How Often Should You Hydro Jet Your Pipes? Is It Safe for Old Pipes

When it comes to maintaining your plumbing system, hydro jetting is the most effective method for clearing stubborn clogs and buildup. But how often should you do it? And more importantly, is it safe for older pipes that may have weakened over time? 

In this blog, we'll explore these questions and provide expert insights to help you make informed decisions about your plumbing maintenance.

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What Is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting is a professional drain cleaning technique that flows high-pressure water streams to remove debris, grease, tree roots, and mineral buildup from your pipes. Unlike traditional snaking, hydro jetting cleans the entire inside of your pipes, improves water flow, and helps prevent future clogs.

Moreover, it’s environmentally friendly, chemical-free, and works wonders for both residential and commercial plumbing systems.

Is Hydro Jetting Safe for Old or Fragile Pipes?

This is one of the most common concerns among homeowners. Hydro jetting may seem intense, but when done by a professional, it’s safe for older pipes as long as they are in good condition.

Hydro jetting’s safety depends not on the age of the pipe, but on its condition. For example -

• Cast iron or clay pipes, which are common in older homes, could be more susceptible to damage due to corrosion or brittleness. If these pipes are already weak, hydro jetting’s high-pressure water could make problems worse, causing cracks or leaks. 
• On the other hand, PVC and modern copper pipes are stronger and can usually handle hydro jetting safely.

Therefore, when you contact someone for drain cleaning, make sure their professional plumber performs a video camera inspection before cleaning to check for cracks, corrosion, or weak joints. 

A thorough inspection can suggest whether your pipes are suitable for this cleaning method. If the pipe walls are intact, an expert can adjust the PSI (pressure per square inch) and use the correct nozzle type to prevent stress or damage.

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How Often Should You Hydro Jet Your Pipes?

It depends on several factors, including your system’s age, pipe materials, and the type of debris you deal with. But general guidelines can help you plan your maintenance schedule confidently.

1. For Residential Homes

For most homes, hydro jetting once every 12 to 24 months keeps the system healthy and free-flowing. This is usually enough to prevent slow drains, foul odors, and backups before they ever occur.

Homes with big families or heavy water use tend to get clogs faster, so they may need hydro jetting more often.

2. For Older Plumbing Systems

Homes with older or cast-iron pipes tend to accumulate mineral deposits and corrosion more quickly. These might need cleaning every 6 to 12 months, but always after a pipe camera inspection to make sure there are no structural weaknesses.

If pipes are found to be too old or fragile, you may require less frequent hydro jetting to prevent potential damage.

3. For Commercial Properties

Restaurants, cafés, and other food businesses have to deal with more grease and heavy use, so they should get hydro jetting every 3 to 6 months to keep drains clear and meet health standards.

4. For Tree-Root-Prone Areas

If your property is surrounded by trees, their roots can grow deep into the drain lines and cause clogs. Getting hydro jetting done once a year and checking the pipes regularly helps prevent these root problems.

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Post-Hydro Jetting Care - How to Keep Drains Clean & Extend Results

After hydro jetting, it's important to follow routine maintenance practices to keep your drains clean for a longer period. 

• Flush your drains with hot water frequently to remove any residual debris.
• Install screens in sinks and tubs to catch hair and large particles, to prevent them from entering the pipes.
• Never pour grease, fats, or oil into your kitchen sinks, as they solidify on cooling and cause blockages.
• Once every couple of months, use a biological or enzyme drain cleaner to maintain bacterial balance and keep pipes clean naturally
• If you have trees near your plumbing lines, monitor for root intrusion and address any issues immediately.
• Even after hydro jetting, schedule periodic plumbing inspections to detect and fix clogging issues early.

Commonly Asked Questions

1. Can hydro jetting damage my pipes?

Hydro jetting is a safe method when performed on normal, healthy pipes and by a professional team of plumbers. However, if your pipes are old, corroded, or damaged, the high-pressure water can worsen existing issues. Always consult with a professional plumber like Preferred Plumbing & Drain before proceeding. 

2. Is hydro jetting effective for all types of clogs?

Yes. Hydro jetting is very effective for removing grease, tree roots, mineral buildup, and other stubborn blockages. However, it's not suitable when pipes are severely damaged or collapsed.

3. How long does the effect of hydro jetting last?

The results of hydro jetting can last between one and two years. It mainly depends on factors like pipe material, water quality, and usage patterns.

4. Can I perform hydro jetting myself?

Hydro jetting requires advanced equipment and technical knowledge. Doing it yourself can lead to damage or injury. It's best to hire a licensed professional drain cleaning company for this service.

5. What’s better - snaking or hydro jetting?

Snaking clears blockages temporarily, but hydro jetting provides a deep cleaning through pipelines that helps prevent future clogs.

Takeaway

Hydro jetting is a strong and effective way to keep your pipes clean. It’s usually safe for older plumbing, but it’s important to check your pipe's condition first. 
If you need hydro jetting for your clogged pipes and drains, call experienced plumbers who can check your system and offer the right solution for your pipes.

READ MORE! 

1. The Role of Hydro Jetting in Stopping Future Clogs

2. Hydro Jetting vs. Snaking: What’s the Best Fix for Your Drain Problems?

3. Don’t Wait for Leaks—Call for Emergency Plumbing Service

4. How to Identify If Your Main Drain Is Clogged

Keep Your Pipes Flowing Smooth - Get Professional Help From Preferred Plumbing & Drain

Looking for expert plumbing services? Our experienced Sacramento plumbers at Preferred Plumbing & Drain specialize in emergency plumbing, drain cleaning in Sacramento, and complete hydro jetting maintenance.

As a trusted Sacramento drain cleaning company, we don’t just fix clogs, we help prevent them for good. With over 19 years of experience, our team understands how to care for older plumbing systems safely and effectively.

We use advanced camera inspection technology to accurately assess your pipes and detect buildup before starting the Hydro Jetting process. We also suggest other plumbing solutions depending on the condition of your pipes.

So call us at 800-414-0340 - our emergency plumbers are ready to assist you as quickly as possible!