Hydro jetting works on a simple physical principle applied at sufficient force to be genuinely effective on the types of drain and sewer buildup that cable machines cannot fully address. A trailer or van-mounted pump pressurizes water to between 1,500 and 4,000 PSI depending on the application, and delivers it through a flexible hose to a specialized nozzle that simultaneously propels itself forward through the pipe and directs high-velocity water at the pipe walls from multiple angles. Long Beach Pro Plumbing Inc uses hydro jetting for residential and commercial drain and sewer cleaning throughout the city, sized appropriately for the application.
Nozzle selection determines a lot about how effectively hydro jetting addresses a specific problem. A penetrating nozzle concentrates forward-facing jets to break through compacted blockages before the cleaning pattern opens up. A flat-surface nozzle works at right angles to the pipe wall for cleaning floor drains and lateral entry points. A rotating nozzle spins at high RPM to produce a continuous scrubbing action across the full circumference of the pipe interior. A root-cutting nozzle pairs chain flails with high-pressure water to mechanically cut roots while simultaneously flushing the cut material downstream. We match the nozzle to what the camera has shown us about the pipe’s condition.
The pressure and flow rate used for a particular line depends on pipe diameter and material. A four-inch residential sewer line can handle significantly higher pressure than a two-inch cast iron drain stack that has not been inspected for structural integrity. We always camera-inspect before hydro jetting when there is any question about the structural condition of the pipe. Directing 3,000 PSI into a clay pipe with a stress fracture can turn a cracked joint into a broken one.
Grease trap service for commercial kitchens involves a specific hydro jetting protocol. Food service establishments in Long Beach are required to maintain grease interceptors or grease traps that capture fats, oils, and grease before they reach the municipal sewer. The interior baffles and walls of these units accumulate hardened grease that pump trucks alone cannot fully clean. Hydro jetting the interior surfaces of the interceptor and the drain lines serving the kitchen restores full capacity and helps businesses stay compliant with Long Beach’s pretreatment requirements.
For recurring residential drain problems, we often recommend a hydro jetting service on a scheduled maintenance basis. Kitchens that produce significant grease, homes with extensive mature tree roots near the sewer lateral, and multi-unit buildings where drain line use is heavy all benefit from periodic preventive cleaning rather than waiting for a full backup.