Quick Answer
Hydro jetting will not harm the health of the pipes. In fact, it is among the gentlest methods for unclogging the stubborn blockage, as the water flow never applies a mechanical force to the pipe wall that the snake’s cable does. High water pressure only poses a risk if the pipes are already old, cracked or constructed of weak materials such as clay or cast iron, and if they have a small weak spot, it becomes a larger problem. Hence, a camera inspection before jetting is extremely important, and is more significant than anything else involved in the process.
What Is Hydro Jetting?
The professional drain clearing process is called hydro jetting, or hydrojet drain cleaning, and utilizes a flexible hose attached to a specialized nozzle in order to blast water through your pipes at extremely high pressure. The pressure of a sewer jetter ranges from 1,500 to 4,000 PSI for residential lines, and higher pressure models can be used for more difficult blockages in the city.
Instead of creating a hole in the clog to pass the plumbing snake, a hydro jetter does not cause a hole in the pipe, but rather it removes grease, mineral scale, sludge and small roots, allowing water to flow as it does in a new pipe.
Key Takeaway: Hydro jetting not only cleans a narrow channel through the blockage but also 360 degrees around the inside of the pipe.
Does Hydro Jetting Damage Pipes? The Real Answer
Hydro jetting will not damage pipes if they are in good condition and properly maintained. A trained plumbing professional uses a calibrated water pressure that matches the pipe material and condition and there is no metal cable scraping the inside pipe walls.
Damage becomes a real possibility only when one of these factors is present:
- Over the decades, pipes deteriorate and lose strength and may crack under pressure which a modern PVC pipe can withstand. Clay pipe and cast iron pipe can also deteriorate, as can Orangeburg pipe which is found in older homes in the GTA.
- Where there are cracks or fractures, water will follow the path of least resistance. Jetting may enlarge a pre-existing hairline crack in a pipe caused by soil movement or by the roots of trees.
- Rust eating pipe walls will reduce the pipe walls to much lower burst pressure as the rust eats away from the inside out.
- The largest human error is the incorrect PSI or nozzle used. Erosion can occur at joints or connections if the wrong nozzle is used for the pipe size by an inexperienced operator when applying too much pressure.
- Most damage stories result from no inspection beforehand jetting blind and without knowledge of what is actually in the line.
Bottom line: the pipe’s condition matters far more than the hydro jetting process itself.
Hydro Jetting vs. Snaking: A Quick Comparison
| Factor | Hydro Jetting | Snaking |
| How it clears clogs | Blasts and scours entire pipe wall | Pushes/cuts a hole through the blockage |
| Effectiveness on grease & scale | Excellent removes buildup completely | Limited often leaves residue behind |
| Risk to healthy pipes | Very low | Low, but cable can scratch pipe walls |
| Risk to already-damaged pipes | Higher if not inspected first | Lower, but can miss root cause |
| Chemical use | Nonejust water | None |
| Best for | Recurring clogs, grease, root intrusion, full pipe restoration | Simple, single-point clogs |
| Typical result longevity | Longer-lasting clean pipe | Temporary clog often returns |
When Hydro Jetting Is the Right Choice
Hydrojetting services are especially effective for:
- Recurring or repeat clogs in the same drain
- Grease buildup in kitchen lines (common in restaurants and older homes)
- Mineral scale narrowing pipe diameter
- Minor tree root intrusion in sewer lines
- General preventative maintenance for a plumbing system prone to slow drains
When you’re looking for hydro jetting near me because your drains are backing up every few months, you know you need a permanent solution—hydro jetting can do that while a snake only offers a temporary one.
When Hydro Jetting Should Be Avoided
When a plumber is not licensed to perform jetting, they might suggest an alternate repair, such as when:
- A camera inspection shows visible cracks, collapsed sections, or misaligned joints
- The pipe material is very old clay, Orangeburg, or heavily corroded cast iron
- Significant root intrusion has already compromised the pipe structure
- The plumbing leak is caused by a structural issue rather than a clog
A safer longer lasting solution in these situations is to pipe reline or spot repair.
How Professional Plumbers Prevent Pipe Damage
A reputable plumbing company protects your pipes with this process:
- Camera inspection first. A video camera is run through the line to check pipe material, age, and any existing cracks before any water pressure is applied.
