Taking care of your plumbing is vital to preventing major problems and costly repairs. You should familiarize yourself with the signs that your pipes and drains need hydro-jetting. Paying attention to these signs can help you prevent drain problems before they worsen. But first, let’s discuss what hydro-jetting is.
Hydro-jetting is a method used by professional plumbers to clean stopped-up drains and clogged sewer lines. It sends high-pressure water into your pipes to clear away a variety of clogs, from food and grease to solid waste. It can also free your drains of solid objects such as baby wipes and paper towels.
How Do You Know You Need Hydro-Jetting?
Below are several warning signs of an impending drain clog in need of hydro-jetting.
Slow Drainage
Anytime you face slow drainage, it means a clog is forming. This creation may happen slowly, but it isn’t a problem you should ignore. Prevention is key to averting costly plumbing repairs down the road, so it’s important to keep an eye out for it. Slow-draining pipes can be a localized issue, such as a clogged garbage disposal or a giant hair clog.
You may be tempted to use a store-bought drain cleaner, but such a liquid can damage your pipes. Water that drains slowly could be part of a greater problem. As a precaution, it’s vital to have your drains inspected by a professional plumber. They can troubleshoot the clog to determine if hydro-jetting is necessary.
Strange Noises Coming From Your Drains
Do you hear any strange noises coming from your drains? Perhaps you’ve noticed bubbling, gurgling, or loud hissing coming from your drains. Gurgling and bubbling are signs that water is trying to push right through a clog. If these noises are limited to only one plumbing fixture, then you probably don’t need hydro-jetting. All you need is a plunger or a snake to remove the obstruction. But if these noises occur frequently throughout all of your household plumbing, it’s time to consider hydro-jetting.
Hissing noises mean that too much air is being pushed through your pipes. This happens when there’s a clog inside your drains. Your water pressure may be rising to push the water through. Unfortunately, this impacts your monthly water costs, so it’s important to take care of the problem immediately. A deep clog lodged inside your pipes may be the cause, and your drains may need hydro-jetting.
Funky Odors
Underneath every drain is a trap, where water is held inside and blocks sewer gases from backing up into your home. Unfortunately, this water leaks out when pressure is too high, and that allows these gases to escape from your bathroom and kitchen drains. These odors are usually caused by rotting food, old grease, mold, and other items trapped within your drains. Hydro-jetting can loosen these clogs and clear them immediately to prevent further problems.
In some cases, you may notice a bad taste in your drinking water. A drain clog is the most likely culprit because debris gets trapped in your pipes. All it takes is a little hydro-jetting to break up that clog and get your plumbing running smoothly again.
Fixtures That Back Up Into Other Drains
Imagine that you flush your toilet, expecting the water to go straight down the drain. Instead, you notice that the toilet water backs up into your bathtub or shower. There are two possible causes: blockage in your main sewer line or possibly a drain clog. Before you jump to conclusions, call a plumber first. If it turns out to be a drain clog, all you need is a little hydro-jetting.
Frequent or Recurring Clogs
It’s one thing to have a single clog because you can easily resolve it with a plunger or a drain snake. However, frequent clogs that happen over time are a sign of something serious. Anything that’s lodged deep inside your drain or system is the most likely cause of this.
The only items that should go down your drain are solid waste, toilet paper, and water. Anything else should be thrown away. Items like solid food, hair, grease, paper towels, and sanitary supplies cause clogs and are hazardous to your plumbing system.
Old Pipes
Old pipes made of cast iron or pipes that are galvanized are vulnerable to rust and corrosion. Their interior gets rough and starts to deteriorate over time. Consequently, they become worn and pitted, which makes it easier for hair and food to get trapped inside them.
Age can impact your pipes and cause their insides to weaken over time, making them less able to transport water outside of your home. Consequently, debris collects inside them and causes blockages and drain clogs. If you live in an older home, be aware of your pipes. Have them inspected and replaced as needed. In the meantime, if you experience a drain clog, call your plumber immediately. They can blast it away with some hydro-jetting.
Sudden and Persistent Increase in Your Water Bill
Sudden and unexpected spikes in your water bill are excellent indicators that something’s wrong with your plumbing. In some cases, you could be experiencing a sudden increase in your water pressure. In other cases, it could be a drain clog. Either way, you should get an inspection done immediately.
Clogs that form inside your pipes and drains can cause your water to rise at an exponential level. You’ll end up using more water than usual because it will seep through cracks and holes in your home. When this happens, call a plumber right away. If necessary, they can use hydro-jetting to clear out your drains.
Low Water Pressure
A drop in your water pressure is a sign that your drains are severely clogged. A clog in one drain can cause water pressure to drop out of another fixture. For example, a clog in your kitchen drain can decrease water pressure in your shower or toilet.
The reason that this happens is because all of your drains and water supply lines are interconnected. This complex system helps route water in and out of your home every day. Any type of obstruction such as a drain clog can affect how your water flows, causing a drop in your water pressure.
Any DIY attempts to unclog stopped drains are dangerous at this stage. If you witness any of these events, call a plumber. Hydro-jetting your drains may be necessary.
Water That Pools Around Your Fixtures or Doesn’t Drain
Water that doesn’t drain may be the result of a drain clog. If you find yourself using your plunger frequently, you may want to have your pipes and drains inspected. The same holds for water that pools around your fixtures. In either case, all it takes is a little hydro-jetting to restore your plumbing to normal.
Call the Pros
At Half Moon Plumbing, we understand how frustrating drain clogs can be. Our plumbing technicians can inspect your pipes and drains to determine if hydro-jetting is needed. We can fix your clogs and have your water running smoothly in no time. Half Moon Plumbing serves the needs of those living in Tulsa, OK and surrounding areas. We offer basic plumbing, drain and sewer, water heater, and water filtration services. Call or visit us online today to learn more.
