What Does Hydro Jetting Do? A Broomfield, CO Homeowner's Guide
Slow drains in Broomfield aren't just annoying. They're often a sign that buildup inside your pipes has gotten bad enough that a regular snake won't touch it. If you've had the same drain snaked two or three times and the problem keeps coming back, there's a good chance the real issue is still sitting on your pipe walls.
This guide explains what does hydro jetting do in Broomfield, CO, when you need it, how it compares to snaking, and what to expect when you call us. We'll cover how the process works, what it clears out, who needs it most, and how to get it done right the first time.
What Does Hydro Jetting Do to Drain Pipes?
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water — typically 3,000 to 4,000 PSI — to blast through blockages inside drain and sewer pipes. A specialized nozzle sends water in multiple directions at once, cutting through grease, mineral scale, tree roots, and built-up debris that a standard drain snake leaves behind.
Unlike snaking, which pokes a hole through a clog, hydro jetting scrubs the full interior of the pipe wall clean. It works on kitchen drains, sewer mains, and lateral lines. Most residential jobs in Broomfield, CO take one to two hours.
Ready to clear your lines for good? See our hydro jetting Broomfield CO service page to request a same-day quote.
How Hydro Jetting Works (Step by Step)
Before any water pressure touches your pipes, we run a camera inspection. That first look shows us what's inside — buildup, root intrusion, pipe condition — so we know jetting is the right call and won't cause damage. In our Broomfield jobs, the camera step almost always reveals buildup the homeowner didn't know was there.
Here's how the process goes from start to finish:
Camera inspection — We insert a small camera into your cleanout access point and check the condition of the pipe before we do anything else.
Hose insertion — A flexible hose with a multi-directional nozzle goes into the cleanout opening.
Pressurized water — Water pumps through the hose at 3,000 to 4,000 PSI. The nozzle sprays in multiple directions at once, hitting every section of the pipe wall.
Forward and rear jets — The forward-facing jet breaks through the clog. The rear-facing jets push the hose forward and flush debris down and out of the line.
Confirmation — Once jetting is complete, we can run the camera again to confirm the line is clear.
The whole process is mechanical — water only. No chemicals, no digging in most cases.
What Hydro Jetting Removes (and What It Can't)
Now that you know how the process works, here's what it can — and can't — clear out of your pipes.
What hydro jetting clears:
Grease and FOG buildup (fats, oils, grease) — one of the most common problems we see in Broomfield kitchen lines
Mineral scale and hard water deposits — Colorado's water is hard, and over time that scale coats the inside of your pipes and narrows the flow path
Soft tree root intrusions and fine root hair infiltration that work into joint gaps
Sand, sediment, and general debris that settles in low-slope drain lines
What hydro jetting won't fix:
Collapsed or fully cracked pipes — jetting cleans the inside of a pipe, but it can't restore structural damage
Severely corroded or deteriorated lines — if the pipe wall is failing, jetting may make the problem visible, but a repair or replacement is the next step
Offset pipe joints that have separated — that requires a physical repair
Older homes in Broomfield with cast iron lateral lines are the most common hydro jetting candidates we work on. Those pipes collect scale and grease over decades, and a snake barely scratches the surface.
Hydro Jetting vs. Drain Snaking — Which One Do You Need?
Knowing what jetting removes is helpful, but many homeowners still wonder whether they really need it over a standard snake. Here's how to tell.
A drain snake is a steel cable that rotates through a pipe and breaks up or pulls out a clog. It's effective for simple, localized blockages — a wad of hair in a bathroom drain, for example. It's faster and costs less upfront. But it only pokes a path through the clog. Whatever is coating the pipe wall stays there.
Hydro jetting removes the entire interior wall coating. That's the key difference. When grease or scale is the problem, snaking gives you short-term relief. Jetting gives you a clean pipe.
| Drain Snake | Hydro Jetting |
|---|---|
| Simple, localized clogs | Recurring clogs, sewer mains, grease buildup |
| Clears a path through the clog | Scrubs the full pipe wall clean |
| Short-term in many cases | Long-term when pipe is intact |
| Low | Low when camera inspection is done first |
| Lower upfront | Higher upfront, fewer repeat calls |
| 30–60 minutes | 1.5–3 hours |
If your drain has been snaked more than once in the past year and the problem came back, hydro jetting is almost certainly the better option. Learn more about hydro jetting in Broomfield, CO and whether it's right for your situation.
Signs You Need Hydro Jetting at Your Broomfield Home
Still not sure which category your problem falls into? These are the clearest signs that hydro jetting is the right call for your Broomfield home.
Recurring slow drains that come back within weeks of being snaked — the clog cleared, but the buildup didn't
Multiple drains backing up at the same time — when more than one fixture is slow or gurgling, that points to the sewer main, not just a branch line
Gurgling sounds from toilets or floor drains after running the dishwasher, washing machine, or another fixture
Sewage odors inside your home or in the yard near the sewer line — partial blockages trap gas and let it leak back through drain openings
A home you're preparing to sell — a clean camera-confirmed sewer line is a selling point and can prevent surprises during inspection
We had a Broomfield homeowner call us after their third snake in six months. The camera showed a grease wall nearly 70% blocking the kitchen lateral. One hydro jetting session cleared it completely. They haven't had the problem since.
What to Expect from a Hydro Jetting Service in Broomfield, CO
Here's what a typical hydro jetting job looks like when you call The Drain Cleaning Company.
Timeline: Most residential jobs in Broomfield take 1.5 to 3 hours from start to finish. That includes the camera inspection, jetting, and a post-jetting camera check if you want confirmation the line is clear.
Cost factors: Hydro jetting costs more than a standard snake, but significantly less than a pipe repair or replacement. What you pay depends on:
Pipe diameter (larger pipes require more water volume and time)
Where the cleanout access point is located
How severe the blockage is and how far into the line it runs
We give you a clear price before any work begins. No surprise charges.
How to prepare: Locate your cleanout access point before we arrive. It's usually a capped pipe fitting near the foundation, in a utility area, or in the yard near the house. Clear the area around it so we can get our equipment in without delay.
After the job: A follow-up camera pass is the best way to confirm the line is fully clear. We recommend it, especially on older pipes or lines with a history of repeated clogs.
Get it done right — visit our professional hydro jetting Broomfield CO page or check our Google Business Profile for hours, reviews, and to book service.
The Drain Cleaning Company 7180 W 117th Ave D, Broomfield, CO 80020 (720) 948-4175 Plumbing License: MP.03000945