- Pressure matched to the pipe. PSI and nozzle type are selected based on pipe diameter, material, and condition, not a one-size-fits-all setting.
- Gradual pressure increases. Experienced technicians start lower and adjust up, watching for resistance or signs of a weak spot.
- Post-jetting inspection. A second camera pass confirms the pipe is clear and undamaged.
Expert Tip: Before you agree to hydro jetting ask the expert if a camera inspection is included? It’s a plumber who fails to do it. That’s the real risk factor, not the technology.
Cost Considerations
The cost of Hydro jetting services in the GTA is normally higher than the cost of simple snaking services due to the specialized equipment and camera inspection required, but these services are likely to last for a longer period of time and will likely require fewer repeat service calls. Because the quote will vary depending on your specific pipe and pipe condition, length of pipe and severity of the pipe’s clog, it’s important to ask for an onsite or camera assessment before agreeing to any quote.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
- Hiring the cheapest quote without asking if a camera inspection is included
- Assuming all pipe materials can handle the same water pressure
- Ignoring recurring clogs until they become an emergency plumber situation
- Skipping regular maintenance jetting on grease-prone kitchen lines
- Using DIY hydro jetting attachments not rated for household plumbing
About BOS Plumbing and Drains
For more than 20 years, BOS Plumbing and Drains has been resolving drain and pipe problems in the Greater Toronto Area, such as Mississauga, Oakville, Hamilton, Milton, Niagara, Cambridge, Brampton, and Etobicoke. All hydro jetting services begin with a camera inspection to ensure that the condition of the pipes is verified before any pressure is placed on them, treating older GTA homes with clay or cast iron pipes just as diligently as newer properties with PVC pipes.
In addition to hydrojet plumbing, the team provides plumbing repair, plumbing system maintenance, drain cleaning, plumbing leak detection, and other general plumbing services, available 24 hours a day for emergencies. BOS Plumbing and Drains’ Mississauga plumbers, Oakville plumbers, Brampton plumbers and Etobicoke plumbers are all homeowners’ favorites, and they have a wealth of local experience after 20 years serving the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is hydro jetting safe for old pipes?
It depends on the actual condition of the pipe, not just its age. A camera inspection is the only reliable way to know some older cast iron lines are still structurally sound, while others have thinned enough that even moderate pressure is risky.
2. Can hydro jetting cause a pipe to burst?
Yes, but only if the pipe already has a weak pointer crack, corrosion, or root damage and the pressure applied exceeds what that weak spot can handle. Properly inspected pipes rarely burst from jetting.
3. How often should I get hydro jetting done?
Most homes benefit from hydro jetting every 1–2 years as preventative maintenance, while restaurants and commercial kitchens with heavy grease often need it annually.
4. Does hydro jetting remove tree roots from sewer lines?
Yes, hydro jetting can cut through minor to moderate root intrusion. Severe root damage that has cracked the pipe usually needs additional repair, such as relining.
5. Which is better: hydro jetting or snaking?
Hydro jetting cleans the entire pipe wall and lasts longer, while snaking only punches through the immediate clog. For recurring problems, hydro jetting is generally the more effective long-term solution.
6. How much does hydro jetting cost in the GTA?
Pricing varies with pipe length, accessibility, and clog severity. Getting a camera inspection and on-site quote is the most accurate way to know the cost for your specific situation.
Final Thoughts
Hydro Jetting is one of the safest and most effective methods of clearing a clogged drain provided it is performed by a professional that will first examine the pipe. The technology itself does not cause damage to healthy plumbing, it is the pressure applied to already compromised pipes which cause damage. A camera inspection is the wise first step for anyone with persistent clogs, slow drainage or for people who want to determine if professional jetting is necessary for their plumbing system.
Looking for a local plumber to trust? With over 20 years of experience and 24 hours of emergency service, BOS Plumbing and Drains provides hydro jetting services throughout Mississauga, Oakville, Hamilton, Milton, Niagara, Cambridge, Brampton and Etobicoke. Call BOS Plumbing and Drains today for a camera inspection and truthful estimate for pipe issues.