What Is Water Jetting and How Does It Work?

Key Takeaways
What Is Water Jetting?
How the Process Works
What Can Water Jetting Clean?
Why Use Water Jetting Instead of a Drain Snake?
Is Water Jetting Safe for Plumbing?
When Should You Schedule a Jetting Service?
Why Choose Tom’s Plumbing for Water Jetting in New Orleans?
Let’s Get Your Drains Flowing Again

Drains don’t always give a warning before they clog up. When they do, basic plunging or snaking might not be enough. That’s where water jetting comes in.

Water jetting is a reliable method used to clear blockages and clean pipes using high-pressure streams of water. It’s fast, safe for your plumbing when done correctly, and far more effective than traditional drain cleaning tools. At Tom’s Plumbing and Drain Service, LLC, we provide trusted water jetting services in New Orleans to take care of buildup, debris, and hard-to-reach clogs.

If your drain is backed up or slow, contact us today. We’re ready to help with same-day service and upfront pricing.

Key Takeaways

Water jetting (hydro jetting) uses high-pressure water to clear pipes without chemicals.
It’s ideal for removing grease, roots, and buildup in residential and commercial lines.
Jetting cleans the entire pipe, not just the blockage, unlike traditional snaking.
Safe for most pipe materials when handled by professionals.
Video inspection is performed before jetting to confirm safety and effectiveness.
Common signs you may need jetting include gurgling drains, foul odors, or repeat clogs.
Tom’s Plumbing and Drain Service, LLC offers expert water jetting in New Orleans with honest pricing and same-day service.

What Is Water Jetting?

Also known as hydro jetting, water jetting is a method that uses a focused stream of high-pressure water to break apart and remove buildup inside plumbing pipes. Depending on the application, pressures can range from around 3,000 PSI for residential lines up to 10,000 PSI for commercial or industrial systems.

Water jetting does not use harsh chemicals or abrasive tools. Instead, it clears the pipe using the natural power of pressurized water. It removes debris, grease, scale, and soft root intrusion. The process is safe for most common pipe materials, and it’s eco-friendly because it uses clean water only.

How the Process Works

It starts with a high-powered water pump that builds up pressure in a flexible hose. That hose is attached to a nozzle designed to spray water in different directions. Once activated, the stream travels through the plumbing line and breaks up anything in its path.

The nozzle sprays forward to cut through blockages and backward to flush debris out of the pipe. The water scours the entire pipe interior—not just the center—removing thick residue and buildup along the walls.

Before beginning, we use a video camera inspection to check the condition of the pipe and confirm what’s causing the problem. This step also helps us decide if water jetting is the right approach.

What Can Water Jetting Clean?

Water jetting works well for many types of clogs and buildup, including:

Grease and food waste in kitchen lines
Hair and soap buildup in bathroom drains
Mineral deposits and hard water scale
Dirt, sand, and silt in outdoor drain lines
Waste buildup in commercial kitchen pipes
Soft tree root intrusion in sewer lines

For hard root blockages, we may use mechanical cutting tools first, then follow up with water jetting to remove any remaining debris.

If your drains have slowed down, gurgle, or clog frequently, hydro jetting can clear out the deeper issue that other methods miss.

Why Use Water Jetting Instead of a Drain Snake?

Drain snakes are helpful for some clogs, but they only open a small hole through the blockage. Most snakes don’t remove the buildup left on the pipe walls, which means the clog often returns.

Water jetting clears the entire pipe, not just part of it. It removes the blockage along with the grease, sludge, or residue that caused it in the first place. That means cleaner pipes and fewer repeat issues.

Hydro jetting is especially helpful when snaking fails or when the same drain keeps having problems over time.

Is Water Jetting Safe for Plumbing?

Yes—when handled by trained professionals, water jetting is safe for most plumbing systems.

That includes:

PVC (common in newer homes)
Copper lines
Cast iron (common in older buildings)
Clay pipes (often found in older sewer lines)

We always inspect the line before jetting. If the pipe is damaged or deteriorating, we’ll recommend an alternative approach. Using the wrong pressure in a weak pipe can cause damage, which is why proper inspection and control are so important.

When Should You Schedule a Jetting Service?

You don’t need to wait for a complete backup to get help.

If you notice:

Gurgling drains or bubbling water
Slow draining sinks or tubs
Foul smells coming from the pipes
Repeated clogs in the same area
Water backing up into lower fixtures

Then it’s time to call. These signs usually mean there’s a deeper blockage inside the line, and hydro jetting is one of the best ways to clear it out.

Why Choose Tom’s Plumbing for Water Jetting in New Orleans?

We’ve been helping people in New Orleans solve plumbing problems for over 30 years. Our team knows what works and what doesn’t. When you call us, we’ll inspect the problem, explain the options clearly, and provide the service that makes the most sense for your home or business.

We show up on time, bring the right equipment, and do the job right the first time. We don’t use scare tactics or upsells—we solve the problem and help you understand how to prevent it from coming back.

With us, you get:

Fair, honest pricing with no hidden fees
Licensed and experienced local plumbers
Same-day and emergency scheduling options
Clean work and reliable service
Results that help your plumbing last longer

Let’s Get Your Drains Flowing Again

Water jetting is one of the most dependable ways to clean your plumbing system and clear out tough clogs. It restores proper flow and reduces the chances of another backup.

If you’ve been dealing with slow drains or repeated clogs, we can help. At Tom’s Plumbing and Drain Service, LLC, we provide water jetting in New Orleans with results you can count on.

Call now to schedule your water jetting service or fill out our short contact form to request a quote.

We’re ready to get things flowing again—quickly, cleanly, and professionally.