Is Hydro Jetting Safe for Old Pipes? Here’s What to Know
If it seems like the drains in your home are draining slowly or you have frequent clogs that don’t respond to plunging or other drain-clearing methods, hydro jetting might be the solution. By sending an extremely high-pressure stream of water through the pipes, your plumber can remove blockages, mineral or sediment buildup, and even tree roots that infiltrated the lines to restore drainage. But is hydro jetting safe for old pipes?
The short answer is “yes” — in most cases. Working with a trusted plumber in Costa Mesa, CA, ensures that any plumbing service is safe for your home, as we’ll check several factors before applying the pressurized water to your pipes.
Age Is Nothing But a Number
When it comes to the question, “Is hydro jetting safe for old pipes?” the answer isn’t really a matter of the pipe’s age. The suitability of this service for any plumbing system depends on the pipe condition. This means that a well-maintained system that’s several decades old may be able to withstand the pressure levels of hydro jetting, which start at 4,000 psi and can reach up to 35,000 psi, while a newer system in poor condition can’t.
To determine whether the pipes have the structural integrity for successful hydro jetting, plumbers perform external and internal inspections to evaluate their condition. They check all the visible, above-ground pipes for signs of corrosion, cracks, pinhole leaks, and other damage.
Pipes that have structural damage or appear brittle and corroded have a greater chance of bursting during the procedure, and snaking is a better choice for clearing the blockages. In some cases, replacing the pipes entirely is a better choice than trying to clean them out, especially when they have so much damage that the problem is likely to return quickly.
However, even pipes that look good from the outside can have trouble inside. A sewer camera inspection before hydro jetting will identify potential trouble spots on the pipe’s interior before hydro jetting. Professionals also use that camera during the service to guide the spray of water, ensuring that they address all the obstructions.
Why Pipe Material Also Matters
Age may not be an issue when determining “Is hydro jetting safe for old pipes?” but the pipe material is. Again, the sewer camera inspection is vital to determining the pipe condition.
For example, although cast iron and copper pipes are extremely durable, they are also vulnerable to corrosion. In cast iron pipes, interior corrosion can dislodge during hydro jetting and create a clog. In copper pipes, the process can worsen leaks and other damage, causing bigger issues.
Although clay pipes can become fragile over time, especially when underground, hydro jetting may still be a possibility if they are in good condition. The last thing you want is for the blast of water to break the pipes apart, so it’s critical for the plumber to check for cracks, leaks, and structural damage before cleaning.
PVC pipes, common in newer homes, don’t corrode or rust, but they can become brittle over time, and the excess water pressure from the hydro jet can cause them to crack. Checking for material breakdown and joint issues is critical to preventing problems during hydro jetting.
Turn to Fanti Sewer & Drain Pros for Safe Hydro Jetting
Now that you have the answer to “Is hydro jetting safe for old pipes?” call Fanti Sewer & Drain Pros at (949) 693-7545 for help with drain issues in your Costa Mesa, CA, home. Our comprehensive plumbing services include a thorough inspection of your pipes so you can be sure that the cleaning will be safe and effective.
