When Your Plumber Might Have To Use A Hydro Jet On A Sewer Drain Clog
Water is a powerful force when it's driven with enough pressure. That's why hydro jetting is such an effective way to clear out drain clogs. The water jet can often cut through clogs a snake struggles to clear. Here's when you might need a plumber to use one of these tools on your plumbing and how the water jet works.
When A Plumber Might Use A Hydro Jet
When you have a drain clog, you should try plunging first and then bring out your drain auger if plunging doesn't make any progress. If your drain auger or snake doesn't get your drain moving, it's time to call a plumber to clear the drain. If the clog is in your sewer line and tree roots seem to be the cause of the problem, your plumber might decide to use a hydro jet to blast the roots out of the drain and put an end to your clogged drain problem.
How Hydro Jetting Works
This drain cleaning tool consists of a nozzle on the end of a long hose that's connected to a water tank. When the tank is pressurized, a strong jet of water comes out of the nozzle. The spray reaches all the way to the sides of the drain in all directions. This process cleans sticky debris off the sides of the pipe as well as pushing clogs on through the drain.
Your plumber may want to check the type of pipes you have before using a water jet. If your home is newer, it may have a plastic sewer pipe, and these pipes tolerate jetting with no trouble. If your plumbing is old and the drain is corroded and weak, a water jet might cause damage if not handled properly. Your plumber makes sure your drain isn't damaged in the process of clearing the clog.
It's possible your plumber will recommend using a camera to look in the drain when you have a stubborn clog. The video returned by the camera lets the plumber know if the clog is tree roots or if the pipe is collapsed or has some other obstruction. You can watch the video too and see the condition inside the pipe. If it's determined a hydro jet is the right tool for the job, the plumber will usually work outside through the cleanout access opening to the sewer drain. The process involves threading the hose into the opening and blasting away the clog and other debris built up on the sides of the drain.
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