What is “hydro jetting”?

Pipe cleaning is commonly performed by a technique known as sewer jetting. Sewer jetting is the application of streams of high-pressure water for use within pipes for cleaning and debris removal. Water at the correct high pressure can cut roots, dissolve blockages, emulsify grease and soaps while spray washing pipe wall surfaces. As part of the jetting process, the water from the nozzle can also wash away accumulated dirt or debris on the bottom of the pipe at the same time.

Sewer jetting

For sewer jetting, a jetting nozzle is attached to the end of a length of high-pressure hose with the other end connected to a high-pressure water pump. Jetting nozzles have small precision-machined orifices or jets to restrict water flow from the jetting pump thus causing high pressure to build within hose. As the pressurized water is expelled from the nozzle jets it reverts from pressure to velocity (speed) creating thrust that allows the nozzle to pull the jetting hose. With the system pressurized, high pressure jetting hose coiled on a hydraulic powered hose reel (up to 500′) is released by the operator who controls the travel speed and distance of the nozzle up the pipe.

Pressurized water expelled from the nozzle jets cleans debris and removes pipe blockages or roots from the inside of the pipe while traveling through the pipe. Optimum cleaning is achieved when the hose is being rewound onto the hydraulic reel. During this action, water from the nozzle jets effectively forms a curtain or wall of high-pressure water that forces (or rakes) the debris downstream. Sewer jetting technology can be applied to clean all size pipe diameters with the appropriate size of high pressure jetting unit.

Potential applications for high pressure jetting units

Sanitary or Mainline Sewers

Located under streets and roads that connect building laterals to a municipal wastewater treatment plant for treatment. Wastewater flows freely through sewers via gravity. Sewers are connected at various intervals by manholes (maintenance access point) that in some applications will allow for a change of direction of wastewater flow. Municipal sewers can range in size from pipes as small as 6 inches, increasing in diameter as more and more laterals connect to the system. Sewer blockages can form as a result of root infiltration, food grease buildup, soap residue buildup and dirt and debris accumulation. Blockages can also occur from pipe failure or collapse that will require excavation to correct. Private sanitary wastewater collection systems of similar construction can be found on privately owned property connecting buildings in apartment and office complexes, universities or other large campus-type facilities that ultimately discharge into a municipal wastewater systems.

Laterals

Pipes that connect building drainage systems to municipal sewers are considered to be part of the property and the responsibility of the property owner. Typically, laterals are 4″ and 6″ diameter pipes that connect directly to municipal sewer pipelines, but can be larger for commercial or industrial buildings. Lateral blockages can form as a result of root infiltration, food grease buildup, soap residue buildup and dirt and debris accumulation. Blockages can also occur from pipe failure or collapse that will require excavation to correct.

Drains

Drainage pipes are located under or within buildings, considered to be part of the property and the responsibility of the property owner. Drains in buildings can range in sizes from 2″ to 6″ diameters (typically) that normally contain “Tees” or “Elbows” for wastewater directional changes. Drain blockages can form as a result of food grease buildup, soap residue buildup and dirt and debris accumulation.

Storm Drains

Pipes that are limited to the collections and control of rainwater. Rainwater can be collected and directly diverted to streams or rivers without passing through a water treatment plant. Storm drain blockages can form as a result of root infiltration, silt, dirt and debris accumulation. Blockages can also occur from pipe failure or collapse that will require excavation to correct.