Hydrojetting uses specialized nozzles to clear away grease buildup and tree roots. The high-pressure water helps break up tough blockages so you don’t have to worry about recurring clogs. The total cost of a hydrojetting project will depend on many factors, like the severity of the clog and accessibility of cleanouts. Let’s take a close look at the key factors that can influence the final price.
Severity of the Clog
Some clogs are minor and easy to fix. Others occur deeper down inside pipes and drains and are much harder to clear away. With hydrojetting, a single pass will likely get rid of small clogs caused by grease buildup or soap scum. The more stubborn ones caused by tree root intrusion and hardened mineral deposits will usually require multiple passes or adjustments to water pressure. The more time the plumber has to spend on the drain cleaning service, the more you might have to pay in labor costs.
Location of the Blockage
The location of the clog will make a huge difference in how much time the plumber spends diagnosing and clearing it. Those near kitchen sinks or bathrooms are typically much easier to find, reach and fix. The ones deep in the main sewer line or underneath the foundation may require special equipment and more time setting up access points or camera inspections. These factors can extend the overall timeline of the project and add to the cost.
Pipe Condition
Hydrojetting is a straightforward process when the pipes are new and in good condition. The plumber can connect the equipment quickly and start clearing the clog right away. But when the pipes are old or have lots of damage, the plumber will have to be extra careful to avoid causing further harm to fragile sections. They’ll spend much more time doing inspections and pressure testing instead of immediately jetting the line. As they adjust the water pressure and work around weak spots, this can increase the labor time and add on to the total cost of the service.
Length of the Affected Line
The longer the pipe, the more time it takes to effectively clear away all grease and debris buildup. Minor clogs and short lines normally take about an hour to flush out. Main sewer lines usually require about one to two hours. Those with severe clogs take longer. Some larger systems can take up to four hours or more. As the plumber feeds the hose farther into the drain line, they may have to stop and restart if they hit a particularly tough blockage. All in all, bigger plumbing systems take much longer to clean thoroughly, which can make the project’s cost more expensive.
Accessibility of Cleanouts
Cleanouts are points on the plumbing system that the plumber can use to insert the hydrojetting hose. On a lot of properties, these access points are in easy-to-reach places, like basements or utility rooms. But on some properties, they are in much harder locations, like hidden behind walls, buried outside or blocked by landscaping or built-in fixtures. If the plumber has to spend extra time locating or uncovering the cleanout, this can increase the total cost of the service.
Emergency or After-Hours Service
Sometimes, you might need immediate hydrojetting service. Take, for example, a severe clog that backs up your main sewer line and causes wastewater to flood into your basement. Getting rid of the blockage fast is paramount to preventing property damage and health hazards. When accessing emergency hydrojetting on a weekend or after business hours, the provider may charge an extra fee.
Additional Diagnostics Required
Plumbers will often perform a camera inspection using advanced video equipment to spot blockages, cracks or buildup inside the pipes. This is crucial to determining the location of the clog and choosing the best cleaning method. Some providers will charge every time they have to do a camera inspection, so it may add to the overall cost of the service.
Commercial vs. Residential
Hydrojetting for residential properties is almost always less expensive than hydrojetting for commercial spaces. Commercial properties often have multiple floors and complex layouts, and the pipes usually have lots of branches and longer runs. This added complexity impacts the time it takes to clean and the equipment needed to do the job thoroughly.
Linn Benton Plumbing is a premier provider of professional hydrojetting in Albany, OR. We have many years of experience fixing plumbing problems of all types, including drain and sewer repair. Call Linn Benton Plumbing now to book fast, reliable hydrojetting service to keep your home free of stubborn drain clogs.