Does Hydro Jetting Work on Roots: What You Need to Know

Tree roots cause most sewer blockages—call us to learn what to do about it for your property in Minnesota!

Does hydro jetting work on roots? If you’re facing a backed-up sewer, this might be one of the questions you’re asking, and understandably so. 

Below, the team from Babe Plumbing explains how hydro jetting services in Mankato, MN, work on sewer clogs and more.

What Is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting uses specialized tools to generate high water pressure. Once it reaches 4,000 PSI, the technique effectively clears out most blockages. It’s even highly effective at removing tree roots from pipes or sewer lines.

If you are thinking of pursuing this solution for root invasion issues, hire a professional plumber because the hydro jet equipment uses extremely high pressure.

Why Do I Need Hydro Jetting?

Tree roots wreak havoc on plumbing systems, especially sewer lines. They can grow up to seven times the height of the tree, and any nearby moisture attracts them. That’s why roots wrap around pipes or grow through brittle or old ones.

Timing also matters. The longer you leave tree roots, the thicker and stronger they become. So, if you notice signs of a blocked sewer, address the problem quickly!

How Do I Know I Need Hydro Jetting?

Does hydro jetting work on roots? Yes, but how do you tell if you have invasive tree roots?

Unusual Odors

Have you noticed the smell of rotten eggs on your property? If the odor is outside, it often indicates a clogged sewer line.

Gurgling Toilets

If your toilet bubbles or murmurs, there's a blockage somewhere along the line. A plumber can determine whether the problem resides in your sewer line.

Sinkholes

Sinkholes are a certain sign of a tree root invasion. Call for help immediately—ignoring a potential sinkhole in your yard is dangerous. 

Irregular Tree Size

Trees with access to sewer lines grow better. If you notice a tree that is larger than others or boasts a more luscious set of leaves, you might blame your sewer line.

Is Hydro Jetting Right for Me?

Hydro jetting is effective, but it's not the right option across the board.

Newer Pipes

Do you have older pipes? Hydro jetting risks damaging them. Newer pipes withstand the high pressure of hydro jetting much more robustly.

Well-constructed Pipes

Certain materials are more vulnerable to a hydro jet's pressure. For example, pipes made from PVC or thin metal break easily, as do ones with poor seals. Pipes coated with epoxy will handle hydro jetting the best.

Thin Roots

Hydro jetting works best on thinner roots. If the plumber determines the invasive roots are too thick, they'll use another method to clear the blockage. Sometimes, the specialist can break up thicker roots before hydro jetting.

What Are the Benefits of Hydro Jetting?

You'll gain several additional benefits from hydro jetting.

Removes Buildup

The water pressure from the hydro jet clears several types of heavy buildup, including:

• Left-over human waste
• Paper accumulation
• Grease development
• Proliferating bacteria
• Mineral and sediment, like water scale

Environmentally Friendly

Hydro jetting uses only water. That means it doesn't rely on unnatural or harmful chemicals. It's great for the environment compared to other options, like chemical-based removal.

What Happens During Hydro Jetting?

How does hydro jetting work on roots? A plumber uses a hydro jet with the following steps in mind:

1. Inspection

The plumber inspects your drainage system, often using a fiber optic camera system.

2. Insertion

With the tree root located, the plumber inserts the hydro jet tube into the pipes. The hose is flexible and can move through any area of your plumbing system.

3. Clearing

With the hydro jet threaded through your system, the plumber activates it. Pointed right at the tree root, the powerful pressure breaks it apart, removing the problem.

How to Prevent a Tree Root Invasion

Do you want to avoid the hydro jetting process altogether? Take the following steps to help prevent tree root invasion:

Locate Your Line0

If you know your sewer line's route, you can avoid planting near it. You can also identify trees that put your sewer at risk of invasion.

Keep An Eye On Your Trees

Identify potential threats from trees. Check them regularly for unusual growth and examine your yard for smells or sinkholes between the tree and your sewer line.

Address Problems Early

At the first sign of a problem, call a professional. The earlier the intervention, the easier and more affordable the solution.

Do Property Owners Have Other Options?

If you're not a candidate for hydro jetting, your plumber might suggest the following options.

Rootering

A rooter is a special tool the plumber can use to break up roots. Often, this is the precursor to hydro jetting the thicker roots. 

While a rooter effectively eliminates minor clogs from sources other than tree roots, without hydro jetting, it's only a temporary solution. If you forgo flushing the roots, they grow back.

Linings

Once they remove the root, your plumber might choose to reinforce the pipe by lining it with epoxy. This process strengthens the pipes and makes them more resistant to damage. However, without managing the tree's root growth with other methods, they might still cause damage.

Replacement

If the damage is severe, your plumber could suggest replacing that section of the pipe. You'll have a stronger, updated pipe if you go with this solution.

Pipe Bursting

It's not what you think! During pipe bursting, the plumber uses a special snake to break your pipe and replace it with a stronger, seamless version.

Chemical Treatments

Your plumber can use special chemicals to break down the tree root. They also might opt for copper shielding around your pipe (copper kills and repels roots).

Call Babe Plumbing for All Your Hydro Jet Needs Today!

Does hydro jetting work on roots? Are you also wondering, "How long does hydro jetting take"? We have the answers.

Call Babe Plumbing at 507-443-3427 today with questions or to take advantage of a solution to all your invasive root problems.

Author Bio:

Jeff Jordan and Anne Jordan

The wizards at Babe Plumbing. With synchronized finesse, they flawlessly orchestrate service excellence, transforming appointment chaos into a harmonious symphony of plumbing solutions, leaving customers impressed and ever-grateful for their unrivaled coordination.