Flushing, Hydro-Jetting & Steaming

Hydro-jetting involves a multi-step process to ensure the complete removal of blockages and buildup inside your pipes:

• Assessment and Inspection: A drain camera is typically used to inspect the pipes and locate the blockage or buildup.
• Inserting the Hydro-Jetter: A hose with a specialized nozzle is inserted into the drain. This nozzle is designed to shoot water both forward and backward, allowing for thorough cleaning of the entire pipe circumference.
• High-Pressure Water Cleaning: Water is sprayed at high pressure through the nozzle, blasting away debris, grease, roots, and other obstructions. The water pressure can be adjusted depending on the severity of the clog and the type of pipe.
• Flushing Out Debris: As the water cuts through the blockage, the remaining debris is flushed out of the pipe and into the main sewer line, leaving your drain clear and functional.

Hydro-jetting is a fast, efficient, and eco-friendly method for cleaning pipes without the use of harsh chemicals.

Hydro-jetting is effective for removing a wide range of blockages, making it one of the most versatile drain cleaning methods available. Some common blockages that hydro-jetting can clear include:

• Grease and Fat Buildup: Particularly common in commercial kitchens and restaurants, grease and fat can solidify in pipes and create stubborn clogs. Hydro-jetting blasts through this buildup, restoring proper flow.
• Mineral Deposits and Scale: In areas with hard water, minerals like calcium can accumulate inside pipes, leading to reduced water flow and blockages. Hydro-jetting removes this scale effectively.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can infiltrate sewer lines, causing significant blockages. Hydro-jetting is powerful enough to cut through these roots without damaging the pipes.
• Sludge and Debris: Hydro-jetting clears out general sludge and debris, ensuring that your pipes are free from any material that could cause a blockage.
• Frozen Pipes: Hydro-jetting combined with steaming can help thaw and remove ice blockages during Calgary’s cold winter months.

This technique can handle everything from routine maintenance to emergency blockages, making it an essential tool for keeping your drains clear.

While traditional methods like drain augering (snaking) are effective for certain types of blockages, hydro-jetting offers several distinct advantages:

• Complete Cleaning: Traditional augers may only punch a hole through the blockage, leaving behind residue that can lead to future clogs. Hydro-jetting thoroughly cleans the entire pipe, ensuring no debris is left behind.
• Higher Efficiency: Hydro-jetting is faster and more efficient, especially for tough blockages like grease, tree roots, or mineral buildup that can be difficult to clear with an auger.
• Eco-Friendly: Hydro-jetting uses only water—no chemicals are required—making it an environmentally friendly option for drain cleaning.
• Safe for Most Pipes: When performed by a professional, hydro-jetting is safe for most types of pipes, including PVC, cast iron, and copper.

While traditional methods are still useful for minor clogs, hydro-jetting is the best option for tough or recurring blockages that need a thorough and long-lasting solution.

Flushing is a drain cleaning method that uses a large volume of water at low pressure to wash away sediment, debris, and light buildup from pipes. It is commonly used for outdoor drains, including manholes, catch basins, and larger sewer lines.

Here’s how flushing works:

• Insertion of Hose: A hose is inserted into the drain or sewer line, similar to hydro-jetting.
• Large Volume Water Flow: Water is introduced at a high volume but lower pressure compared to hydro-jetting. This ensures that any loose debris is pushed through the pipes and flushed out into the main sewer.
• Removal of Sediment: Flushing is particularly effective for removing sand, dirt, and other loose sediment that accumulates in outdoor drains, especially after heavy rainstorms or flooding.

While flushing may not have the same high-pressure capabilities as hydro-jetting, it’s an effective maintenance solution for preventing outdoor drain clogs and ensuring proper water flow in stormwater systems.

Steaming is a specialized technique used to clear blockages in pipes by applying high heat. It’s most commonly used in freezing conditions, where pipes have become blocked by ice or congealed grease. Here’s how steaming works:

• Application of Steam: A steamer is attached to the pipe, and high-temperature steam is injected into the system. The heat from the steam softens and melts any ice, grease, or stubborn clogs that are resistant to other cleaning methods.
• Melting Ice Blockages: In Calgary, where temperatures can drop dramatically during the winter, frozen pipes are a frequent issue. Steaming can quickly and safely thaw these pipes, preventing them from bursting and causing further damage.
• Clearing Grease and Fat: For restaurants or commercial kitchens, steaming can be an effective method for clearing grease clogs that have solidified inside the pipes.

