How Safe Is Hydro Jetting for Older Pipes in Pensacola Homes?
There are lots of homes in Pensacola that have older pipes. Outdated materials like cast iron and galvanized steel are especially prone to clogs, corrosion, and leaks.
Hydro jetting is a suitable option for some of these homes but not all of them. Keep reading to learn more about this high-pressure pipe cleaning option and when it works best for Pensacola homes.
How Exactly Does Hydro Jetting Work?
Hydro jetting uses water propelled at hundreds to thousands of PSI to blast away buildup inside pipes. Its strong water pressure does a great job at clearing away grease and food particles stuck inside kitchen plumbing.
Many of our customers rave about the improved smell and drain flow after we clean their pipes. In bathrooms, it can help get rid of soap scum and hair buildup. This not only makes it easier to shower without standing in ankle-deep water but also gives you cleaner, fresher pipes for a more enjoyable bathing experience.
How Hydro Jetting Affects Different Types of Older Pipes
Hydro jetting does an outstanding job at cleaning pipes, but it’s not always a good option. If your pipes have a lot of damage, the strong water force may cause more harm than good. This is why it’s so important to have an inspection performed. We’ll carefully look at the condition of the pipes to see whether hydro jetting can help.
Cast Iron Pipes
Cast iron pipes are very common in Pensacola because they were a popular plumbing material used in homes built before the 1970s. They are both durable and fire-resistant as well as sound dampening. However, because of their vulnerability to corrosion, they tend to become brittle over several decades.
If your home still has cast iron pipes, we’ll take a close look to see if there are any cracks or weak spots before deciding if hydro jetting is the right move. When the pipes are in good shape, we can carefully adjust the water pressure to clean out the buildup without putting any unnecessary stress on the internal walls and seals.
Galvanized Steel Pipes
Homes built between the 1940s and 1960s frequently used galvanized steel pipes. Although this material doesn’t come with the risk of lead contamination, it is still susceptible to rusting.
Hydro jetting can remove thick rust buildup and mineral deposits, but it can also crack the pipes if the water pressure is set too high. We’ll look at the amount of internal corrosion to evaluate whether hydro jetting is the smartest cleaning option.
Copper Pipes
Many plumbers installed copper pipes in homes built in Pensacola between the late 1960s and 1970s. These pipes have a long lifespan and are especially liked because of their resistance to corrosion. Homes with these pipes are very low risk when it comes to hydro jetting. The copper withstands high water pressure very well, letting us completely clear away debris without the risk of damaging the pipe walls.
Is Hydro Jetting the Right Option for Your Home?
Just because you have older pipes doesn’t mean hydro jetting can’t help. If your plumbing doesn’t have any cracks or leaks in it, it’s likely an excellent candidate for this service. We’ll look at the level of any corrosion to make the right choice. Most homes that have well-maintained plumbing can use hydro jetting safely with little risk for pipe damage.
When Hydro Jetting Isn’t Enough
If you have a pipe with a crack or small leak in it, we may suggest hydro jetting followed by pipe lining. Cleaning the pipe of debris and tree roots before inserting the liner is extremely important for proper adhesion and long-term durability. You don’t want any residue to interfere with the liner’s seal because it can cause major issues with water flow and pressure. Doing a trenchless pipe lining repair lets us complete the whole restoration process without having to do any extensive digging in your yard.
What Are the Best Alternatives to Hydro Jetting?
If we do an inspection and find cracks, holes, or other forms of damage, we can discuss your other pipe repair options. Every property is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Snaking
Snaking is a go-to option for clearing minor clogs caused by hair, soap scum, or grease. We simply insert a flexible metal cable into the drain and then rotate it to break up the blockage. Snaking is particularly favorable for fragile plumbing systems that already have problems with corrosion because it uses minimal force.
Pipe Descaling
This cleaning method works by restoring older metal pipes that have developed years’ worth of rust and corrosion. Best of all, it doesn’t require harsh chemicals. Instead, like snaking, it makes use of rotating tools to break up and remove hard deposits. It works incredibly well for improving water pressure that suffers from internal pipe scaling.
Book Your Pipe Inspection Today to See Whether Hydro Jetting Can Help
We’ll do an inspection to determine if your home or business’ plumbing can handle the high-pressure water from hydro jetting. We make the whole process of getting help for older pipes stress- and hassle-free. Book an appointment today to learn more about the best pipe cleaning options for Pensacola homes. If there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay!
