How hydro jetting works
A jetter pushes water through a hose to a nozzle with rear-facing jets. The jets pull the hose up the pipe and spray the full inside surface as it goes. Loosened debris flushes downstream to the city sewer. Contractors choose the pressure and nozzle for the pipe material and condition, which is why jetting is usually done after, or together with, a camera inspection.
When jetting makes sense
- Recurring clogs. If a cable clears the line but it clogs again within months, buildup on the pipe wall is often the reason.
- Grease. Kitchen grease coats pipe walls and catches everything that follows. Jetting removes the coating instead of poking through it.
- Mineral scale. Arizona's water is naturally hard, with dissolved calcium and magnesium from the rock around the state's aquifers. Over years that can add to buildup inside drain lines.
- Root debris. After roots are cut, jetting flushes out the fine material a cutter leaves behind. See root removal.
- Before relining. A pipe has to be clean before a liner can bond to it. See trenchless lining.
When jetting is not the right tool
Jetting a pipe that is badly cracked, collapsed or heavily corroded can make the damage worse. That is why a good contractor looks first. If the camera shows a broken section, the right answer may be a spot repair or a liner instead. For old cast iron with heavy rust scale, mechanical descaling is often used alongside or instead of jetting.
Jetting for businesses
Restaurants and commercial kitchens have their own grease rules in Tempe. See commercial kitchen drain jetting.
Serving all of Tempe
Residential Hydro Jetting is available to homes and businesses across Tempe, including North Tempe (85281), Central Tempe (85282), South Central Tempe (85283), South Tempe (85284).
Residential Hydro Jetting FAQ
Is hydro jetting safe for my pipes?
For a pipe in sound condition, yes. For a pipe with cracks, breaks or heavy corrosion, high pressure can make things worse, which is why a camera inspection usually comes first.
How is hydro jetting different from snaking?
A snake, or cable machine, bores a path through the clog. A jetter cleans the whole pipe wall, removing the grease, scale or root debris that causes the next clog.
How long does jetting take?
It depends on line length, access and how much buildup there is. Ask the contractor for an estimate once they see your cleanout and line.
Do I need a cleanout for hydro jetting?
Jetting needs an access point. If your home has no exterior cleanout, a contractor may suggest adding one. See our cleanout installation page.