What is Sewer Hydro Jetting?

Sewer (hydro) jetting is a method of cleaning blockages out of sewers by spraying high-pressure jets of water through the sewer pipe. Hydro jetting also cleans out debris after roots have been cut out of sewers. Sewer jetting is a great way to clear debris from a sewer while minimizing the potential for damage to the pipe.

Sewer Jetting Hose

Sewer jetting (or hydro jetting) uses a high-pressure spray of water to clean the inside of a sewer by pulling debris out of the pipe or pushing it out of the pipe farther down into the main.

Sewer Jetting Nozzle

The end of the high-pressure hose is fitted with one of many different nozzles, which each have different design characteristics and operate under different pressures. Nozzles with front spraying orifices move debris forward, whereas some nozzles have backward spraying nozzles to move the debris to the technician for ease of removal.

Jetting sewers is used to clear existing blockages, keep the sewer clean to prevent blockages, and to clean the sewer during visual, televised inspections of the condition of the pipe.

Sewer Jetting Machines

Jetters are sized differently based on how many gallons per minute and pressure per square inch.

Blockages that jetters are good at removing include roots, grease, paper, and other loose items. Some jetters do cut some smaller roots, but in most cases, jetters do a better job of moving loose debris than they do of actual cutting. High-pressure jets dislodge debris and sedimentation from the interior of the pipe.

Inspect Sewers Regularly

Causes of blockages within sewer pipes include WIPES (do not flush wipes!), hair, grease (cooking oil), paper, food particles, mineral build-up, etc.

Sewers should be inspected on a regular basis to determine if they need to be jetted or not. The age and condition of the pipe will help determine the frequency of cleaning out the pipe for optimum results.