Is High-Pressure Jetting Safe for Your Pipes? What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever dealt with a stubborn clog, you know how frustrating it can be. The water backs up, the drain smells awful, and nothing seems to budge the blockage. That’s when many homeowners hear about high pressure jetting—and wonder, “Is this really safe for my pipes?” Let’s break it down.

What Is High-Pressure Jetting?

High-pressure jetting (also called hydro jetting) is a plumbing method that uses a powerful stream of water to blast away buildup inside your pipes. Think of it like power-washing your plumbing system. It can cut through grease, sludge, roots, and even hardened mineral deposits that traditional snaking tools can’t handle.

Jetting equipment includes a hose with a specialized nozzle that sprays water at up to 4,000 PSI. The nozzle is inserted into the drain line, and the force of the water scours the interior walls of the pipe, flushing the debris out of your system.

When Jetting Makes Sense

Jetting isn’t always the first solution, but it’s incredibly effective in the right scenarios:

• Recurring clogs in kitchen or bathroom drains
• Sewer line blockages from tree roots or grease
• Preventative maintenance to remove buildup before it causes backups
• Commercial or restaurant settings with heavy grease usage

Unlike snaking, which simply pokes a hole through the clog, jetting clears the entire diameter of the pipe, making it ideal for long-term results.

Is It Safe for All Pipes?

Here’s the truth: high-pressure jetting is safe—but only when used correctly and on the right type of pipe.

Safe pipe materials for jetting:

• PVC
• Cast iron
• Copper
• Concrete sewer lines

Caution with older plumbing: If your home has fragile or corroded pipes (especially if they’re more than 50 years old), it’s crucial to have them inspected before jetting. Jetting brittle pipes can lead to cracks or worse—breaks that require full pipe repair.

This is why professional plumbers inspect the system first, often with a camera, to assess the condition and material of your pipes before recommending hydro jetting.

Trust the Experts

High-pressure jetting requires precision and expertise. A DIY approach using rented equipment can result in excessive pressure, missed blockages, or pipe damage. That’s why it’s best left to experienced professionals like Fast Trak Plumbing and Drain.

If you need expert plumbing services in Commerce City CO, they’ll thoroughly inspect your plumbing system and determine if jetting is the right choice. Whether you need a one-time cleanout or regular drain maintenance, they tailor the service to your system’s unique needs.

And if your pipes show signs of wear or damage, they’ll recommend alternative solutions or handle any necessary pipe repair before problems escalate.

Case Study: Jetting Saves a Restaurant Thousands

One local restaurant was experiencing constant backups in their kitchen drain lines—despite snaking the system monthly. After calling Fast Trak Plumbing and Drain, a video camera inspection revealed thick grease buildup that snaking never fully removed. The team performed a high-pressure jetting service, clearing the entire line. Since then, the restaurant has had zero issues and reduced plumbing expenses by over 60% thanks to regular preventative jetting.

Final Thoughts

High-pressure jetting is one of the most effective tools in modern plumbing—but only when used properly. It’s safe, powerful, and long-lasting, especially for homes and businesses dealing with frequent clogs. Always consult a trusted plumbing services Commerce City CO professional to inspect your pipes and perform the job safely.

Ready to give your pipes a fresh start? Contact your local pros at Fast Trak Plumbing and Drain for expert advice and reliable service.