Clogged drains are frustrating for homeowners. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink, a backed-up shower, or a full-blown sewer line blockage, drain issues can be messy, inconvenient, and even lead to costly repairs if not addressed quickly. Fortunately, hydrojet drain cleaning is a powerful, eco-friendly solution to keep your pipes clear and flowing smoothly.
What Is Hydrojet Drain Cleaning?
Hydrojetting is a professional drain cleaning method that uses high-pressure water to blast away buildup, debris, and even tree roots from your plumbing system. Unlike traditional methods like snaking, which simply punches a hole through a clog, hydrojetting completely clears the pipe, leaving it as clean as new.
How Hydrojetting Differs from Other Drain Cleaning Methods
- Snaking: A drain snake (or auger) is a tool that breaks up clogs but doesn’t remove all debris. This means buildup can remain, leading to future blockages.
- Chemical Cleaners: Store-bought drain cleaners use harsh chemicals that can corrode pipes and are harmful to the environment.
- Plunging: A good old-fashioned plunger can help with minor clogs, but it won’t clear deep or stubborn blockages.
Hydrojetting stands out because it fully removes grease, sludge, mineral deposits, and even tree roots, keeping your pipes cleaner for longer.
How Does Hydrojetting Work?
1. High-Pressure Water Jetting
At the core of hydrojetting is high-pressure water. A specialized hose and nozzle send water at pressures of up to 4,000 PSI, strong enough to cut through even the toughest clogs.
2. Step-by-Step Hydrojetting Process
Inspection
Before starting, a professional plumber will inspect your pipes with a small camera. This helps determine the cause of the clog and whether your pipes can handle the pressure of hydrojetting. Older or damaged pipes may not be suitable for this method.
Cleaning the Pipes
Once the inspection is complete, the hydrojetting hose is inserted into the drain. The nozzle sprays high-pressure water in all directions, scouring the inside of the pipes to break apart grease, sludge, and other obstructions.
Flushing Out Debris
As the water blasts through the blockage, the debris is flushed away, leaving your pipes clear and flowing like new.
Final Inspection
After hydrojetting, another camera inspection ensures that the clog is fully removed and that the pipes are in good condition.
Benefits of Hydrojet Drain Cleaning
Hydrojetting is one of the most effective ways to clean drains and prevent future problems. Here’s why homeowners in Los Angeles love this method:
1. Completely Clears Your Drains
Unlike snaking, which only punches through clogs, hydrojetting removes all debris from the pipe walls. This means longer-lasting results and fewer recurring clogs.
2. Prevents Future Clogs
Since hydrojetting removes all buildup, your drains stay cleaner for longer, reducing the chances of needing frequent plumbing service.
3. Safe & Eco-Friendly
- No Harsh Chemicals: Hydrojetting only uses water, making it safe for your pipes and the environment.
- Prevents Pipe Damage: Unlike chemical cleaners, which can weaken pipes over time, hydrojetting does not affect pipes when used correctly.
4. Works on All Types of Drain Clogs
- Grease and soap buildup
- Food particles
- Hair and hygiene products
- Tree roots invading sewer lines
If traditional drain cleaning hasn’t worked, hydrojetting may be the best solution.
When Should You Consider Hydrojetting?
Not every clogged drain requires hydrojetting, but here are some signs that you might need it:
1. Frequent Drain Clogs
If you find yourself constantly dealing with slow or backed-up drains, hydrojetting may be the long-term fix you need.
2. Foul Odors Coming from Drains
Built-up debris in your pipes can trap bacteria and cause bad smells. Hydrojetting removes these blockages, eliminating odors.
3. Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots are a major problem in Los Angeles sewer lines. Hydrojetting can cut through roots and flush them out, preventing serious plumbing issues.
4. After Snaking Fails
If you’ve already tried snaking but the clog keeps returning, hydrojetting can fully remove the buildup causing repeated blockages.
Hydrojetting vs. Other Drain Cleaning Methods
| Method | Pros | Cons |
| Hydrojetting | Deep cleaning, long-lasting results, eco-friendly | Not suitable for fragile pipes, requires professional service |
| Snaking | Quick and inexpensive | Doesn’t fully clear pipes, clogs may return |
| Chemical Cleaners | Easy to use | Corrosive to pipes, bad for the environment |
| Plunging | Great for minor clogs | Won’t work for deep blockages |
Is Hydrojetting Safe for All Pipes?
Best for:
- Modern PVC and copper pipes
- Well-maintained older plumbing systems
- Homes with frequent drain issues
Not Ideal for:
- Very old, brittle pipes (can’t handle high pressure)
- Pipes with existing cracks (may worsen damage)
If you live in an older home, a plumber will inspect your pipes before recommending hydrojetting.
How to Prevent Future Clogs After Hydrojetting
Once your pipes are clean, follow these tips to keep your drains in great shape:
- Avoid pouring grease down the drain – It hardens and causes blockages.
- Use drain strainers – Catch food, hair, and debris before they enter the pipes.
- Flush drains with hot water regularly – Helps break down soap and grease.
- Schedule routine plumbing maintenance – Catch small problems before they become big ones.
FAQs: Hydrojetting
What is hydrojetting, and how does it work?
Hydrojetting is a plumbing technique that uses high-pressure water (typically 3,500–4,000 PSI) to clear out clogs, debris, and buildup in pipes. It effectively removes grease, roots, and mineral deposits without damaging your plumbing.
Is hydrojetting safe for all pipes?
Hydrojetting is safe for most modern plumbing systems, but older or fragile pipes may not withstand the high pressure. A professional inspection is recommended before hydrojetting older pipes.
How does hydrojetting compare to traditional drain snaking?
Unlike drain snaking, which only clears a small opening in a clog, hydrojetting completely flushes out buildup, grease, and debris, providing a longer-lasting solution to drainage issues.
When should I consider hydrojetting for my home?
If you experience frequent clogs, slow drains, or recurring backups, hydrojetting is a great option. It’s also useful for preventative maintenance to keep your pipes clear.
Can hydrojetting remove tree roots from pipes?
Yes, hydrojetting is one of the most effective methods for cutting through invasive tree roots inside sewer lines. However, if roots have caused structural damage, additional repairs may be needed.
Is hydrojetting environmentally friendly?
Yes, hydrojetting uses only high-pressure water, making it a chemical-free and eco-friendly solution for clearing drains and sewer lines.
Conclusion: Hydrojet Drain Cleaning in Los Angeles
Hydrojetting is a powerful, long-lasting solution for clogged drains. It’s safe, effective, and eco-friendly—making it an excellent choice for Los Angeles homeowners who want to keep their plumbing in top condition.
If you’re dealing with frequent clogs, bad odors, or slow drains, consider calling Ford’s Plumbing and Heating to see if hydro jetting is right for you. A clean drain today means fewer headaches tomorrow!
