How Much Does Hydro-Jetting Cost?
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Hydro-jetting is a noninvasive solution for clearing out stubborn clogs in plumbing and sewer lines. This high-pressure cleaning method costs between $350 and $600, though the average hydro-jetting cost is $475.
Highlights
- Hydro-jetting costs $475 on average, though homeowners can expect to spend between $350 and $600.
- The cost to hydro-jet sewer lines depends in part on the severity of the clog, how accessible the sewer line is, labor rates, and whether additional repairs and replacements are needed.
- Common signs that a sewer line might require hydro-jetting include frequent backups, clogs, unpleasant odors, gurgling pipes, and slow-running drains.
- Most cities require that sewer line inspections, cleanouts, and repairs be completed by a licensed plumber who has the experience and equipment to properly do the job without risking further damage to the city’s main sewer lines. Consider vetted professionals from top companies such as Mr. Rooter and Roto-Rooter.
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Hydro-jetting is a powerful plumbing method that uses high-pressure water to clear pipes of debris. The technique also helps prevent future clogs and prolongs the life of a home’s plumbing system. Hydro-jetting sewer lines uses more force than typical pressure-washing. Plumbers can force water through the pipes at a rate of 4,000 to 35,000 pounds per square inch (PSI).
“A hydro jetter or jetter is essentially a giant power washer specifically designed to clean and flush the interior surfaces of drain pipes,” explains Hendrik Van de Poll, master plumber and co-owner of Service Force Plumbing in Rockville, Maryland.
A typical cost range for hydro-jetting services is $350 to $600, with the average hydro-jetting cost coming in at $475, according to Angi. Several factors influence the final cost, including the severity of the clog, the plumbing system’s accessibility, and local labor rates. Though it can be a somewhat costly undertaking, a hydro-jetting service lets homeowners enjoy free-flowing drains and a safer environment without contamination risk.
Factors in Calculating Hydro-Jetting Cost
The average hydro-jetting cost depends on a wide variety of factors, not the least of which is how severely the pipes are clogged. In addition, systems that have adequate accessibility may cost less to service than those that are difficult to access. Finally, local labor rates will affect the final cost since urban areas tend to have higher rates than suburban cities or more rural areas.
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Clog Severity
The severity of a clog is one of the most significant factors when it comes to estimating the cost of hydro-jet drain cleaning. The more severe the clog, the longer it takes to clear the pipes. Since plumbers typically charge by the hour, the extra time spent on a difficult obstruction has a considerable impact on the final price.
It’s not just about the time involved, though. Dealing with severe clogs may also require specialized equipment and additional expertise, both of which can come with a higher base fee. Severe clogs can also be discovered in an emergency situation, which often brings its own set of higher costs. Finally, persistent severe clogs can require multiple visits from a plumber for ongoing assessment and maintenance, with each visit contributing more to the final price.
Sewer Line Accessibility
The closest access to sewer lines is commonly found in a home’s crawl space, basement, or garage. The accessibility of a sewer line significantly impacts the price of hydro-jetting since drain and sewer cleaning can take longer when the lines are more challenging to reach or there are obstructions to work around. Since sewer lines are connected to the city’s pipes that run under the streets, plumbers may also need to access the sewer line in the yard, and that usually means digging into the landscaping.
Sewer lines that are sealed off or covered require extra time and effort to access, contributing to higher overall costs. In addition to the extra time needed for the job, a plumber may charge more for the job’s complexity. If this is the case, homeowners can ask about sewer cleanout installation costs to add entry points to the sewer system. This can reduce the cost for future appointments since a plumber will be able to more easily access the lines.
Labor
The average plumber’s salary and hourly fees can vary by geographic location. An hourly plumber rate can be as little as $45 or as much as $200, making labor costs one of the most substantial factors to account for when budgeting for hydro-jetting services.
Labor costs vary since highly skilled or specialized plumbers often charge higher hourly rates, while newer plumbers tend to have lower starting rates since they are learning how to grow a plumbing business. Also, complex or more challenging hydro-jetting jobs may require additional team members to complete the job efficiently and safely. When this is the case, homeowners would pay for each additional plumber’s hours.
Additional Costs and Considerations
In addition to the basic service charges, homeowners may experience other potential costs associated with water-jetting sewer pipes. For instance, some homeowners may have to repair or replace sewer lines and toilets, while others may need to remove tree roots. An inspection is a wise choice for nearly every situation, though.
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Sewer Line Inspection
During a sewer line inspection, a special camera is inserted into the pipe to assess the condition and integrity of the lines. Sewer line inspections are often a vital portion of a hydro-jetting service. They can help identify potential problems, such as existing damage in the sewer line that may worsen during the hydro-jetting process. Plumbers can then make adjustments to their process or recommend additional repairs.
In some cities, a sewer line inspection is required before a plumber can complete any work. Homeowners who fail to have an inspection done may be fined if damage occurs to the main sewer line, even if it’s determined that they were merely negligent in addressing a problem soon enough. Municipalities take sewer line clogs seriously since they can quickly affect other homes on the same sewer line, so some municipalities have strict regulations about sewer work. Whether required or not, a sewer line inspection typically costs anywhere from $275 to $1,175. Homeowners with larger homes or properties with complex layouts can expect to pay more.