Steaming is often used in combination with hydro-jetting for maximum effectiveness, ensuring that all blockages are cleared and pipes are fully restored to proper working order.

Hydro-jetting is generally safe for most residential and commercial plumbing systems, but there are a few considerations depending on the age and material of the pipes:

• PVC Pipes: Hydro-jetting is safe for modern PVC pipes, which are durable and resistant to the high-pressure water used in the process.
• Cast Iron Pipes: While hydro-jetting is effective for cleaning cast iron pipes, it’s important to ensure that the pipes are not heavily corroded or damaged before using high-pressure water. A drain camera inspection is usually performed to assess the pipe condition.
• Clay and Concrete Pipes: Hydro-jetting is commonly used in municipal sewer systems that use clay or concrete pipes. These materials can withstand the pressure and benefit from the thorough cleaning provided by hydro-jetting.
• Older, Fragile Pipes: For older homes with fragile plumbing, such as galvanized steel, care must be taken when using hydro-jetting to avoid damaging the pipes. In these cases, lower pressure settings may be used, or alternative methods like steaming may be recommended.

A professional plumber will always inspect your pipes before performing hydro-jetting to ensure that it’s safe and suitable for your specific system.

The cost of these services varies depending on several factors, including:

• Severity of the Blockage: More severe blockages that require additional time and equipment may increase the cost.
• Pipe Size and Length: Larger pipes, such as main sewer lines, may require more time and effort, which can affect pricing.
• Type of Service: Hydro-jetting and steaming tend to be more expensive than basic flushing because they require specialized equipment and expertise.
• Location: Whether the blockage is indoors or outdoors, residential or commercial, can also influence pricing.

On average, hydro-jetting services in Calgary range from $300 to $800, depending on the scope of the job. Flushing and steaming services can vary, so it’s recommended to get a detailed quote from a professional plumber.

The frequency of hydro-jetting or flushing depends on the type of property, the age of the plumbing system, and how much use the drains receive:

• Residential Properties: For most homeowners, hydro-jetting or flushing may only be necessary once every 1-2 years, depending on the condition of the pipes and whether the home experiences recurring blockages or slow drains. Regular inspections can help determine if more frequent cleanings are needed.

• Commercial Properties: Businesses like restaurants, where grease and food debris accumulate more rapidly, should consider scheduling hydro-jetting as part of their routine maintenance plan every 3-6 months. Regular preventative maintenance is essential to avoid costly shutdowns caused by clogged pipes.

• Older Homes: If your home has an older plumbing system with cast iron pipes, you may need to schedule hydro-jetting or steaming more frequently (every 6 months to a year) to prevent scale buildup and potential blockages.

• Stormwater Systems: For outdoor drains and stormwater systems, it’s recommended to flush the drains at least once a year, especially after heavy rains or snowmelt, to ensure that sediment and debris do not block the system.

Scheduling regular hydro-jetting or flushing services can help prevent plumbing emergencies and keep your system functioning efficiently year-round.

Yes, hydro-jetting is an effective way to prevent future blockages by thoroughly cleaning the inside walls of the pipes, leaving them smooth and free of debris. Here’s how it helps prevent clogs from recurring:

• Complete Cleaning: Unlike traditional methods, which may only punch a hole through the blockage, hydro-jetting removes all debris, sludge, and grease, reducing the chances of future clogs.

• Improves Flow Capacity: By clearing out the full circumference of the pipe, hydro-jetting restores full flow capacity, allowing water and waste to pass through easily without getting trapped.

• Prevents Tree Root Intrusion: While hydro-jetting can’t prevent tree roots from regrowing, it can remove them more thoroughly, reducing the frequency of tree root-related clogs. With regular hydro-jetting, you can significantly delay the need for rooter services or pipe repairs.

Preventative hydro-jetting is particularly useful for high-use commercial properties and older homes, as it keeps the plumbing system clean and helps avoid emergency repairs.

Yes, flushing is essential for maintaining outdoor drains, such as stormwater systems, manholes, and catch basins. These drains are especially prone to accumulating dirt, sand, leaves, and other debris, which can lead to clogs and flooding.

