When your drains keep clogging no matter how many times you snake them, there’s a good chance your pipes are holding onto more than you think. That’s when it’s time to bring in the big leagues: hydro jetting, also known as water jetting. At Radiant Plumbing & Air Conditioning, our expert plumbers use this high-powered cleaning method to flush out years of buildup and keep your home’s plumbing in top shape—whether you’re in Austin, San Antonio, or anywhere across Central Texas.
Why Texas Homes Get Tough Drain Clogs
It’s not just you—our region is tough on plumbing. Between hard water mineral buildup, invasive tree roots, and long underground sewer lines common in Austin and San Antonio neighborhoods, blockages can sneak up fast. Add in grease, soap scum, and the occasional “flushable” wipe, and suddenly your drains aren’t draining at all.
Hydro jetting gives your plumbing a clean slate, scouring away years of buildup instead of just poking a hole through it like other methods.
How Hydro Jetting Works
Think of it as a power wash for your plumbing. A hydro jetting system uses a high-pressure hose and specialized nozzle attached to a machine that can blast water up to 5,000 PSI. Before starting, our plumbers perform a video camera inspection to locate the clog and check the condition of your pipes. Once the line is ready, the jetting nozzle is fed into the pipe, spraying water in multiple directions to cut through grease, roots, and debris.
After the blockage is cleared, we re-inspect the line to make sure it’s spotless. The result: pipes that are as clean as the day they were installed (sometimes cleaner).
Hydro Jetting vs. Traditional Drain Cleaning
There are plenty of ways to tackle a clog—but not all are created equal. Here’s how hydro jetting stacks up against the usual suspects:
- Plungers: Great for quick fixes on small clogs, but they only move blockages around rather than clearing them completely.
- Drain Snakes (Augers): Effective for breaking through compacted debris, but they often leave residue behind that causes repeat clogs.
- Chemical Drain Cleaners: These can temporarily clear a blockage—but at the cost of damaging your pipes and the environment.
- Hydro Jetting: Uses pure water at high pressure to fully clean pipe walls, remove buildup, and restore full flow—no chemicals, no residue, no recurring clogs.
In short: hydro jetting doesn’t just clear your drains—it restores them.
The Benefits of Professional Hydro Jetting
- Complete cleaning: Removes grease, roots, and years of buildup for lasting results.
- Prevents future clogs: Smooth, clean pipes are less likely to trap debris.
- Eco-friendly: Only water—no harsh chemicals or solvents.
- Safe and effective: When performed by professionals, it’s safe for most modern plumbing materials.
- Cost-saving: Keeps pipes healthy longer, reducing the need for emergency repairs.
When (and When Not) to Use Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting is ideal for:
- Recurring or severe clogs
- Slow drains throughout the house
- Sewer line buildup and root intrusion
It’s not recommended for pipes that are already cracked, corroded, or otherwise damaged. That’s why Radiant’s licensed plumbers always inspect first. If your system isn’t ready for hydro jetting, we’ll suggest a safer alternative to get things flowing again.
How Often Should You Schedule Hydro Jetting?
Most Texas homeowners benefit from hydro jetting every 1–2 years, especially if your property has large trees, older pipes, or you’ve had frequent drain issues. Enrolling in the Radiant Care Club is the best way to keep your drains on a regular cleaning schedule while saving on service calls and diagnostics.
Why Hydro Jetting Should Always Be Done by a Professional
Hydro jetting equipment can generate enormous pressure—enough to crack old pipes or cause injury if handled incorrectly. Professional plumbers know how to control the pressure, select the right nozzle, and protect your plumbing system while cleaning it thoroughly.
At Radiant, we use advanced inspection tools and calibrated hydro jets designed to match your home’s specific plumbing system. And if a problem goes deeper, our team can handle it—from sewer line repair to full replacements—all with transparent pricing and 24/7 availability.
Hydro Jetting for Businesses & Restaurants
For commercial kitchens, apartment complexes, and local businesses, hydro jetting is the best way to prevent downtime from sewer backups or grease buildup. Regular service keeps high-traffic plumbing systems clean, efficient, and ready for daily use.
Keep Your Drains Clear the Right Way
When your drains slow down or back up, don’t just reach for another chemical cleaner. Get long-lasting results from the professionals who know Texas plumbing best. Schedule your hydro jetting service with Radiant Plumbing & Air Conditioning today, and we’ll get your drains flowing free again—day or night, Austin or San Antonio.
