What Happens During Hydro Jetting? | Sewer Cleaning Guide

A reputable plumber never inserts a hydro jetting hose into a sewer line blind. Running 4,000 PSI of water into a cracked, collapsed, or offset pipe can wash away supporting soil and cause a sinkhole. We first feed a self-leveling optical video camera down your cleanout to verify pipe material, structural integrity, and the exact nature of the blockage.

• Verifies whether pipe is vitrified clay, cast iron, ABS, or Schedule 40 PVC
• Checks for collapsed sections, reverse pitch bellies, or severe joint offsets
• Determines optimal nozzle selection (forward cutting jet, rotary scourer, or warthog root cutter)
• Calibrates operating pressure between 1,500 and 4,000 PSI to protect pipe walls

Once safety is verified, the technician inserts the flexible high-pressure hose through an exterior ground cleanout. Rear-facing micro-jets of water propel the nozzle forward down the pipe while forward-facing cutting jets slice through heavy root blankets, emulsify solidified grease, and strip calcified mineral crust off pipe circumferences.

• Backward-facing propulsion jets drive the hose up to 100+ feet down the lateral
• Rotating steel nozzles shear off invasive tree roots flush with pipe joints
• Continuous high-volume water flush carries emulsified sludge safely into the municipal main
• Multiple passes ensure 100% of pipe circumference is completely free of debris

After jetting is complete, we re-insert the fiber-optic camera to inspect the finished work. Homeowners can watch the live monitor to confirm that all roots, grease, and scale have been thoroughly removed and that the line is flowing smoothly.

• Live video confirmation of pristine, restored pipe walls
• Identification of any structural pipe cracks that may warrant future trenchless lining
• Full digital video recording provided to the property owner