Here’s why regular flushing is necessary for outdoor drains:

• Prevent Flooding: Outdoor drains are responsible for managing water from rain, snowmelt, and runoffs. If these drains become clogged, it can lead to flooding in parking lots, streets, or even basements.

• Remove Sediment: Over time, sediment from sand, dirt, and organic matter can accumulate in storm drains, reducing their effectiveness. Flushing uses a high volume of water to wash this sediment out and ensure proper flow.

• Maintain Proper Function: For municipalities or commercial properties, keeping stormwater drains clean is crucial to maintaining proper water management and avoiding potential property damage during heavy rains.

Flushing your outdoor drains annually or after heavy storms ensures they remain functional and clear of debris, preventing flooding and water damage.

Hydro-jetting and steaming offer several environmental benefits compared to traditional drain cleaning methods:

• No Chemicals Needed: Hydro-jetting uses only high-pressure water, making it an eco-friendly option for clearing drains without introducing harmful chemicals into the environment.

• Conserves Water: Despite using water as the primary cleaning method, hydro-jetting is efficient and conserves water compared to methods that rely on multiple cleaning steps or the use of large volumes of water and chemicals.

• Prevents Pollution: By thoroughly cleaning drains and preventing blockages, hydro-jetting and flushing help reduce the risk of sewage backups, which can lead to water contamination and environmental pollution.

Steaming is another environmentally safe option, as it uses heat to break down clogs without any chemicals. This method is particularly beneficial for grease clogs and frozen pipes, reducing the need for harmful solutions that could damage the environment.

Calgary’s cold winters can lead to frozen pipes and blockages, especially in outdoor or exposed plumbing systems. Steaming is an ideal solution for these winter-specific problems, offering a safe and effective way to thaw frozen pipes and clear ice blockages.

Here’s how steaming helps:

• Thaws Frozen Pipes: Steaming safely heats and melts ice blockages inside pipes, restoring water flow without the risk of bursting pipes that can occur with other methods.

• Clears Ice Clogs: For apartment buildings and restaurants, steaming is often used to clear frozen sanitary stacks or grease lines that have been clogged by congealed grease and ice.

• Prevents Winter Damage: By clearing ice blockages before they cause further damage, steaming can help prevent pipe bursts, flooding, and costly repairs during Calgary’s harsh winter months.

Steaming is a quick and effective way to address winter plumbing issues, ensuring your pipes remain functional even in the coldest conditions.

Yes, hydro-jetting is one of the safest and most effective ways to maintain drain systems for businesses in Calgary. Here’s why it’s particularly suited for commercial properties:

• Grease and Debris Removal: For restaurants and commercial kitchens, grease buildup is a common problem that can cause serious drain issues. Hydro-jetting thoroughly removes grease and debris from pipes, preventing frequent clogs and plumbing emergencies.

• Regular Maintenance: Businesses with high-volume water usage, such as hotels, apartment buildings, and food service facilities, benefit from regular hydro-jetting as part of their preventative maintenance plan. This helps prevent unexpected shutdowns and expensive repairs.

• Eco-Friendly for Commercial Use: Because hydro-jetting doesn’t rely on chemicals, it’s a safe and eco-friendly option for businesses concerned about their environmental footprint.

Whether for preventative maintenance or emergency services, hydro-jetting is a reliable solution for keeping commercial drains clear and functional.

Sewerheroes provides expert hydro-jetting, flushing, and steaming services for homeowners and businesses across Calgary. Here’s why you should trust us for your drain cleaning needs:

• Expertise and Advanced Technology: Our team is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and extensive experience in drain cleaning. We assess each situation individually and choose the best method for effective and long-lasting results.

• Full-Service Solutions: Whether you’re dealing with a clogged kitchen drain, a blocked outdoor manhole, or frozen pipes, we have the tools and techniques to handle any drain problem quickly and efficiently.

• Preventative Maintenance: We offer regular maintenance plans for businesses and residential properties, ensuring your drains remain clear year-round, preventing major issues before they occur.

• Fast Response: When you have a plumbing emergency, we’re ready to respond with prompt, reliable service, ensuring your problem is resolved with minimal disruption.

With Sewerheroes, you get professional, reliable service that keeps your plumbing in top condition. Contact us today for all your hydro-jetting, flushing, and steaming needs in Calgary.