A clogged drain or sewer line is one of the most frustrating things that you will encounter as a homeowner. Sewage backup is not only an inconvenience, but it is entirely unpleasant. Major drain clogs require professional plumbing services. In the past, the plumbing professional would come out to your home and dislodge the blockage with a tool known as a snake. While many companies still use these devices today, a plumbing jetter is the better solution. This high-powered plumbing tool can quickly rid even the worst clogs and get your drains working at their best.
What is a Plumbing Jetter?
Plumbing jetters, also known as pressure jet drain cleaners, are a commercial plumbing tool designed to clean your drains and remove blockages. The device uses high-pressure water jets to get rid of obstructions and allow water to flow freely through your pipes.
Plumbing jetters are a much safer alternative to caustic drain cleaners, which are harmful to consumers and the environment. A jetter consists of the following components:
- Motor
- Pump
- Hose reel
- Hose
- Various nozzles
The jetter will also need a water source. Some jetters include a storage tank but most connect to your home’s water supply.
Are There Different Types of Plumbing Jetters?
There are many different types and sizes of jetters in use today. The ideal type of jetter will depend on the service being provided and the size of the drain that is being cleaned.
Some commonly used jetters are electric drain jetters and portable drain jetters. These types of jetters are extremely quiet due to the electric motor. They are great for residential and commercial applications as they can be used indoors.
Portable jetters are excellent for small pipes and are most often used to unclog obstructions in sinks or toilets. They are not suitable for large commercial applications or for clearing out a main residential sewer line.
Despite their benefits, both of these jetters produce limited power due to their compact electric motors. The ideal option are diesel-powered jetters.
Why Is a High Pressure Jetter the Best Option?
The largest type of jetter is referred to as a high-pressure or commercial jetter. This piece of equipment is either attached to a trailer or placed in the back of a flatbed truck. Most high-pressure jetters are powered by a diesel engine, which yields a substantial amount of power.
Despite their size, diesel-powered jetters are by far the most versatile. They are equipped with hundreds of feet of hose so that they can reach anywhere in your home or business. The hose size can be reduced to fit smaller drains through the use of adapters. They also feature several different nozzle sizes.
A high-pressure diesel jetter can handle any blockage regardless of size. They can be used to clean out municipal sewer lines or main drain lines leading to large commercial spaces. This is by-far the most effective type of jetting service.
General Water Jetter vs. Plumbing Snake
As mentioned above, some plumbers still rely on plumbing snakes to unclog drain lines. A snake is essentially a flexible metal tool that is manipulated into your piping to remove obstructions. While modern snakes are often equipped with cameras and lights to provide an in-depth look at your plumbing system, they are not the ideal way to unclog a drain.
Major obstruction and heavy debris can be especially resistant to a plumbing snake. In addition, grease clogs are difficult to remove with a snake. This is because grease is soft and tacky. The snake will easily poke through the grease obstruction, but it will not be able to remove the build-up.
On the other hand, a high pressure jetter can easily blast away any clog. Jetters will get rid of any debris on the walls of your pipes and improve their overall function. They are the ideal means of cleaning plumbing lines and removing obstructions.
What Types of Clogs Require Jetter Services?
Practically any type of obstruction in your pipe can be removed with a jetter. As noted above, grease clogs are one of the most common and frustrating types of clogs to deal with. Jetters can get rid of grease much more easily than other drain clearing tools.
Hair can also clog up residential drain lines. Like grease, hair is very difficult to remove with a drain snake. This is because the strands of hair can become entangled around the snake. Blasting it away with a jetter is all too easy though.
Foreign objects and plant debris are the other sources of residential drainage issues that can require the use of a jetter. Whether your child flushed down their favorite toy or you used one too many of those “flushable” wipes, a jetter can remedy the issue in no time.
Benefits of Line Jetter Services
While no commercial equipment is completely without drawbacks, jetter services are pretty close to perfect. They can get rid of the most severe obstructions with ease. In addition, jetter services are extremely efficient. In fact, the average jetter service visit lasts only 1 to 2 hours, while a major plumbing repair can last up to 8 hours.
Jetters are even safe for the environment. As noted above, drain cleaners are extremely harmful. Since jetters only use pressurized water, they are the much safer alternative.
Jetter Services in Charlotte, NC
If you are dealing with frequent clogs and mounting plumbing repair costs, then it is time to contact Superior Plumbing & Drains, LLC about our jetter services. We can clean your drains and get rid of pesky clogs in no time! Our professionals are available 24/7 for all your plumbing needs. Give us a call today at (704) 289-6858.
