From Grease to Tree Roots: How High-Pressure Jetting Tackles Tough Blockages

When your drains slow to a trickle or your toilet backs up with no clear cause, there’s a good chance something nasty is lurking deep in your pipes. From built-up grease to invasive tree roots, blockages can bring your plumbing system to a grinding halt. But one solution cuts through the toughest clogs with ease: high-pressure jetting.

In this post, you’ll learn how high-pressure jetting works, what kinds of blockages it’s best suited for, and why it’s a smart long-term solution for stubborn plumbing problems.

What Is High-Pressure Jetting?

High-pressure jetting—also called hydro jetting—is a professional plumbing method that blasts water through your pipes at extremely high pressure, often up to 4,000 PSI. Think of it as a power wash for your plumbing. Instead of snaking through a clog or pushing it aside, jetting scours the pipe walls clean, dislodging debris and flushing it away completely.



Jetting is performed using a specialized hose connected to a high-powered pump. The hose is inserted into the pipe, and water is released in all directions, cleaning the pipe from every angle.

What Kind of Blockages Can It Clear?

Some drain cleaning tools only treat surface issues, but high-pressure jetting digs deeper—literally. It’s ideal for:

• Grease buildup: Perfect for restaurants or homes with heavy cooking habits. Grease can solidify in your pipes, and only jetting has the force to clear it away fully.
• Soap scum and sludge: Over time, personal care products leave behind thick residues that slow drainage.
• Tree roots: Roots can sneak into your sewer lines through tiny cracks. Jetting can break them up before they become a major structural issue.
• Sand and silt: If you have outdoor plumbing or live in a dusty climate, sediment can settle in your pipes. Jetting washes it all out.
• Flushable wipes and debris: Despite their name, these wipes don’t break down easily. Jetting removes them completely.

Unlike traditional snaking, which pokes a hole through a clog, jetting clears the entire circumference of the pipe—restoring your flow like new.

When Should You Consider High-Pressure Jetting?

If you're dealing with repeat blockages, slow drains, or strange gurgling sounds, it might be time for something more powerful than a plunger. Jetting is especially effective as:

• Preventative maintenance: Avoid future backups by clearing build-up before it becomes a problem.
• Emergency response: If you have standing water in your tub or a flooding basement, jetting can provide fast relief.
• Pre-inspection cleaning: If you're buying or selling a home, a clean sewer line helps with inspections and peace of mind.

A local expert in plumbing Commerce City CO can evaluate your situation and determine if jetting is right for your home or business.

Case Study: Jetting Saves a Home from Costly Repairs

A homeowner in Commerce City had recurring toilet backups every few weeks. Traditional snaking only brought temporary relief. The team at Fast Trak Plumbing and Drain inspected the main line and used high-pressure jetting to clear out a 10-foot root mass. The blockage had nearly cracked the pipe—if left untreated, it would have required a full replacement. After jetting, the homeowner’s system flowed perfectly, and they avoided a $7,000 repair bill.

Why Jetting Is a Long-Term Investment

Sure, it may cost a bit more upfront than snaking, but jetting offers better value over time. It:

• Reduces the need for repeat service calls
• Extends the lifespan of your plumbing
• Keeps your pipes free-flowing for years

Whether you're tackling a messy emergency or want to stay ahead of future issues, jetting is a powerful addition to your main sewer services toolkit.

Ready to clear your toughest clogs?
Contact your local plumbing experts and ask about high-pressure jetting today.