Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clear and clean the interior of drain and sewer pipes.
Also called drain jetting or water jetting, the process feeds a specialized high-pressure hose into your drain or sewer line and blasts water at 1,500–4,000+ PSI through a purpose-built nozzle. The nozzle sprays in multiple directions — forward to penetrate blockages, backward to scrub the pipe wall — restoring the full interior diameter of the pipe rather than just punching a hole through the thickest buildup. Every hydro jetting service at Sunburst Environmental begins with a camera inspection so we know exactly what we are dealing with before the jetter runs.
How hydro jetting works — step by step
The technician accesses the line through a cleanout — a capped pipe fitting designed for exactly this purpose. If no cleanout is accessible, the line can sometimes be entered through a toilet flange or floor drain. The high-pressure hose is threaded into the line and the pump is brought to operating pressure.
As the hose is pushed down the line, the nozzle cleans from the far end back toward the access point, so loosened material is flushed downstream rather than further into the pipe. For grease blockages, the heat and pressure of the water emulsifies and flushes the buildup. For root intrusion, a root-cutting nozzle slices through the mass. For scale, a rotating nozzle abrades the deposits from the pipe wall.
After jetting, we run the camera through again so you can see the result. You receive footage from both passes — before and after — as proof of what was cleared.
What hydro jetting removes
Hydro jetting is effective against: grease and fat buildup (the most common blockage cause in both residential and commercial lines), root intrusion, mineral scale and calcium deposits, soap scum, hair accumulation, sand and sediment, and general debris. It is not a structural repair — if the pipe is collapsed, cracked, or offset, jetting will not fix that.
Hydro jetting vs. drain snaking
A drain snake breaks through a clog; hydro jetting removes it from the pipe wall. Snaking creates an opening through the thickest buildup but leaves the coating on the walls — which is why snaked drains often clog again within weeks. Jetting restores close to original pipe diameter. For recurring clogs, significant buildup, or any situation where a plumber has told you snaking is not enough, jetting is the appropriate solution.
When is hydro jetting the right call?
Hydro jetting is right for: recurring clogs in the same line, slow drains throughout the house simultaneously (main line issue), grease buildup in commercial kitchen lines, root intrusion in sewer laterals, and pre-purchase or pre-sale inspections where you want to know the line condition. It is also used preventively on a maintenance schedule for commercial properties where grease builds fast.
Frequently asked questions
Does hydro jetting require digging?
No. It accesses the pipe through existing cleanout openings — completely non-invasive to the surrounding property.
Is hydro jetting safe for my pipes?
Yes, when done correctly and after a camera inspection confirms the pipe is in good condition. See our full guide: camera inspection before jetting.
How much does hydro jetting cost?
Residential jobs in Metro Atlanta typically run $300–$600, camera inspection included. Call 678-799-4389 for an estimate on your specific situation.
Ready to get clear pipes? Call Sunburst Environmental at 678-799-4389 — same-day response across Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Or request a free estimate online.