Serving Weatherford & Surrounding North Texas Region
Serving Weatherford & Surrounding North Texas Region
Drain clogs are some of the most frustrating hassles of home ownership, and they don’t always happen suddenly. Many take their time to form as gunk, grease, hair, limescale, or tree roots slowly invade your sewer lines.
When they’re minor, they’re easy to ignore. But suddenly you have drains that won’t clear at all, sinks or tubs that become impossible to clean due to standing water, or even the nightmare of wastewater backing up into your bathroom.
In many cases, traditional drain-clearing tools simply can’t reach or fully remove deep-rooted clogs. That’s where hydrojetting comes in. This high-powered, water-based solution is quickly becoming the go-to method for homeowners and businesses looking for a safe, eco-friendly, and effective way to clear their pipes.
In this guide, our Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical plumbing team will walk you through what hydrojetting is, how it works, its benefits, how it compares to other methods, what it typically costs, and when it is (or isn’t) the best option for your plumbing system.
Read on to learn the facts!
Hydrojetting is a powerful drain cleaning method that uses highly pressurized water to blast away stubborn clogs and debris inside your pipes. Also known as pipe jetting or high-pressure drain cleaning, this modern approach goes far beyond the reach of traditional tools like plungers or even mechanical augers.
Instead of crudely scraping or pushing blockages forward, hydrojetting chops up material and simultaneously scours the inside of your plumbing lines. The clog material can then be washed away completely into the sewer system or septic tank. This makes it effective for removing everything from thick grease and sludge to intrusive tree roots and mineral deposits caused by the hard water we have in Weatherford.
Hydrojet machines use a high-pressure hose and a custom nozzle that sprays water in multiple directions. It uses PSI (pounds per square inch) levels that typically range between 1,500 and 5,000, depending on the condition and material of the pipes and the nature of the clog. These pressures are strong enough to clear years of buildup without damaging the pipe itself, making it an ideal solution for both residential and commercial plumbing systems.
Compared to older methods like snaking, which simply pierce through a clog to restore flow, hydrojetting delivers a much deeper clean. While a plumber’s snake might offer temporary relief, it often leaves residue behind that leads to recurring issues. Hydrojetting, on the other hand, restores the full diameter of your pipes, helping prevent future blockages and improving overall plumbing performance.
In a place like Weatherford, where older homes may deal with decades of buildup and newer ones face severe hard water scale, hydrojetting is a long-term solution for keeping your plumbing in peak condition.
Before any high-pressure drain cleaning begins, we start by feeding a specialized plumbing camera into your drain lines. This real-time video inspection allows us to identify the source of the blockage and assess the overall condition of your pipes.
During this initial step, we’re looking for cracks, corrosion, joint misalignments, or signs of collapse. This is especially important because while hydrojetting is effective, it’s not appropriate for pipes that are structurally compromised. Once we’ve confirmed that your plumbing is sound, we move on to the main cleaning phase.
Using commercial-grade hydrojet equipment, our technicians insert a heavy-duty hose with a specially designed jetting nozzle into your drain system. The duration depends on the length of the line and the level of buildup, but most jobs are completed in under two hours.
After the cleaning is complete, we conduct a second camera inspection to ensure the job was successful and the line is fully clear. This post-jetting step confirms that the pipe has been thoroughly cleaned and that there are no lingering issues requiring further repair.
Because of the high pressure involved, hydrojetting should only be performed by trained professionals. At Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we tailor each job to your system’s needs to ensure a safe and effective clean.
It can be—but only after a thorough inspection. If your pipes are cracked, corroded, or brittle, high-pressure jetting may cause further damage. That’s why we always inspect before we jet and adjust pressure levels to suit the condition of your plumbing.
Hydrojetting is an excellent solution for tough or recurring drain issues that typical snaking or plunging just can’t handle. If you’re dealing with frequent clogs, slow-moving drains, or persistent foul odors coming from your plumbing, hydrojetting can help. A wastewater backup is also a clear and urgent sign of trouble that hydrojetting can fix.
Hydrojetting both clears the obstruction and scrubs the pipe walls clean, preventing future issues. In commercial properties, where usage is heavier and more demanding—like restaurants or apartment complexes—hydrojetting should be part of a routine maintenance plan. For residential properties, it’s typically used on an as-needed basis, but is also valuable as a preventative measure.
Hydrojetting is especially effective for breaking through grease buildup, tree root intrusion, mineral deposits from Weatherford’s hard water, or compacted sludge that’s built up over time. These are things that traditional cleaning methods often leave behind.
It’s important to consider the age and condition of your plumbing. While hydrojetting is safe for most modern piping, older or more fragile systems can be damaged by the power of the hydrojet. That’s why a preliminary camera inspection is crucial. After we evaluate the condition of your pipes using specialized imaging, we can confirm that they’re in good enough shape for the procedure.
The inspection also shows us the nature of the clog and the appropriate PSI settings to use for our hydrojet equipment. If your pipes are damaged, joints are loose, the plumbing system is old, or there are fragile plumbing fixtures near the clog, hydrojetting isn’t a safe option regardless of the pipe material.
Here’s a rundown of the suitability of hydrojetting for different types of plumbing:
PVC pipes are strong and durable. As long as they’re undamaged and the plumber is a professional who understands what PSI to use, hydrojetting is safe.
