Is Hydro Jetting Safe for Pipes? Risks, Benefits & Expert Advice

Homeownership comes with several unexpected surprises. Your plumbing shouldn't have to be one of them. But drain issues have a way of ruining your peace. One day, everything's working fine. And the next day, the water starts moving more slowly, and you notice a strange smell in your home.

One of the most common causes of this problem is clogged drains. And the most useful solution to solve this problem is to opt for hydro jetting drain cleaning. It's a fast, long-lasting, and powerful way to clean the drains.

But people often ask - can something that powerful harm my plumbing system?

The answer depends on how hydro jetting is used, who's doing it, and several other factors. And we'll discuss all of them in this blog!

What Is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting is one of the most effective ways to clean your drains using high-pressure water. We're talking about water pressure that's between 1,500 and 4,000 PSI (Pound per Square Inch). That's how it can clean the most stubborn dirt, grime, and other debris inside the pipes.

How Does the Process of Hydro Jetting Work?

• Camera inspection: A small camera goes inside your pipes to see what’s causing the blockage and check the pipe condition. This helps the technician choose the safest water pressure.
• The right pressure is set: Depending on what the camera shows, the pressure level is adjusted so your pipes are cleaned without damage.
• The hydro jetting machine is prepared: The system includes a water tank, a flexible hose, and a strong nozzle useful for deep cleaning.
• High-pressure water does the work: Water is pushed through the nozzle at high pressure, sometimes up to 4,000 PSI, to break up clogs and wash them away.
• Pipes are flushed clean: Grease, sludge, tree roots, hard water residue, and other debris are cleared out, leaving your pipes clean and flowing freely again.

It can also prevent future clogs in your plumbing system. And yes, it's a far more efficient way to clean your drains than a store-bought drain cleaner. But the obvious next question is - can your plumbing system handle that much pressure? We’ll figure that out next!

Can Hydro Jetting Damage Your Pipes?

Hydro jetting won't harm healthy pipes at all. When your plumbing is in good condition, this method is one of the safest and most effective ways to clean your drains quickly. But it's important to know the condition of your pipes before the process starts. 

If you have old or already damaged pipes, then you need to check them properly before opting for hydro jetting service as a solution. But this doesn't mean you can't choose this service at all. In many cases, a hydro jetting technician will check the pipes properly during the camera inspection and then adjust the water pressure or use a different and safe approach to clean the drain.

That's why it's always best to rely on an experienced professional for this service. They have the knowledge and training to perform the job with care and expertise.

Which Pipes Are Safe for Hydro Jetting and Which Need More Care?

The amount of pressure that a pipe can handle also depends on the type of pipe material. Some pipe materials can tolerate hydro jetting with no issues at all. But others need a more careful approach. 

Types of Pipes That Can Tolerate Hydro Jetting Include -

• Modern PVC pipes
• Copper pipes
• Well-maintained cast iron pipes
• Commercial-grade plumbing systems

When you choose a trusted hydro jetting technician, they can help you understand if your plumbing system can safely benefit from this type of drain cleaning and do the job carefully.

Types of Pipes That Need More Care -

• Very old clay pipes
• Cracked or corroded cast iron pipes
• Pipes with existing leaks
• Sewer lines damaged by tree roots
• Pipes that are collapsing or severely worn
• Lines with major structural damage

Depending on what the technicians observe during the camera inspection, they may lower the water pressure, use a specialized nozzle, or restrict hydro jetting to specific sections of the pipes.

If the pipes have minor damage, controlled hydro jetting can still remove the buildup without causing more harm to the pipes. But if the pipes are too damaged or weak, a good plumbing technician will advise you to consider an alternative method rather than forcing a solution.

What Is Hot Water Hydro Jetting, and Can It Damage Pipes?

Hot water hydro jetting is different than regular hydro jetting. It uses heated and high-pressure water to clear the clogs from inside your pipes. It is most effective on grease, oil, soap residue, and sludge, which cold water may not always be able to remove. 

This is why hydro jetting technicians prefer to use it on kitchen drains, old homes, and commercial buildings, where the buildup is usually tougher and more stubborn.

But can hot water hydro jetting harm your pipes?

No, not when it’s done with professional help. Professionals set the temperature and pressure according to your pipes’ material and overall condition. The right temperature will melt grease faster, and the water pressure will wash the grease away instead of pushing it further into the pipe.