Hydro-Jetting in North Atlanta: When and Why to Get It Done
Hydro-jetting sounds like some sort of futuristic way to travel. While that could be true one day, it currently refers to something completely different. We use hydro-jetting all across the north Atlanta area to solve major pipe and sewer clogs—without digging or damaging homes. So, here’s everything you should know about this powerful method of drain cleaning, including whether or not you need it.
What Is Hydro-Jetting?
Hydro-jetting is one of our drain cleaning methods that uses high-pressure water to clear out clogged or dirty pipes. We essentially spray water at up to 4,000 PSI into your pipes. That water pressure scrubs the inside of the pipes clean and clears any debris without compromising the integrity of your lines..
It’s not like using a snake or auger. Snakes punch holes through clogs and grab items. Hydro-jetting flushes everything out—grease, soap scum, sludge, roots, and more.
At RX, we use professional-grade hydro-jetting machines that can clean pipes from 1.5" to 12" in diameter. That includes kitchen drains, sewer mains, and everything in between.
What Plumbing Problems Does Hydro-Jetting Solve?
We use hydro-jetting in some of the following scenarios:
Recurring clogs that come back after snaking
Foul-smelling drains or sewer odors
Backups in toilets, tubs, or floor drains
Slow draining sinks or showers
Grease or sludge buildup from kitchens
Tree root intrusion in sewer lines
We’ve also used it in new homes to clear out drywall dust, construction debris, and other leftover gunk in the pipes. Give us a call for a drain cleaning if you’re living in a new build.
Is Hydro-Jetting Safe for My Pipes?
Yes—if done right. That’s why it matters who you hire.
We inspect every pipe before we jet it. If your pipes are old, fragile, or cracked, we’ll find that first and suggest safer options. We also control the pressure level based on your pipe size and material.
When done right, hydro-jetting is safe for:
PVC and ABS plastic pipes
Cast iron pipes
Clay sewer lines
Copper pipes
We do not recommend hydro-jetting for homes with collapsed or heavily corroded pipes. In those cases, we’ll show you other options, like spot repair or trenchless pipe lining.
What’s the Hydro-Jetting Process Look Like?
Inspection – We run a camera through your pipes to check for cracks, breaks, or blockages.
Access – We locate the best entry point (cleanout) and set up the equipment.
Jetting – We insert the hose and activate the jet. Water blasts through the pipe, cutting grease, roots, and debris.
Final camera check – We check the pipe again to confirm the cleaning worked and nothing was damaged.
Why Choose Hydro-Jetting Over Other Methods?
Compared to snaking:
Snaking can poke a hole in a clog and loosen it up, but hydro-jetting will clean it out entirely.
Snaking doesn’t clean the pipe walls, while hydro-jetting scrubs the entire pipe clean.
Compared to chemical cleaners:
Hydro-jetting doesn’t involve any harsh chemicals.
This means there isn’t any residue left behind that could harm septic systems.
Compared to pipe replacement:
No digging or drywall removal is required.
This makes it a more affordable option.
When Should You Get Hydro-Jetting Done?
While this actually depends on our inspection of the situation, here are some signs it could help:
You’ve had more than one backup this year.
Your home is over 20 years old.
You smell sewer gas inside.
You just bought a house with old plumbing.
You run a business that uses lots of grease or water (salon, bakery, catering, etc.).
Hydro-jetting isn’t just for emergencies. It’s also great for preventative maintenance. Many customers schedule jetting once a year to avoid bigger issues. Reach out to us today to schedule a maintenance check.
How Long Does Hydro-Jetting Take?
Most residential jobs take about 1–2 hours from setup to cleanup. Commercial jobs often take longer depending on access and buildup.
We provide same-day or next-day scheduling for most hydro-jetting calls in Cumming, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and other nearby areas.
Will Hydro-Jetting Fix My Drain Problems for Good?
In most cases, yes. If the problem is grease, sludge, or tree roots, hydro-jetting clears the entire line. If your drain backs up again soon after, that usually means there’s a bigger issue like a broken pipe, offset joint, or sag in the line. However, we can typically find that with our cameras before beginning the jetting. In those cases, we’ll show you the camera footage and explain what’s happening. We don’t just guess!
Why Use RX Plumbing for My Hydro-Jetting?
If one thing is clear, it’s that hydro-jetting is not DIY work. We’ve invested in top-tier jetting rigs that most local plumbers don’t even carry. There’s a professional process needed to ensure that no complications arise from the jetting. We’ve cleared lines for:
Homes with decades of grease and buildup.
Restaurants with clogged commercial lines.
Rental properties that other plumbers gave up on.
And every time, we clean the pipe and show you the before-and-after video. You won’t wonder if the job was done right—you’ll see it.
FAQs About Hydro-Jetting
What is hydro-jetting and how does it work?
Hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to blast clogs and buildup from pipes. A nozzle sprays backward and forward, cleaning pipe walls as it moves.
Is hydro-jetting safe for old pipes?
Yes, if done by a licensed plumber who inspects the pipes first and uses the correct pressure.
Does hydro-jetting damage PVC or cast iron pipes?
No. It’s safe for PVC, cast iron, clay, and most common drain materials. We always check it first for safety.
Can I do hydro-jetting myself?
Not safely. The equipment is commercial-grade and requires training to avoid injury or damage.
How often should I hydro-jet my pipes?
Once a year for maintenance is a safe recommendation. More often if your drains back up regularly.
Will hydro-jetting stop tree root intrusion?
Yes, but the roots may grow back over time. We recommend camera inspections every year or two after hydro-jetting root clogs.
Does hydro-jetting clean out the whole pipe?
Yes. It removes grease, hair, scale, food, sludge, and other buildup.
Is hydro-jetting better than snaking?
Yes, if you’re in need of a full cleaning. Snaking clears blockages, but doesn’t remove leftover residue. Jetting does both.
Local Leaders in Hydro-Jetting
If your pipes are slow, smelly, or clogging again and again, hydro-jetting may be the fix that clears your line and keeps it flowing. Getting your plumbing system a routine annual cleaning will do wonders to keep your home from experiencing frustrating, damaging clogs and potential leaks.
We’ve helped homeowners all over North Georgia get their homes back on track with clear, clean drains. Reach out today to schedule a drain cleaning for your home!
