Hydro Jetting: How it Works & 5 Signs You Need It

Santa Barbara and Ventura County have it all—stunning beaches, 300 days of sunshine a year, and a vibrant culture that’s hard to beat. It’s no wonder people have flocked to the area in the last century, with the city’s population skyrocketing by 72% in the 1960s alone.

This mid-century boom means Santa Barbara has a ton of homes built in, you guessed it, the 1960s. While the retro architecture of these houses adds to the city’s charm, their plumbing systems? Not so much. Old pipes mean more scale buildup, mineral deposits, and accumulated debris from previous homeowners, which can all lead to majorly clogged drains. And even if your home is newer, you’re not off the hook—common trees in the area, like the Moreton Bay fig, have notoriously aggressive root systems that can invade your plumbing system, causing stubborn blockages.

Whatever the cause of your persistently clogged drain in Santa Barbara or Ventura County, hydro jetting is the answer to your plumbing prayers. This powerful, professional-grade drain cleaning solution blasts away clogs, roots, and the ghosts of plumbing past. Let’s dive into how hydro jetting, also referred to as drain jetting, works and how to know if your pipes need it!

What is Hydro Jetting?

This powerful plumbing technique uses a high-pressure water stream to clean pipes, drains, and sewer lines. The force of this highly pressurized water effectively removes debris and even the most stubborn of clogs. Unlike snaking, which breaks through blockages, hydro jetting thoroughly cleans your pipe walls, eliminating mineral buildup and scale, grease, and even tree roots.

There are major advantages to hydro jetting compared to other drain clearing methods, including: 

• Completely cleans your pipes by removing all buildup and obstructions.
• Uses only water, making it an eco-friendly option without harsh chemicals.
• Prevents future clogs while improving the overall performance of your pipes.

Whether you’re dealing with slow drains, recurring clogs, or tree root invaders in your sewer line, hydro jetting is an incredibly reliable and effective solution for both residential and commercial properties.

How Does Hydro Jetting Work?

Hydro jetting is a simple but powerful method to clean your pipes. Here’s the hydro jetting process, step by step:

1. Inspection: Your professional plumbing company will use a small camera to look inside your pipes. This helps find where the clog is and what’s causing it.
2. Setup: The hydro jetting machine will be connected to a water source, and then the right nozzle is chosen for the job.
3. Insertion: A hose with a special nozzle is placed into the drain or a cleanout opening.
4. High-Pressure Cleaning: The hydro jet machine is turned on, shooting water through the hose at very high pressure. This pressure scrubs the inside of the pipes and breaks up clogs.
5. Flushing: As the water moves through the pipes, it pushes out debris, including grease, tree roots, mineral buildup, and dirt.
6. Finishing Up: Once the pipes are clean, your plumber will carefully pull out the hose while keeping the water flowing to clear out anything left behind.
7. Final Check: A second camera inspection makes sure the pipes are completely clean and free of blockages.

This process thoroughly cleans your pipes, getting rid of tough clogs and buildup to help your plumbing work like new again.

5 Signs You Need Your Plumbing System Hydro Jetted

Though it may not be necessary for every plumbing issue, certain problems indicate it’s time to call in a professional for hydro jetting:

• Frequent clogs: Drains that constantly back up or run slowly.
• Foul odors: Persistent smells coming from your sinks or drains.
• Slow drainage: Water taking too long to flow away after use.
• Recurring issues: Problems that come back even after snaking or using drain cleaners.
• Tree root intrusion: Common in older homes and properties with large trees.

If you notice any of these issues, hydro jetting can help get your pipes flowing smoothly again. 

Ideal Applications for Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting is a versatile and effective plumbing solution, particularly beneficial for:

Residential Properties

Homes with recurring clogs, slow drains, or aging plumbing systems can greatly benefit from hydro jetting. This powerful cleaning method offers a long-term solution by thoroughly clearing out debris and restoring pipe functionality.

Commercial Properties

Restaurants, hotels, and other businesses with high plumbing demands rely on hydro jetting to remove grease, food waste, and other buildup. Regular commercial hydro jetting ensures smooth operations, meets health and safety standards, and minimizes the risk of unexpected plumbing emergencies.

Preventative Maintenance

Hydro jetting isn’t just for fixing problems—scheduling regular pipe cleaning prevents buildup, reduces the chance of future blockages, and keeps your plumbing system performing at its best.

Tree Root Removal

Properties with landscaping near sewer lines often face tree root intrusion, which can be a serious challenge to tackle. Hydro jetting effectively clears invasive roots without damaging your pipes, providing a clean slate for your plumbing system.

Get Your Old Pipes Running Like New Again

Love the romantic elegance of your 1960s Spanish Colonial home but tired of dealing with all the clogs that come with a 60-year-old plumbing system? Hydro jetting allows you to keep the vintage charm while enjoying pipes that flow like new. 

At Rooter Solutions, we specialize in clearing even the most stubborn blockages with professional-grade hydro jetting services in Santa Barbara and Ventura County. Serving both residential and commercial properties, our team is here to ensure your plumbing system can handle the demands of modern life. Don’t let outdated pipes or pesky root invasion disrupt your life. Contact Rooter Solutions today to schedule hydro jetting and keep your plumbing as picture-perfect as the place you call home.

Choose Rooter Solutions for Your Plumbing Problems in Santa Barbara & Ventura County

Rooter Solutions offers comprehensive plumbing services—from hydro jetting and drain cleaning to sewer line repair and water heater replacement—for residential and commercial properties across Santa Barbara and Ventura County. 

Our experienced team is equipped to swiftly and effectively handle all your plumbing needs so you can keep your home or business running smoothly. Call us today at 805-567-7019 for a free estimate and 24/7 emergency service!