For PEX pipes, hydrojets may need to be set at a lower PSI than for PVC or some types of metal. That’s because PEX is more flexible than other plumbing materials.
Copper and steel pipes that are in good condition are durable and firm, making them great candidates for hydrojetting service.
Clay pipes can be hydrojetted at a lower PSI range. Handled with expert care and precision, jetting is a viable option as long as the pipes aren’t damaged. Just keep in mind that clay pipes were often installed in the 1960s and 1970s, making their age and fragility an issue in many cases.
Cast iron pipes are prone to corrosion and weaken over time. Most cast iron plumbing systems are also on the older side. Hydrojetting may be possible, but a professional inspection is even more essential. Jets will need to be set at low pressure to avoid damage.
| Hydrojetting | Snaking | Mechanical Augers | Chemical Cleaners | |
| Effectiveness on Clog Types | Grease, sludge, tree roots, and heavy buildup | Good for minor clogs and soft blockages | Effective on tough, localized clogs (roots/heavy debris) | Limited to soft clogs. Ineffective on solid or deep blockages |
| Cost | Higher upfront cost due to equipment and labor | Lower cost. Quick solution for basic issues | Mid-range—varies by clog severity and access requirements | Low cost, but often requires repeated use |
| Safety | Safe when performed by professionals. Requires pipe inspection | Very safe for most home plumbing systems | Generally safe. Some risk of damage to old or fragile pipes | Risk of pipe damage, skin/eye irritation, and toxic fume exposure |
| Eco-friendly? | Eco-friendly—uses only high-pressure water | Low environmental impact. No chemicals involved | Neutral—minimal environmental impact | Harmful. Chemicals can contaminate water supply & damage septic systems |
| Longevity | Long-lasting results. Removes entire clog and pipe buildup | Short-term relief. Can remove the main clog, but may leave buildup behind | Medium to long-lasting, depending on thoroughness | Very short-term. Often masks the issue without fully removing clogs |
The cost of hydrojetting will vary significantly depending on the scope of the job, but on average, homeowners can expect to pay between $400 and $800 for a single drain cleaning. Larger or more complex jobs can exceed $1,000, especially when additional services are required.
Cleaning one drain is going to be faster and less expensive. Full system jetting requires more time, equipment, and labor.
Part of the cost reflects the equipment involved. Hydrojetting machines are powerful, specialized tools that require regular maintenance. In many cases, a sewer camera inspection is necessary before jetting, which adds to the cost. These camera systems are also costly for plumbing companies to operate and maintain.
There’s also the cost of the estimate. Since hydrojetting requires a camera inspection to determine if the service is a viable option, many plumbing companies don’t offer free estimates for this service.
If you have had a sewer cleanout installed, this makes the line much easier to access. That means lower labor costs and a faster solution, but presents a significant upfront investment. That said, it will make all future sewer and drain services more affordable later on.
Before we begin, a plumber from Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical will perform a sewer camera inspection to pinpoint the clog and evaluate the pipe condition. Once approved, the jetting process typically takes one to two hours. It may take longer if extra steps are involved, your sewer line is difficult to access, or we’re clearing multiple drains.
During the service, we may need to remove a toilet or access a cleanout to reach the blockage. You may hear some noise during the actual hydrojetting process, but it’s generally non-invasive and mess-free.
Hydrojetting is a technical process, so it’s critical to hire an experienced and licensed plumber. However, there are many levels of plumbing licensing. In Texas, plumbers are required to hold a valid license issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) to perform plumbing work. However, some of the lower licensing levels require a supervising plumber to oversee the hydrojetting process.
You can verify a plumber’s license by visiting tsbpe.texas.gov.
Whether you’re dealing with drain issues in a historic home near the courthouse or a newer house on the outskirts of town, understanding hydrojetting can save you time, money, and a major headache by preventing clogged drains from escalating.
At Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we bring years of hands-on experience and top-tier equipment to every hydrojetting job. We’re committed to transparency, safety, and long-term results.
We always start with a professional diagnosis so you know exactly what’s needed. From a simple kitchen clog to full sewer line jetting, we’re here to get the job done right the first time and offer transparent communication from start to finish.
Call Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical in Weatherford to learn more about our hydrojetting services.
Still have questions? Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries we get about hydrojetting services.
Renting hydrojet machines can cost more than just hiring a professional, especially if the clog isn’t fully cleared. Jetting machines aren’t especially cost-effective for one-time use. Many rental-grade machines also don’t have the same PSI capabilities as those used by our plumbers, since excessive pressure is more likely to cause damage.
Aside from that, improper use may not clear the entire clog and can easily damage your pipes, especially if they’re old, corroded, or weakened. Without a professional camera inspection, you won’t know whether your plumbing system can safely handle the force of a hydrojet.
Yes, hydrojetting is safe for septic systems when performed by experienced professionals. At Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we take care to ensure that the jetting process only targets your pipes and doesn’t disturb the septic tank itself. If there are any signs of structural damage or fragile pipes, we’ll recommend a different approach.
Yes. It helps us locate the exact position and nature of the clog, determine whether jetting is appropriate, and assess the condition of the pipes. This avoids causing damage to fragile, corroded, or collapsed lines that will make your problem worse. If we find damage, we may recommend sewer line repair or replacement.
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