Scotto's Plumbing

CALL US NOW: (727) 581-5828

TEXT SCOTTOS TO 85100 TO OPT-IN TO RECEIVE SPECIAL OFFERS. 

CALL US NOW: (727) 581-5828

Scotto's Plumbing

TEXT SCOTTOS TO 85100 TO OPT-IN TO RECEIVE SPECIAL OFFERS. 

The Hydro-Jetting Process: A FAQ

Admin • August 25, 2020
Woman Using Plunger  — Clearwater, FL — Scotto's Plumbing

If you haven't had a lot of plumbing or sewer problems in the past, you may feel slightly overwhelmed by the different repair and maintenance options and words like hydro-jetting. Fortunately, this is not rocket science, and educating yourself about different sewer repair methods can help you prepare for them as you budget your time and money.



Discover some FAQ you may have about hydro-jetting.



What is Hydro-Jetting?

Hydro jetting is the process of using high pressured water to thoroughly clean the inside of the plumbing drain lines. The high-pressured water flow removed grease, dirt, scale and debris from inside the piping.



Why have Hydro-Jetting done?

Over time grease, dirt, scale and debris build up on the drain pipe walls. As these things build up on the piping walls it begins to constrict the pipe. If the pipe becomes too constricted it will no longer drain properly. This can also allow items flushed to get stuck in that build-up constricting the piping even more. All these factors will increase the chances of having a sewer back up.



Is Hydro-Jetting Expensive or Time-Consuming?

The amount of equipment and personnel required for hydro-jetting is small, so cost typically depends on how long the process takes, which depends on the size of the job. If the job is larger or more advanced (or turns out more complicated than expected), it may take a bit longer than usual.

Your contractor can provide a solid estimate for both time and costs after inspecting the pipe that you need cleaned. But typically, this procedure is simpler, quicker, and more affordable than alternate sewer line repairs (such as those that include excavation).



How Can You Tell If Hydro-Jetting Is the Right Choice?

Before the jetting procedure, your contractor will run a sewer camera down the line to check what's wrong with your sewer pipe. This allows the contractor to see the condition of the pipe, ascertain whether hydro-jetting will quickly and effectively fix the problem, and estimate how long the process will take.



Does Hydro-Jetting Carry Any Risks or Downsides?

The biggest risk of hydro-jetting occurs when the equipment is used by inexpert personnel. This is why you should never attempt to DIY your hydro jetting. Fortunately, by choosing an experienced plumber, you avoid this potential downside. And as always, you should select a contractor with good insurance and warranties for added peace of mind.



Your plumber knows what level of water pressure to use on the pipes to avoid damage. Hydro-jetting pressure can vary, and your contractor can adjust that pressure to ensure that the jets of water will remove blockages without causing damage to the walls of your sewer pipes.



Is Hydro-Jetting Eco-Friendly?

Hydro-jetting is considered an environmentally friendly repair option for several reasons. One is because, unlike some alternative options, it requires no digging. Excavation can not only disrupt wildlife and plant life in your yard but could result in erosion that contaminates nearby waterways with sediment. So avoiding excavation when possible is more ecologically friendly.



Another reason hydro-jetting is considered ecologically friendly is because it uses only water to scour your pipes with no harsh drain cleaning chemicals. Finally, hydro-jetting is much more eco-friendly than letting sewer problems go unrepaired, since that could result in contaminating the groundwater and the soil in the area.



What Situations Contraindicate Hydro-Jetting Procedures?

While hydro-jetting does have a variety of uses, some situations exist where jetting may not be the best repair option. For instance, if the pipe is structurally compromised, hydro-jetting won't fix it. A cracked or collapsed pipe will leak no matter how clean it is. In this scenario, you may have to dig up and replace the pipe or repair it with a trenchless method.



Very old, fragile pipes may not be ideal for jetting either, especially if extra-high water pressure levels are necessary. If you have very old pipes, be sure to discuss this with your contractor before you decide on jetting.



These questions and answers can help you become more familiar with hydro-jetting before you schedule a jetting procedure for your own sewer or drain lines. If you'd like to schedule a professional visit for sewer problems now, get in touch with Scotto's Plumbing today.

Tree roots in sewer pipe
August 12, 2021
Sometimes, plumbing problems are caused by things we can see- like a clogged drain or an overflowing tub. However, these aren't always the root of the problem. While these are easy to fix, there is another dangerous plumbing issue that you should be aware of: roots in pipes. It may sound strange, but it's not unusual for roots to find their way into plumbing systems and cause a major headache. Root infiltration into your sewer lines can cause serious problems if not treated quickly and efficiently. Roots growing in sewer pipes can clog drains, back up wastewater, and even completely destroy pipes. You should be aware of the signs of roots in your pipes so that you can take quick action before the problem gets worse. Why Do Tree Roots Grow Into Pipes Tree roots grow into pipes for several different reasons. One potential cause is they are seeking something they need to grow, such as water or nutrients. Another common cause of tree roots growing into pipes is because they are already there! Many older homes have been around for decades, and trees have had plenty of time to grow in them. Roots can easily find their way into a sewer line and cause damage. Tree roots can also get into your system if you recently moved near a mass of trees. Pipes last only about 30 years, so make sure to check for leaks every year. There are numerous colors, shapes and sizes of tree roots. Roots grow every day and can even cause major blockages once they grow large enough to occupy the entire inside diameter of the pipe. Speaking of growing: They can grow about an inch or more a day and can travel through the smallest spaces to get to water. Some roots even split once they get deep enough in search of more nutrients. Even though tree roots don't consume as much water as household items as toilets do, their constant intake is still enough to give you a headache or two. Tree roots suck up water through their pores to survive, much like we do. The difference is that tree roots need more water than humans do. While humans need at least one liter of water per day for survival, trees require anywhere from 10 - 100+ liters of water every day! Signs You Have Roots In Your Pipes There are several signs to look for in the case of roots growing into your pipes. The first sign of root intrusion is if your home has a slowly draining water system. The second sign of a root in your sewer pipes is gurgling sounds coming from your toilet. Another sign is finding patches of grass that are much greener than the surrounding grass. That green grass is likely benefiting from the extra water and nutrients from the intrusion. A sunken area in the yard can often be a sign of a root intrusion. As the roots create a hole in the pipe, the surrounding dirt is washed into the city sewer. While the hole may seem small, they can create mini sinkholes which can be quite dangerous. If you do find an issue with roots in your plumbing system, it's important to call a professional plumber immediately and have the problem taken care of before you end up with a large issue on your hands. Scotto's Plumbing can perform a camera inspection to confirm the presence of roots and remove them. Preventing Roots From Entering Pipes To prevent tree roots from entering your plumbing system again, you should make sure that the trees or plants near your home are not feeding off of your water. There are a few ways to do this: Install a rain gutter to collect rainwater from nearby trees and plants. This will keep them from absorbing any of the water. Create a barrier around your house with a layer of gravel at least 3 inches thick. Be sure that it extends at least 12 inches past the perimeter of your home. The best way to create a barrier is by using four layers; the first two layers should be made up of washed gravel (gravel stones that are clean on one side), while the last two layers should consist entirely of cobble (granite-like rocks). Roots from nearby trees and plants can grow into your plumbing system, which is why you need to keep a close eye on the roots that are coming in contact with or touching your pipes. If you notice any signs of an invasion (slow draining or toilet gurgling), it's time to call in professional help to get rid of them before they cause more serious damage than just some unpleasing odors! Scotto’s Plumbing has been providing quality plumbing service to Pinellas County residents for more than 40 years. Contact us today at 727.581.5828 for all of your plumbing needs.
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