Thirsty tree roots love to infiltrate drain and sewer lines to find water and nutrients. Unfortunately, this destructive behavior can have serious consequences for your plumbing. If it’s an issue for your Miami, FL, home or business, the expert plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing have a powerful solution, hydro jetting. What do you need to know about this effective service?
What Is Hydro Jetting?
Hydro jetting uses specialized equipment to steer highly pressurized jets of water through your pipes. These forceful streams slice through tough clogs and unpleasant residues to wash them away, so your pipes run freely. Hydro jetting can clear numerous unpleasantries that commonly contribute to snarled pipes, including:
- Tree roots
- Bacteria
- Clumps of hair
- Grease
- Fecal matter
- Mineral and sediment deposits
- Paper accumulation
- Sludge
- Other debris
Are There Advantages to Using Hydro Jetting?
Turning to hydro jetting for clear pipes offers numerous benefits. For starters, hydro jetting is not invasive. An experienced provider can use hydro jetting to clear your pipes discreetly. The pressurized water is delivered directly through your pipes. This means they won’t need to dig up your entire yard to access the troubled spots.
Don’t mistake hydro jetting’s subtlety for weakness. Hydro jetting can deliver a powerful punch that will push through tough tree roots and clogs. It doesn’t shy away from hard work. It is routinely used to clear problems at both residential and commercial properties.
Hydro jetting also has preventative powers. It scrubs the walls of pipes thoroughly, which flushes away smaller root fibers, clinging grease, bacteria, and other buildup. This deep cleaning can head off future clogs. By delaying their formation, it helps to keep your pipes clear for longer.
In fact, property owners with wooded lots sometimes take a proactive stance and opt for a maintenance plan that includes periodic hydro jetting to reduce their risk of tree root blockages.
This method is also very adaptable. The water pressure can be adjusted to match the pipe’s material, age, and condition. Therefore, hydro jetting is safe for most pipes when performed by an expert.
Finally, hydro jetting is an eco-friendly option. Only water is used to rinse pipes, so there are no harsh chemicals to fret about. Plus, maintaining your drainage systems properly reduces the risk of sewage leaks and groundwater contamination.
How Do Tree Roots Harm Pipes?
Why is it so important to be vigilant about tree roots around your drainage and sewer pipes? If roots creep into your pipes, they can cause major disruptions and damage. As the immediate target, your pipes are at clear risk. Stubborn tree roots can cause blockages, which can trigger slow drains and backups. If problems persist, your pipes may crack and break. Eventually, the pipe can even collapse.
If pipes are repeatedly damaged by tree roots without effective relief, you’ll battle recurring clogs and increased maintenance costs. You may also struggle with sewer leaks. If these leaks contaminate the soil or groundwater, they can pose a health risk. Also, leaking pipes that soften soil near your home or business may cause foundation shifts, which can damage your building.
What Signs Suggest Tree Roots Are Troubling Pipes?
Awareness of the threat that roots present is a great starting point. Learning the red flags that suggest that roots are troubling your pipes is the next step. These include:
- Backups in your sinks, showers, or tubs
- Foul odors from your drains or yard
- Frequent clogs that recur despite using drain cleaners
- Gurgling noises from the drains or toilets
- Higher levels of insect or rodent activity
- Slow drains
- Sinking or soggy yards
- Unusual tree growth since a tree feeding from the lines may be bigger
Once you recognize a problem, it is important to act. Ignoring the problem gives tree roots time to grow bigger and thicker. This not only can make them harder to remove but also gives them a chance to cause more damage. Either possibility means the repair bill will probably be more expensive.
What Should I Expect During Hydro Jetting?
When you call an expert plumber for hydro jetting services, there will be a few steps involved. A hydro jetting session begins with an inspection of your drainage system. This often involves sending a camera through your pipes. It allows the plumber to see the condition and status of your pipes, locate any tree roots or clogs, and verify that hydro jetting is appropriate. It also helps them determine how much water pressure to use.
With the necessary information in mind, the plumber will insert the hydro jet tube into the pipes. This flexible tube delivers the powerful jets of water, performing a clean sweep that clears away roots, grease, and other debris. Since it is flexible, it can be maneuvered precisely through your pipes. This ensures that your plumber can target roots and clogs accurately. It also lets them scour the sides of your pipes with meticulous care so that any problematic buildup is rinsed away.
Is Hydro Jetting Always the Answer?
No single treatment is always the answer. Hydro jetting may not be the right choice for pipes that are old, brittle, or severely damaged. Fortunately, skilled plumbers like those at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing have several options in their toolbox. If the assessment of your situation reveals that hydro jetting is not the best plan, they might suggest an alternative.
Clogged drains and sewer pipes are serious trouble. Failing to maintain these pipes can put your health and your property at risk. To make matters even worse, ignoring these issues can also lead to higher expenses. After all, allowing more damage to occur means it may require more significant interventions to correct the problem.
The plumbing experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Miami, FL, are ready to deliver prompt assistance. If you’re concerned about possible problems with your pipes and think hydro jetting is the answer, don’t hesitate. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We’re your punctual plumbers, so if there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay.
