Descaling removes the hard mineral buildup (scale) from the inside of pipes.
Scale is calcium carbonate and other mineral deposits that build up on pipe walls over time, particularly in hard water areas. Unlike grease or root intrusion, scale is hard and adhered to the pipe wall — standard hydro jetting pressure alone does not always remove it effectively.
Descaling uses a combination of mechanical tools (chain knockers, cutting heads that physically abrade the scale) and high-pressure water to break up and flush the deposits. It’s more aggressive than standard jetting and is specifically used when scale has significantly narrowed a pipe’s flow capacity.
In the Metro Atlanta area, hard water scale is less common than grease or root intrusion as a drain problem. If the camera inspection shows scale buildup, we’ll discuss whether standard jetting, descaling, or both is the right approach.
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.