Although hydro-jetting is an ideal way to remove serious pipe clogs, it can cause problems if this method is not treated with respect. A plumber will always prefer a manual clog removal method because caustic chemical cleaners can damage plumbing pipes. But, there are occasions when a simple plumbing augur (snake) will not be able to remove a tough or persistent clog. In this article, we will look at three mistakes that many people make when they attempt to use hydro-jetting to clear clogs.
What is Hydro-Jetting?
Hydro-jetting is a high pressure water delivery system that forces a clog to break apart and then flushes it out into the main sewage line. A plumbing snake can bore a hole in a larger clog and it can break apart smaller clogs closer to the drain entrance. In many cases, this is effective, but if the clog is deeper or denser, it may be insufficient. Under normal conditions, hydro-jetting is very safe and it won’t cause extra damage to your plumbing pipes. But, there are three main exceptions and we will examine these next, they are:
1. An Aging Plumbing System
Some homes that are 50 years old or even older may still have their original plumbing in-place. The plumbing materials that we use today are superior in every way and far more durable when exposed to pressure. A prime example would be PVC pipes that are less likely to crack and break and they are not prone to the effects of corrosion. The same cannot be said of older cast iron pipes or even clay pipes in very old homes. If hydro-jetting is used on old pipes, it can damage them and water leaks could occur. A professional plumber will take this into account and it may be a better idea to replace the plumbing pipes instead.
2. The Plumbing System is Damaged
If the plumbing system has already sustained damage, it may be a poor candidate for hydro-jetting. If the pipes and fixtures are in poor shape, hydro-jetting will just compound the problems and it may degrade them further. When water is introduced to a pipe, the high-pressure stream will break apart and push any sludge and debris out of the pipes. Any weak points where corrosion is present can be torn apart by this pressure and water leaks can occur.
3. Taking a DIY Approach
Developing DIY skills to work on your home is a great way to save money. Fixing minor plumbing problems can help you to hone your skills, but there are certain aspects of plumbing that are best left to professional plumbers. Although you could hire a hydro-jetting machine, it requires training to use properly and it can cause problems if misused. For this reason, we recommend choosing a local licensed and certified plumber if you need to hydro-jet your plumbing pipes.
A stubborn or persistent clog could be a symptom of an underlying problem. If you’re worried about the condition of your plumbing pipes, contact your local plumber today.
