulated inside the pipes. There could be many reasons behind a clogged drain.

• Tree root intrusion
• Collapsed sewer lines
• Bellied pipes (sections that sag and hold waste)
• Septic system issues

Hydro jetting alone won’t fix structural damage. Without inspection, you’re treating symptoms, not solving the problem.

3. Risk Of Personal Injury

Rental hydro jetting machines operate at lower pressure than professional systems, but they can still be dangerous if not used properly.

Professional machines reach 3,000-4,000+ PSI, strong enough to cut through grease, debris, and even metal. While DIY machines aren’t that powerful, a hose that kicks back, a nozzle that slips, or a sudden surge of pressure can still cause serious cuts or bruises.

4. You May Not Achieve Professional-Level Results

Professionals use hot water for hydro jetting, which helps in dissolving grease and heavy sludge buildup. Cold-water rental units may only partially clear the clog.

DIY machines also lack commercial-grade pressure and specialized rotating nozzles. So, DIY Hydro Jetting may not give satisfying results, and the clogs keep coming back.

The Real Cost: DIY vs. Professional Hydro Jetting