Clear stubborn clogs and buildup with high-pressure water jetting. Fast, effective drain cleaning.
Why clogs keep coming back and how hydro jetting stops them for good
When a drain slows down or backs up, most people think they just have a clog. That's partly true, but it's usually much more complicated. Over time, your drain pipes collect grease, soap scum, mineral deposits, and debris that sticks to the inside walls. This buildup happens gradually, so you might not notice it until the drain is almost completely blocked.
A plunger or basic drain snake removes the immediate blockage, but it doesn't clean the pipe walls. That sticky coating stays behind, and within weeks or months, another clog forms in the same spot. It's frustrating because the problem keeps coming back.
Hair and soap buildup clog shower and bathroom drains. Kitchen sink drains collect grease, food particles, and mineral deposits from hard water. Tree roots sometimes grow into older sewer lines, creating blockages that get worse over time. Flushing anything other than toilet paper causes backups. Even toiletries and personal care products accumulate and block pipes.
Each of these problems requires different solutions. A simple plunger works on fresh blockages, but for stubborn buildup and tree roots, you need something stronger.
A hand-held snake pushes through a clog, but leaves residue behind on the pipe walls. Chemical drain cleaners are harsh and don't break down solid buildup like grease or mineral deposits. Both methods provide temporary relief, not lasting results. You're basically clearing a path through a partially clogged pipe instead of actually cleaning it.
That's where hydro jetting makes the difference. It doesn't just clear the clog; it cleans the entire interior of the pipe.
High-pressure water cleaning that removes buildup from drain pipes
Hydro jetting uses a pressurized water stream, typically between 3,000 and 4,000 PSI, to blast away grease, roots, and debris from the inside of your drain pipes. It's the same technology used to clean industrial equipment and municipal sewer lines, adapted for residential plumbing systems.
Our technician starts by inspecting your drain line with a camera to see what's actually clogging it and where. This tells us if hydro jetting is appropriate or if we need a different approach. Once we've assessed the situation, we insert a specialized nozzle into the drain line. The nozzle is connected to a high-pressure pump that forces water through it at an intense rate. As the water shoots out, it cuts through grease, mineral scale, and even breaks apart tree roots. The nozzle can be pulled forward through the pipe or stationary, depending on what we're cleaning and the type of blockage.
The force of the water is strong enough to remove years of buildup, but controlled enough that it doesn't damage modern plastic or older clay and cast iron pipes when applied correctly. All the debris loosened by the water flows down the line and out of your plumbing system.
Hydro jetting clears grease, hair, mineral deposits, soap scum, and other debris that accumulates in drain pipes over time.
The high-pressure water blasts through and removes tree roots that have invaded sewer lines, something chemical cleaners and snakes can't do effectively.
Because hydro jetting cleans the entire interior of the pipe, not just clears a path, you get longer intervals between cleanings.
When done by a professional who knows the proper pressure settings and techniques, hydro jetting is safe for modern plumbing systems and most older ones too.
How our service visit works from start to finish
We always start by running a small camera through your drain line. This lets us see exactly what's blocking it, how severe the blockage is, and the condition of the pipes. We can spot cracked pipes, tree root invasions, or other structural damage that might need repair instead of or in addition to cleaning. You can watch the video yourself on our technician's equipment.
If we find significant cracks or structural damage, hydro jetting could make those problems worse. In those cases, we'll recommend pipe repair or replacement first. If the pipes are intact but heavily clogged with buildup or roots, hydro jetting is the right solution. We explain what we found and what we recommend before we start any work.
For main sewer line clogs, we use a cleanout access point, usually located in your basement, crawlspace, or yard. For individual drain lines like a sink or shower, we access from the fixture itself. The hydro jetting nozzle needs a clear entry point into the line. Sometimes we can use an existing cleanout; sometimes we create one temporarily to access the problem area.
Our technician slowly feeds the pressurized water line into the drain, starting from the blockage point and working outward. The high-pressure water blasts debris backward and forward, cleaning the entire pipe. The process typically takes thirty minutes to two hours, depending on the length of the line and severity of the clog. You'll hear water running and might notice vibration at the access point, but there's no mess in your home.
After the jetting is complete, we often run the camera through again to confirm that the pipe is clean and there are no remaining issues. We clean up around the work area, restore any access points, and explain what we found and what was removed. If we created a temporary access point, we seal it properly so there are no future leaks.
