Blocked Up: Straightforward Advice About Plumbing Issues

From slow draining bathtubs to sinks that make a gurgling sound when the water goes down the drains, blocked drains don't usually start as major problems that require urgent plumbing repairs. Yet, they can escalate quickly and lead to major problems if the initial signs of trouble are ignored. 

The secret to avoiding the detrimental effects of fully clogged drains is to deal with the problem early on. This requires clearing any blockages that may exist in your drains before things go from bad to worse. 

Hydro-jetting is one of the specialised work techniques that many professional plumbers use to deal with stubborn blockages. If you want to learn about this method of clearing blocked drains, here's what you need to know.

How does hydro-jetting work?

As the name suggests, hydro-jetting is a drain-clearing technique that involves blasting the inside of your drain pipes with high-pressure water jets. The water comes out through the jet nozzle of the hydro-jetting machine and is set at pressures suitable for the intended application.

The force of the water loosens up the dirt and debris stuck inside your pipes and pushes them out to the main sewer line.

When should you use hydro-jetting?

While minor drain clogs can be fixed by using simple plumbing tools such as plungers and drain snakes, major blockages tend to require more powerful and advanced methods to unblock effectively. This is where hydro-jetting comes in. This method of drain unclogging can break up stubborn clogs in the interior surfaces of drains and is recommended for severe blockages that continually occur. 

Some common problematic materials that hydro-jetting can help you remove from the inside walls of your drains include:

• Cooking grease 
• Hardened cooking oil and fat
• Scale
• Debris 
• Sludge
• Tree roots

While hydro-jetting can help remove the blockages caused by tree roots, it won't prevent further root intrusion in your residential drains. For this reason, you may have to deal with the underlying cause of the problem by cutting down the problematic trees.

Is hydro-jetting a safe option for your residential drains?

A major concern that many homeowners have regarding the use of hydro-jetting is that it can damage their drainpipes and cause water damage to their homes. While there is a possibility of the drains getting damaged due to the force of the water, professional plumbers don't usually begin work on your drains before carrying out a thorough drain inspection. 

Many factors, including the type of drains you have and their condition, will impact the decision on whether it is appropriate to use a hydro-jetting machine on your job. If your pipes are old and deteriorated or have suffered significant damage, it may be best to use other techniques that will prevent further damage to them. 

Hydro-jetting is a drain-clearing method that requires a fully trained professional to do it correctly the first time. For professional services, contact a trustworthy residential plumber near you. They can provide more information on blocked drains.