Sometimes, snaking won’t be sufficient to clear a clogged drain. In these situations, many plumbers will recommend water jetting, a process in which a continuous stream of water is blasted at high pressure into the pipe. While this process can be highly effective, some homeowners may worry whether this will damage the pipes — particularly if they have PVC pipes. Here’s what you should know.

Does Water Jetting Damage PVC Pipes?

A high-pressure flow of water can be quite powerful — which can lead some people to be concerned if their home uses PVC pipes. After all, PVC is a type of plastic that can seem less durable than metal pipes. However, PVC pipes are actually very structurally stable, and able to withstand a high-pressure blast of water.

In addition, the water jetting nozzle is inserted into the pipe at an angle to prevent the water from directly hitting the sides of the pipe. This lessens the force of the water on the pipes. The only time when water jetting could pose a risk is if you live in a home with old pipes that are already damaged or deteriorated. In this case, the high pressure could damage the already weakened areas. However, video drain inspections are typically done before hydro jetting is used, which would identify such problem areas in advance.

How Does Water Jetting Unclog Pipes?

Professional plumbers drop a hose or nozzle into the pipes that are clogged. The hydro jetting machine will pressurize the water to a level based on the severity of the clog. The water clears the entire diameter of the pipe, making it an effective way to address chronic problems like grease, scale, or hair. The loosened debris is washed away down the pipe and out of your household plumbing system.

If your property could benefit from water jetting, contact All Star Rooter in Norwalk, CT. Serving Fairfield and New Haven counties, their licensed and insured team is a multi-year Best of HomeAdvisor winner, and is available 24/7 to provide the help you need, when you need it. To learn more about their rooter services, visit them online or call (203) 286-4498.