Common situations where hydro jetting solves drain problems
If one drain keeps backing up every few months despite repeated cleanings, there's buildup on the pipe walls. Hydro jetting removes it instead of just pushing it aside temporarily. Related services like drain cleaning handle single clogs, but for ongoing problems, hydro jetting provides a permanent fix.
When multiple drains are slow at the same time, the main line is usually clogged. That's where hydro jetting excels. The high-pressure water clears the main sewer line so all drains flow freely again. This often indicates the need for sewer line repair if there's damage, but hydro jetting clears the blockage first.
Tree roots naturally seek water and will grow into sewer lines through small cracks or loose joints. Once inside, they multiply and trap debris, creating severe blockages. Hydro jetting cuts through roots, but if the line is cracked, you'll need pipe repair afterward. Our camera inspection reveals the damage before you decide on next steps.
Even if you never pour grease down the drain, it still accumulates inside pipes as water carries microscopic grease particles from dishes and cooking. Over time, this creates a sticky coating that catches food particles and hair. Chemical cleaners don't break it down effectively, but hydro jetting removes it completely.
Hard water leaves mineral buildup inside pipes over many years. This narrows the pipe opening and eventually restricts water flow. Hydro jetting blasts these mineral deposits away, restoring full flow. It's especially common in Vandalia where water hardness varies by neighborhood.
Some sellers have their main line hydro jetted before listing, knowing that clean pipes are a selling point. If you're planning major kitchen or bathroom remodeling, hydro jetting ensures the drains are in top condition before new fixtures are installed. It's also smart maintenance with repiping services if the pipes need replacement.
Professional expertise and honest service for your drain problems
We camera inspect every line before deciding on hydro jetting. This ensures we're using the right solution for your specific problem and not creating damage to pipes that need repair instead.
Hydro jetting isn't one-size-fits-all. We adjust water pressure based on your pipe material and condition. Older pipes need lower pressure than modern ones. We know the difference and apply appropriate settings.
Our technicians are trained in hydro jetting operation, safety, and cleanup. We handle the equipment properly so the job is done right without damage to your property or drainage system.
If hydro jetting isn't the right solution for your situation, we say so. If your pipes need repair, we'll recommend that. Our goal is fixing your problem properly, not upselling unnecessary services.
After the jetting is done, we do a final camera inspection to confirm the job is complete. If damage is revealed, we can move forward with pipe repair immediately or you can plan repairs with confidence.
Drain emergencies don't wait for business hours. We offer emergency plumbing repair including hydro jetting service around the clock in Vandalia.
We serve residential and commercial properties throughout Vandalia
Whether you're in a historic neighborhood, new subdivision, or commercial district, we're equipped to handle hydro jetting service. From downtown Vandalia to outlying areas, our technicians arrive with the equipment and knowledge to solve your drain problems.
We also provide complementary services like leak detection, water heater repair, and toilet repair throughout Vandalia.
Answers to what homeowners ask us most often
When performed correctly by someone who knows your pipe type and condition, hydro jetting is safe. That's why we inspect with a camera first. Older pipes or those with existing damage shouldn't be hydro jetted with high pressure. We adjust our approach based on what we find.
Price depends on how long the line is, how severe the blockage, and what's causing it. A 50-foot kitchen drain line costs less than a 100-foot main sewer line with tree roots. We quote based on the specific job after our camera inspection reveals what needs to be cleaned.
The actual jetting usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the line length and clog severity. Add time for camera inspection before and after, plus setup and cleanup. Most jobs are finished in a morning or afternoon visit.
Hydro jetting removes years of buildup, so your pipes will be cleaner than they've been in a long time. But regular maintenance helps keep them that way. For most homes, hydro jetting every 5-10 years prevents major clogs from developing.
We can hydro jet the line between your house and the tank, but not the tank or drain field itself. Hydro jetting actually helps septic systems work better by keeping the line flowing freely. We'll advise on what's safe for your system before starting.
If the camera inspection reveals cracks, holes, or major damage in your pipes, hydro jetting won't fix those issues. That's when pipe repair or full line replacement becomes necessary. We explain this before we start so you know what to expect.
Stop dealing with recurring clogs and slow drains. Hydro jetting removes buildup and restores full flow to your plumbing system.
Call Now (323) 928-9399