If your pipes have major buildup, either inside or outside your home or business, you’ve probably tried using a drain cleaner, a drain snake, or an auger. If these aren’t working, you might need a better solution. Hydrojetting is a professional pipe-cleaning service that uses high water pressure to get rid of heavy debris or obstructions, such as grease, mineral scale, or even tree roots.
Because hydrojetting uses water to completely clean the pipe, it can be more effective and longer lasting than other methods. And since it only uses water, it’s a chemical-free option.
Mechanical tools, such as drain snaking, augers, and sectional machines cut through clogs but do not typically clear debris from pipe walls—especially if it’s really stuck. Chemical methods, like enzymatic treatments or other solutions can be hard on your pipes, and on the environment.
According to Drain Cleaning Authority, hydrojetting is used in four different broad applications. Each requires “different pressure parameters, nozzle configurations, and regulatory constraints.” They are:
- Residential drain lines
- Commercial grease drain systems
- Municipal sewer mains
- Industrial process drains
How does a hydrojetter work?
A hydrojetter is typically a truck-mounted piece of equipment with four parts:
- Water tank that holds between 50 and 150 gallons
- High-pressure pump fueled by a gasoline or diesel engine
- High-pressure hose
- Nozzle with interchangeable tips
Your plumber will inspect the pipe with a camera to see the obstruction, affirm that hydrojetting is the proper method, and determine the right type of equipment to use.
To clear the obstruction, they’ll insert the hose into a drain or sewer pipe and turn on the water, increasing the pressure as needed to clear the obstruction. For residential systems, hydrojetting uses water pressure of between 1,500 and 4,000 PSI; for commercial or municipal, pressures can be up to 5,000 PSI, or even higher.
The hose moves through the plumbing system, clearing the clog and cleaning the inside of the pipes and pushing the material out. After it’s cleared, your plumber will search the pipe with a camera again to confirm that the debris is gone.
What kinds of clogs can hydrojetting clear?
Hydrojetting is necessary for extremely tough obstructions. Here are some common issues.
Scale and mineral deposits. If you have hard water, minerals like calcium carbonate can build up on the inside of your pipes, impeding the flow of water. Augers can reach some scale deposits but hydrojetting at the right pressure can remove scale along the entire pipe interior.
Silt and sand. If you have hard water, sediment can enter your plumbing system through the water that flows through, settling on the bottom of the pipes. Sediment buildup can also be caused by improper installation or inferior materials. According to University of Michigan Extension, “Pipes may become partially or fully clogged by sediment if proper pipe material is not used. When fine sand or silt particles enter the pipe, they can remain near the pipe entry point, build up over time, and cause clogging of the pipe.” Hydrojetting can clear the clog, though the issue might need to be addressed to keep it from happening again.
Grease, fat, and food deposits. Commercial kitchen drain systems are prone to clogs because of the use of fats, oils, and grease, which build up on pipe interiors. Hydrojetting is the best way to clear these clogs since mechanical solutions aren’t able to remove all the residue from pipe walls. Establishments are still under the obligation to have a grease interceptor system in place and to maintain it on a schedule, but hydrojetting can clean further down the pipe lines to keep water flowing.
Tree roots. Roots from trees and shrubs can lodge themselves in cracks or joints and grow right through the pipe. Hydrojetting can clear the clog in many cases, removing both the root ball and fine root hairs that would otherwise regenerate.
The benefits of hydrojetting
Just because you can opt for hydrojetting, does that mean you should? Here are some reasons why it’s effective and why it’s the right option for certain types of obstructions.
It’s just water. If you’ve used drain cleaners, you know that they are full of harsh chemicals. With hydrojetting, high water pressure is the tool that clears the clog. This means it’s better for health and the environment.
It’s long-lasting. Because hydrojetting removes all residue, the solutions last longer; it takes longer for clogs to build up when you have a fresh start with pipe walls that are clean and clear.
It works on many different types of pipes. Hydrojetting can be used on many different types of pipe materials. Cement, cast iron, resin, clay, steel—you can use it on all of these (depending on what kind of shape your pipes are in, of course).
It doesn’t tear up your yard. Because plumbers use a camera to preview the clog and run the hose through existing sewer or drain lines, no one needs to dig a trench to clear the clog.
How much does hydrojetting cost?
The cost depends on the type of obstruction and the location of the obstruction. Your plumber can view it and give you an estimate. Angi.com says consumers can expect to pay between $300 and $600, though severe clogs can be more than double that price. A professional plumber can assess your situation and talk with you about cost.
Can I do hydrojetting myself?
Hydrojetting is a pros-only job. Consumer-grade pressure washers operate at lower pressures, don’t have the flow rates that professional equipment does, and do not have long enough hoses or the right kinds of nozzles. They simply lack the characteristics that make professional-grade equipment effective.
In worst case scenarios, a DIY attempt can just push debris further into the plumbing system, meaning you would have to opt for hydrojetting anyway.
Can hydrojetting harm my pipes?
Your plumber will determine whether or not hydrojetting is appropriate for your pipes. If pipes are very old and in the process of deteriorating, hydrojetting could make existing issues worse. By pre-screening with a camera, your plumber will be able to determine whether or not your pipes are at risk.
Drain Cleaning Authority notes: “Pre-service CCTV inspection is the standard professional protocol precisely to identify these conditions before pressurized water is introduced.” If you’re considering hydrojetting for an older plumbing system, be sure any plumber giving you an estimate routinely uses a camera to assess the situation before hydrojetting.
SOURCES
Hydrojetting: How It Works and When It Is Used, Drain Cleaning Authority (accessed September 10, 2026)
Why Do Subsurface Drainage Systems Underperform?, Ghane, E., Michigan State University Extension, Bulletin E3451; July 15, 2025
What Is Hydro Jetting and When Do You Need It?, Angi, Samantha Hawrylack, updated July 8, 2026 (accessed September 10, 2026)
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