Typically 1–5 years for residential drains, months for high-use commercial lines.
How long a jetted drain stays clean depends entirely on what caused the blockage in the first place. Grease buildup in a kitchen drain comes back faster if cooking habits do not change — a household that pours bacon grease down the sink regularly will see buildup return faster than one that does not. Root intrusion comes back at the rate the roots grow, which varies by tree species.
For residential sewer laterals without significant root intrusion or grease issues: a jetted line often stays clean for years. For restaurant lines: monthly or quarterly maintenance jetting is common because the source of the grease never stops.
The camera inspection footage we take after jetting gives you a baseline. If you jet again in 18 months and compare footage, you can see exactly how fast your specific line accumulates buildup — which helps you decide on a maintenance schedule that makes sense for your situation.
Questions about your pipes? Call Sunburst Environmental at 678-799-4389 — same-day response across Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Or request a free estimate online.