Hydrojet Drain Cleaning: Frequently Asked Questions

Hydrojet drain cleaning is a professional pipe cleaning method that uses pressurized water (3,500–4,000 PSI) delivered through a specialized nozzle on a flexible hose. The forward jets cut through clogs while rear-facing jets propel the hose down the pipe and scour the pipe walls clean. Unlike snaking, which just punches a hole through a clog, hydrojetting restores the full inside diameter of the pipe.

A hydrojetter has a water tank, a high-pressure pump (typically gas-powered for portability), a reinforced flexible hose, and interchangeable nozzles. Water is pressurized to 3,500–4,000 PSI and forced through the nozzle. Rear-facing jets propel the hose forward; forward-facing jets cut clogs and side-facing jets scour the pipe walls. The technician can swap nozzles for roots, grease, scale, or general flushing.

Residential single drain: $150–$300. Residential main sewer line: $300–$500. Commercial drain cleaning: $300–$800. Commercial grease trap plus main line: $600–$1,200. Emergency or after-hours surcharge: $75–$150. Camera inspection add-on: $100–$250 (often included on larger jobs). Local pricing varies by region.

For pipes in sound structural condition, yes — including cast iron, clay, copper, PVC, and ABS. Severely corroded pipes, orangeburg (a paper-based pipe used 1945–1970), or pipes with active cracks should not be hydrojetted at full pressure. We always camera-inspect first to verify pipe integrity and adjust pressure accordingly, or recommend a different fix if jetting would cause damage.

A single residential drain typically takes 45–90 minutes including camera inspection. A full main sewer line restoration runs 1.5–3 hours depending on length and severity. Commercial jobs vary — a small restaurant kitchen line might take 60 minutes, while a large building main line can take half a day.

Snaking is fine for a single localized clog (a foreign object, a small hair blockage). Hydrojetting is better for grease, mineral scale, recurring clogs, tree roots, and any commercial drain. A snake punches a small hole through the clog so water flows temporarily; hydrojetting cleans the entire pipe wall so the clog does not return for 18–24 months on average.

Yes. Specialized root-cutter nozzles slice through invasive roots flush with the pipe wall, then flush the debris out through the line. For severe ongoing root infiltration we recommend annual maintenance jetting until the affected section can be relined or replaced. We can also pair jetting with chemical root foam for longer-lasting suppression.

Most residential customers benefit from hydrojetting every 18–24 months as preventive maintenance. Homes with mature tree cover, original clay sewer pipes (pre-1970), or heavy kitchen use should jet annually. If you have not experienced any drain issues, a 2-year cadence is reasonable. Homes that have never been jetted often need a deeper first pass and then settle into a maintenance interval.

Restaurants typically need grease trap and kitchen line jetting every 3–6 months. High-volume commercial kitchens may need monthly service. Office buildings and retail are usually fine on a 12-month preventive cadence. Multi-family residential main lines benefit from semi-annual jetting to prevent unit-level backups.

Yes, 24/7. We dispatch for sewage backups, blocked main lines, basement flooding, and any drain emergency. Most calls reach a tech on-site within 60–90 minutes in core service areas. Emergency and after-hours service includes a $75–$150 surcharge, which we disclose before any work begins.

Yes. Hydrojetting uses only water — no chemical drain cleaners like sulfuric acid that can corrode pipes, damage aquatic ecosystems, and create hazardous fumes. It is safe for septic systems and protects municipal water supplies. For homes near sensitive watersheds (Puget Sound, the Everglades, Lake Erie shoreline) hydrojetting is the responsible choice.

Our equipment handles pipes from 2" residential lines up to 12"+ commercial trunk lines. For very large municipal-scale lines we have heavier truck-mounted jetters available on request. Each pipe size uses a different nozzle size and flow rate to optimize cleaning power without risking pipe damage.

On every job we perform. The camera confirms what is causing the clog, what type and condition of pipe you have, and whether jetting is safe. Jetting blind is guesswork — and a fast way to damage an already-failing pipe. Camera inspection is included on most main-line jobs and runs $100–$250 as an add-on on smaller jobs.

Yes — Home Depot, Sunbelt, and similar carry low-end units for $150–$300/day. But rental units max out at 1,500–2,200 PSI vs professional 3,500–4,000 PSI, they come with a generic nozzle (no root cutters or scale specialists), and using them incorrectly on fragile pipes causes damage. For most homeowners, hiring a pro ends up similar in cost without the risk.

When performed by a licensed technician on a structurally sound pipe — no. Damage risk comes from pressure mismatched to pipe condition: jetting orangeburg at 4,000 PSI will crack it, jetting a corroded cast iron pipe with active perforations can break it open. We camera-inspect first, calibrate pressure to the pipe, and use the right nozzle for the clog. We refuse to jet pipes we believe will fail under it.

Grease and fat buildup, tree roots, mineral scale (calcium, lime), soap and laundry buildup, biofilm, sand and sediment, paper and textile debris, and most foreign objects that have not become physically wedged. For physically lodged objects (toys, jewelry, dental work) we may use a combined approach with mechanical retrieval.

Chemical drain cleaners (sulfuric acid, lye-based products) attempt to dissolve clogs through chemistry. They damage pipes over time, especially older metal pipes; they create dangerous fumes; they often fail to clear the full clog; and they contaminate the drain water entering the sewer system. Hydrojetting uses only water under pressure — no chemical residue, no pipe corrosion, and complete pipe-wall cleaning.

Simple habits extend the life of your clean line: do not pour grease, oil, or food scraps down the drain; run hot water for 30 seconds after kitchen use; use a hair catcher in showers; do not flush wipes (even "flushable" ones); schedule preventive jetting every 18–24 months for residential and every 3–6 months for high-volume commercial kitchens.