Sewer Line Repair or Replacement
Sewer line repair or replacement involves fixing or replacing damaged or deteriorated sections of a sewer line. It’s possible either or both steps may be necessary depending on the severity of damage. For example, pipes can crack, fracture, or break due to tree roots or corrosion over time.
Older sewer lines often show signs of deterioration that can’t be repaired. And persistent blockages may be best addressed by replacing a section of sewer line (especially if hydro-jetting isn’t clearing the blockage).
Whatever the cause of the damage, it’s wise for homeowners to invest in repair or replacement. Homeowners can expect to pay between $60 and $250 per linear foot, with the typical repair job costing about $2,900.
Toilet Removal and Replacement
Removing and replacing a toilet may be necessary if there are severe clogs or pipe damage. Toilet removal costs typically range from $50 to $200, while installing a new toilet costs an average of $370. While toilet removal and replacement can be a DIY job for experienced homeowners, hiring a professional plumber reduces the chance of installation issues that can cause leaks in the future.
It’s important for homeowners to understand that toilet removal costs and toilet replacement costs are not the same. It may be helpful for homeowners to set aside additional funds in case the need to remove and replace a toilet arises.
Tree Root Removal
Nearby tree roots in a yard can penetrate sewer lines as they grow. Once this happens, sewer line blockages are a common problem. If not addressed, tree roots can seriously damage sewer line pipes and eventually cause them to fail. The good news is that high-pressure hydro-jetting can effectively remove tree roots, though it’s more costly than a hydro-jetting job that doesn’t have to remove tree roots.
Tree root removal from a sewer line typically costs an extra $100 to $600 beyond basic hydro- jetting costs. It may be helpful for homeowners to know that some insurance policies cover tree root removal. Homeowners who are facing tree removal costs may want to check with their insurance provider to see if their policy covers any of the expense.
Two-Way Sewer Cleanout Installation
A two-way sewer cleanout provides easier access to a sewer line via a specialized access point. Adding a cleanout allows plumbers to conduct inspections, maintenance, and hydro-jetting appointments faster and more easily. It might also make it easier and cheaper to address sewer line problems before they become more severe.
Two-way sewer cleanout installation costs about $2,000 in addition to any hydro-jetting or other services that may be required. Homeowners often consider installing a two-way sewer cleanout after booking a hydro-jetting service that uncovers a massive clog. Homeowners often find the additional cost is worth considering when budgeting for hydro-jet sewer cleaning.
Sewer Backup Cleanup
The average clogged sewer line cost can quickly increase when a professional cleanup is required. Sewer backup cleanup usually involves cleaning and disinfecting any contaminated areas to make the space safe and habitable.
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) categorizes raw sewage as Category 3 contaminated water or blackwater. This level indicates that the water likely contains viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other harmful microbes that pose a significant health risk to anyone exposed.
Deciding to forgo sewer backup cleanup can lead to health hazards and further property damage. While sewer backup cleanup costs can range from $1,000 to $5,000, a thorough cleaning is always the recommended approach to avoid compromising the health of the home’s occupants and prevent mold growth. Homeowners who experience raw sewage backup or flooding from storm or river surges will want to call one of the best water damage restoration services (such as ServiceMaster Restore or ServPro) and find out how much water damage restoration costs to ensure their home is properly cleaned after contamination.
Residential vs. Commercial
Significant price differences exist between residential and commercial properties that need high-pressure drain cleaning. While it can cost $1,000 to clean a residential sewer line, a commercial sewer line may cost up to $3,000. The increased price is often due to pipe size and length since commercial properties have larger and longer pipes than residential homes.
Commercial properties have more complex piping and sewer systems than residential homes, and they have higher occupancy rates. Clogs may be more frequent and more severe. Additionally, commercial properties may need to adhere to specific regulatory standards that affect the frequency and type of hydro-jetting maintenance performed on a building.
Do I need hydro-jetting?
Hydro-jetting may not be a frequent part of a home’s overall maintenance routine, but there are other times when it becomes a sudden necessity. When a homeowner deals with frequent sewage backups, unpleasant smells, or slow drains, it may be time to schedule a hydro-jet plumbing appointment.
“There are two key situations [in which] we use a jetter,” says Tyler Pittenger, a plumbing technician who is also with Service Force Plumbing. “The first is as a follow-up tool after clearing a clogged drain or sewer. The second is as a preventive maintenance tool in situations where this kind of buildup is a known factor and needs to be addressed regularly.”
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Frequent Backups
While occasional plumbing backups may happen inside a home due to minor clogs, frequent backups are not normal. If sinks or drains are backing up regularly, there may be a buildup of debris or grease, or there may be other obstructions.
Hydro-jetting is an effective method for clearing and preventing blockages that DIY methods, such as plunging, cannot repair. It’s also important to note that DIY chemical drain cleaners can worsen the problem. Ignoring frequent backups can lead to worsening clogs and potential pipe damage. For these scenarios, homeowners are advised to schedule an appointment with a plumber.
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