Hydrojet Sewer Cleaning: How It Works and Why It’s Effective

Anyone who’s had a clogged drain knows how stressful it can be. Whether the drain is located at your home or your business, resolving the issue urgently and professionally is critical.

Thankfully, many plumbing contractors are now offering sewer and drain jetting services — a process that uses highly pressurized water to clear away obstructions.

If you aren’t familiar with hydro jet sewer cleaning or its benefits, you’ve come to the right place. This article will thoroughly discuss how this cleaning process works and its many benefits.

Are you ready to learn more about this innovative procedure? Let’s get started!

What Is Sewer Jet Cleaning?

Simply put, jet cleaning uses a highly concentrated stream of water to clean sewer systems and remove any obstructions. How much power is needed to clean an entire sewer line? Believe it or not, a hydro jet can generate pressure levels between 3,000 and 10,000 PSI. With that kind of pressure, tough blockages caused by tree roots, grease, mud, and mineral build-up are obliterated.

The machine used to create this high-pressure cleaning system is called a hydro jetter. These units can be installed on a trailer, truck, or van. Some of the key components of a jetter include the water tank, an engine, and a pump. Hydro jet operators also use various hoses and nozzles, depending on the pipe size they are working in, and the type of cleaning required.

Below is an overview of the hydro jet sewer cleaning process:

• When a contractor arrives at a job site, they will typically use a camera to identify the source of the clog.
• The hydro jetting operator will also determine the size of the pipe, and the extent of the cleaning needed. They use this information to select the correct hose size and type of nozzle for the job.
• The jetter’s hose and nozzle enter the line, propelled by the force of the pressurized water system.
• As the hose travels through the line, the nozzle directs water at the pipe’s walls and any blockages, clearing away dirt and flushing it away.

Portable Sewer Jetters: Meet the Models

To effectively clean pipes and clear away tough blockages, US Jetting manufactures different jetting units with unique features and purposes. Discover more about these durable machines here:

• 4018 Industry Leader: The 4018 is a powerful machine that has set the professional standard. This model has 4000 PSI and 18 GPM, making it the ideal model to clean 1”-18” lines.
• 4025 Max Versatility: With 4000 PSI and 25 GPM, this unit is designed for operators who tackle a little bit of everything in their daily operations. From drain jetting to cleaning large, industrial lines, this jetter conquers every job that comes its way. The 4025 can jet lines that are 1”-48” in diameter.
• 3040 Power Flushing: If your business primarily focuses on cleaning large sewers and storm drains, then you need the powerful efficiency of the 3040. This jetter has enhanced flushing power at 3000 PSI and 40 GPM, making it the ideal choice for municipalities and contractors.
• 3030 Medium Flushing: The 3030 boasts more flushing power than the 4018 and 4025, so it can clear away stubborn obstructions. Even though it is effective in large sewer systems, it can also be paired with a mini jet kit to scale down to jet residential lines.
• 2065 Max Flushing: When you need to move heavy debris from pipes, the 2065 Max Flushing can successfully complete the job. This unit is engineered for municipalities that need to clean storm drains and other pipes with large diameters.

Locations that Benefit from Hydro Jetting

People are often surprised to learn about the versatility of hydro jetters. These industrial-strength machines can be used just about anywhere with the right accessories.

Hydro jet operators service diverse customers and locations, from small residential pipe systems to massive storm drains. Learn more about some of the specific instances where sewer jetting helps solve plumbing issues:

• Residential Buildings and Homes: Residential lines are one of the most common locations for hydro jetting services. Drain jetting helps homeowners resolve issues related to pipe blockages and slow-draining sinks.
• Restaurants: Most people know never to put grease, fat, and oil down drains, but in some environments, it’s unavoidable. Restaurants are one location where hydro jetting assists with emergency clogs caused by these materials, as well as routine pipe maintenance.
• Extensive Facilities: Whether it’s a vast sports arena, an airport, or a school campus, numerous locations see hundreds of visitors daily. With those visitors comes a lot of wear and tear on plumbing systems. Hydro jetting keeps these lines clear and functional as part of daily operations.
• Municipal Sewer Lines: These systems include storm drains and waste management systems — plumbing infrastructure essential for everyone’s comfort and safety. Because these systems encounter a lot of dirt and debris, routine maintenance and emergency hydro jet services are necessary to keep them running smoothly.
• Storm Drains and Culverts: Hydro jetters are up for the task even with the largest pipes and thick sludge. For these pipes, jetters like the powerful 2065 Max Flushing or 3030 Medium Flushing paired with nozzles designed specifically for culvert cleaning can quickly and effortlessly clear these lines.

Understanding the Advantages of High-Pressure Sewer Cleaning

By now, you likely understand how hydro jetting works and where it is used, but what benefits does it have over other sewer cleaning methods?

This section will outline why high-pressure cleaning is superior to traditional methods. Consider the following key factors below:

• Fast-Acting and Efficient: Every minute counts when there’s a pipe blockage. What can seem like a minor clog can quickly escalate into a plumbing emergency with substantial financial consequences. Sewer jetters blast away the source of plumbing problems much faster than other cleaning methods like snaking or chemicals.
• Long-Lasting Cleaning Power: Most clogs don’t happen immediately. Instead, debris, dirt, grease, and other materials build up along pipe walls until water can no longer pass through the line. Compared to other cleaning methods, sewer jetting doesn’t just remove the primary clog — it effectively provides a 360-degree cleaning that prevents clogs from forming again. That’s why hydro jetting is recommended as part of routine maintenance in addition to emergency blockages.
• Reduced Environmental Impacts: Sewer jetters use water and only water to cut through obstructions, eliminating the need for harsh, toxic chemicals. The high-pressure, low-flow system jetters use has been engineered to deliver maximum results with minimal environmental impact. This non-invasive approach and lack of chemicals puts home and business owners at ease when considering these services.

Ready to Learn More About Portable Sewer Jetters?

Whether you’re a plumbing professional, a homeowner, or work for a municipality, sewer jetting is an essential and effective process that more and more people depend on.

For those who work in the industry, when it comes to hydro jetter sales, rentals, accessories, and repair services, look no further than US Jetting. Our comprehensive range of products, paired with our expert knowledge, ensures every jetting operator is well-equipped to complete their next job successfully.

If you’re ready to add hydro jetting to your roster of services or need to upgrade your current unit, don’t hesitate to contact US Jetting.

Call us today to learn more about how hydro jetting can benefit your business and clients.