Do I Really Need Hydro Jetting?
If you've been told you need hydro jetting, you may be wondering:
- "Is it really necessary?"
The answer depends on why your drain or sewer line is clogged.
Hydro jetting is one of the most effective ways to clean the inside of a sewer line, but it isn't the right solution for every plumbing problem.
At Beebe Drain & Sewer Co., we believe every recommendation should begin with understanding what's causing the issue—not assuming the answer.
What Is Hydro Jetting?
Hydro jetting uses highly pressurized water to clean the inside of your sewer line.
Unlike a traditional drain snake that creates an opening through a clog, hydro jetting removes buildup from the pipe walls, helping restore the pipe to a much cleaner condition.
Hydro jetting is commonly used to remove:
- Grease buildup
- Soap residue
- Sludge
- Mineral deposits
- Food debris
- Some tree root intrusion after mechanical cutting
It's one of the most thorough drain cleaning methods available when used in the right situation.
When Hydro Jetting Is a Great Choice
Hydro jetting may be recommended if your sewer line has:
- Heavy Grease Buildup
Restaurants and even residential kitchens can develop years of grease accumulation.
Hydro jetting effectively removes this buildup and restores flow.
Repeated Drain Clogs
If the same drain continues clogging despite previous cleanings, hydro jetting may remove buildup that traditional drain snaking leaves behind.
Preventative Maintenance
Some homeowners and commercial properties schedule periodic hydro jetting to help reduce future buildup and keep sewer lines flowing properly.
Preparing for a Camera Inspection
In some cases, cleaning the line first allows for a clearer sewer camera inspection, making it easier to evaluate the condition of the pipe.
When Hydro Jetting May NOT Be the Right Solution
Hydro jetting is an excellent cleaning method—but it doesn't repair damaged plumbing.
It may not be the best option if the sewer line has:
A collapsed pipe
A broken sewer line
Significant offset joints
A severe pipe belly (low spot)
Extensive structural deterioration
In these situations, cleaning the line alone won't solve the underlying problem.
Why Diagnosis Comes First
Many plumbing problems produce the same symptoms:
- Slow drains
- Basement backups
- Gurgling toilets
- Recurring clogs
But the cause could be completely different.
That's why we often recommend a sewer camera inspection before recommending hydro jetting.
The inspection allows us to determine:
- What's causing the blockage
Whether the pipe is structurally sound
Whether hydro jetting is appropriate
Whether another solution would provide better long-term results
Our goal is to recommend the service that solves the problem—not simply perform hydro jetting because it's available.
Hydro Jetting vs. Drain Snaking
Both services have an important place in drain cleaning.
Drain Snaking
Best for:
- Simple blockages
- Isolated clogs
- Restoring immediate flow
- Removing localized obstructions
- Hydro Jetting
- Best for:
- Heavy grease buildup
- Sludge accumulation
- Cleaning the entire pipe wall
- Preventative maintenance
- Repeated buildup
The right choice depends on the condition of the sewer line—not one method being "better" than the other.
Can Hydro Jetting Damage Pipes?
When performed properly on structurally sound plumbing, hydro jetting is generally considered a safe and effective cleaning method.
However, if a sewer line is already badly deteriorated, cracked, or collapsed, the condition of the pipe should be evaluated before hydro jetting is performed.
That's another reason why understanding the condition of the sewer line is so important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every clogged drain need hydro jetting?
No. Many clogs can be cleared with traditional drain snaking. The best method depends on the cause of the blockage and the condition of the pipe.
Will hydro jetting remove tree roots?
Hydro jetting can help flush away smaller roots and debris after mechanical root cutting, but it doesn't repair the opening where the roots entered the pipe. If the pipe is damaged, additional repairs may be recommended.
How long does hydro jetting last?
That depends on what's causing the problem. If the issue is grease buildup, hydro jetting may provide long-lasting results. If the pipe has structural damage, recurring problems may continue until the underlying issue is repaired.
Trust Beebe Drain & Sewer Co.
At Beebe Drain & Sewer Co., we don't believe in recommending hydro jetting simply because a drain is clogged.
We believe in identifying the cause of the problem, explaining your options, and recommending the solution that's right for your home.
Whether that's drain snaking, hydro jetting, a sewer camera inspection, a spot repair, or a complete sewer replacement, our recommendations are based on what your plumbing actually needs.
Because the best solution isn't always the biggest service—it's the one that solves the problem.
Beebe Drain & Sewer Co. proudly serves homeowners in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Grimes, Johnston, Clive, Waukee, Ankeny, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, Norwalk, Indianola, Ames, and surrounding Central Iowa communities.
