No homeowner likes a clogged sewer line, especially when accompanied by smelly brown water backup into sinks and toilets. Most of the time, a snake sent through the septic pipe will release the blockage, while other times, you need to hire a sewer-septic service to use high pressure hydro jetting to clear the lines.
How Does Hydro Jetting Work?
Hydro jetting is a relatively easy process whereby the sewer septic service will use a truck equipped with a large water tank and heavy hose to free the clog with a high pressure water stream at up to 3,500 psi, which is powerful enough to break up big clogs of grease, sediment and even tree roots.
The pipe is inserted into the sewer line through the cleanout, an accessible opening that exists in every plumbing system. The water is positioned upstream, so that the debris will flow downstream once the clog is broken up. The hydro jet can clean several hundred feet of sewer pipe at a time.
When is Hydro Jetting Not a Good Solution?
Hydro jetting is effective in clearing sediment and grease, but if the clog is due to tree roots, it may be best to consider sewer line replacement. If roots have invaded the pipes and caused a blockage, it could be a sign that pipes have weakened and broken underground and hydro jetting would only be a temporary solution because tree roots would eventually just grow back.
It is usually a good idea to have a full sewer septic line inspection before embarking on any intensive pipe clearing operation. The septic company can even use special cameras to inspect the lines from within.
