What is Sewer Hydro Jetting?
Sewer (hydro) jetting is a professional sewer cleaning service that uses high-pressure water to scour the inside of pipes and restore full flow. It removes grease, sludge, scale, paper, and debris without damaging the pipe. After root cutting, hydro jetting also flushes away leftover material so the line is truly clean. It’s one of the most effective ways to clear debris from a sewer while minimizing risk to clay, cast iron, PVC, and concrete lines.
How Sewer Jetting Works (Hose + Nozzle)
A flexible sewer jetting hose feeds into the drain or cleanout and delivers a precise, high-pressure spray that pulls debris toward the main or back to the access point for removal. At the end of the hose, specialized jetting nozzles direct the water:
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Forward-facing jets break up blockages and push material ahead.
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Rear-facing jets propel the nozzle and pull loosened debris back for extraction.
Different nozzles are selected for grease, sludge, scale, or sand to match the condition of your line.
Sewer Jetting Machines (GPM & PSI)
Professional sewer jetting machines are sized by gallons per minute (GPM) and pounds per square inch (PSI). Higher GPM flushes heavy debris, while proper PSI provides cutting power. Herr Corp’s equipment is configured for residential and commercial sewer cleaning, including laterals, main lines, floor drains, and restaurant lines with heavy grease.
Common blockages removed: grease and cooking oil, wipes and paper products, hair, soap scum, food particles, mineral scale, small root fibers, and construction sediment. Hydro jetting excels at moving and washing out loose material; for heavy intruding roots, mechanical root cutting plus jetting provides the best result.
When to Choose Hydro Jetting vs. Snaking
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Choose hydro jetting for recurring clogs, slow drains, grease build-up, scale, and sediment that returns after snaking.
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Choose snaking/rodding for a quick punch-through of a single soft blockage.
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Best practice: camera inspection → select nozzle/method → jet → verify with a follow-up video inspection.
Benefits of Sewer Hydro Jetting
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Restores pipe capacity and flow to near-new condition
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Reaches the full circumference of the pipe (not just a channel through the clog)
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Eco-friendly cleaning using only water—no harsh chemicals
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Helps prevent future backups and odors
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Safe for most pipe materials when performed by trained technicians
Inspect Sewers Regularly (Maintenance Plan)
Everyday items that cause clogs include wipes (do not flush), hair, grease/oil, paper products, food scraps, and mineral build-up. Schedule periodic sewer inspections to determine whether your line needs jetting. Age, pipe material, tree coverage, and usage will determine the ideal frequency:
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Homes with heavy kitchen use/trees: every 12–24 months
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Restaurants and food service: quarterly to semi-annual
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Older clay or cast-iron laterals: annual checkups
Signs You Need Sewer Jetting
Gurgling drains, slow fixtures throughout the home, frequent backups, sewage odors, or a history of grease issues all indicate your line may benefit from professional hydro jetting.
Licensed Service in SE Wisconsin
Herr Corp provides sewer jetting in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington, Ozaukee, and Jefferson Counties for homeowners, HOAs, and businesses. Our team follows local codes and can provide video inspection before and after cleaning for documentation.

