,

How Much Does Hydro Jetting Cost?

Last Updated on October 3, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by Certified CFA CFA Alexander Popinker

Hydro jetting is an extremely effective and powerful solution for clearing severely clogged drains, backed-up sewer lines, grease-filled commercial plumbing systems, and various pipes suffering from major debris blockages. But how much does professional hydro jetting cost for residential and commercial properties on average in 2024?

In this pricing guide, we’ll break down the typical price range for hydro jetting services based on pipe type, clog severity, accessibility, regional location factors, and other key variables. You’ll also learn about additional fees to account for, understand regional pricing differences, and gain insight into the value hydro jetting provides when compared to traditional drain snaking methods.

How Much Does Hydro Jetting Cost?

Typical hydro jetting prices can range widely from $200 on the very low end for minor sink drains all the way up to $2,500+ for large commercial sewage systems. Exact costs depend primarily on:

Severity and scale of the clog or blockage – For minor clogs in bathroom sink drains costing $250 – $400 to clear, up to $500 – $1,000+ when facing years of substantial debris buildup, thick sewage backups, or infiltrating tree roots that require extensive jetting.

Overall length and size of the pipes or sewer line – Shorter residential drain pipe systems averaging $200 – $500 to hydro jet vs. longer main sewer lines extending 100+ feet costing $500 – $1,500+. More lineal footage equals more time spent jetting.

Accessibility and location of the clogged pipes – Easily accessible pipes have lower costs vs. difficult to reach pipes in hard-to-access areas underneath properties which can add $100 – $200+ to the total bill.

Whether it’s residential or larger-scale commercial plumbing – Typical residential hydro jetting projects range from $300 to $600. Larger commercial properties like schools, malls, or office buildings face higher costs, ranging from $500 to $2,500+ at the top end.

“While hydro jetting sits at the top end of the pricing spectrum for drain cleaning services, the sheer power and effectiveness it provides makes it a wise investment when facing extensive sewer backups, years of buildup, or infiltrating tree roots,” says Jim’s Plumbing owner James Riley.

According to Angi, the average cost for hydro jetting is approximately $475, with a typical range between $350 and $600. This service involves using high-pressure water to clear clogs and restore functionality to sewer lines. Factors influencing cost include the extent of the clog and how accessible the sewer lines are, which can affect labor rates that typically range from $45 to $200 per hour.

As reported by 1-Tom-Plumber, residential hydrojetting generally costs between $450 and $900. The price can increase depending on various factors, such as the severity of the blockage and whether additional repairs are needed. They emphasize that while hydro jetting can be an expensive service, it is often necessary for effectively clearing persistent clogs.

According to BF Plumbing Bay Area, residential hydrojetting costs typically range from $250 to $800, while commercial hydro jetting can be significantly higher due to larger plumbing systems. They note that factors such as clog severity and pipe accessibility also play a crucial role in determining final costs.

An article by Bob Vila confirms that hydro jetting costs usually fall between $350 and $600, with an average cost of around $475. The article emphasizes that accessibility issues and labor rates can greatly influence overall pricing, particularly if additional work is required to reach difficult-to-access pipes.

Cost Breakdown by Plumbing Type

Residential interior drain line hydro jetting

Average Cost Range: $250 to $600

This includes services to clear clogs in kitchen sink drains, bathroom sink and tub drains, laundry drains, and other interior pipes suffering from minor to moderate debris buildup requiring jetting. Costs vary based on exact length and diameter of pipes and severity of clogs.

Main sewer line hydro jetting

Average Cost Range: $500 to $1,000

Hydro jetting services performed on the main sewer line that connects the home’s plumbing system to the municipal sewer system are more extensive, with typical prices averaging between $500 to $1,000+ depending on the amount of roots, sediments, or general debris buildup present within the sewer line.

Commercial plumbing system hydro jetting

Average Cost Range: $1,000 to $2,500

Larger commercial properties like schools, malls, restaurants, hotels, and office buildings require scaling up hydro jetting equipment and time on site, with services for the expansive plumbing systems these structures rely on averaging between $1,000 to $2,500+.

Jetting commercial grease traps, large sewage tanks, and catch basins often pushes costs to the top of typical price ranges due to the extensive power needed.

You might also like our articles on the cost of plumbing insurance, mold remediation, or manhole covers.

Additional Costs and Fees

Video camera drain inspection

Average Cost Range: $100 to $500

Many technicians recommend coupling hydro jetting with a drain video camera inspection, performed both before and after jetting, which adds $100 to $500 onto the total bill. But this comprehensive diagnosis ensures all underlying problems get fully identified and remedied.

Preventative maintenance hydro jetting

Average Cost: $150 to $300 per year

Some properties prone to drain clogs and plumbing issues invest in regularly scheduled preventative maintenance hydro jetting, averaging $150 to $300 per year based on the plumbing system size and recommended frequency, to help catch and resolve problems proactively before they escalate into costly plumbing disasters.

Emergency services

Average Upcharge: Add 20% to 50% to typical cost

Reputable plumbing companies charge steeper rates for emergency hydro jetting services needed outside normal business hours, on weekends or holidays, with premiums ranging from 20% to 50% above typical costs depending on the time and urgency.

Prices by Plumbing System

Kitchen drain hydro jetting

Average Cost Range: $200 to $400

Kitchen drain systems require periodic hydro jetting to clear out slow-moving debris like grease deposits, food particles, soap buildup, and other cooking or prep byproducts that cause kitchen sink clogs.

Bathroom drain hydro jetting

Average Cost Range: $250 to $500

Bathroom sink, shower, and tub drains commonly benefit from professional hydro jetting to remove organic debris and hair buildup which can gradually amass over time, leading to fully blocked fixture drains.

Sewer line hydro jetting for tree roots

Average Cost Range: $500 to $1,500

One of the most common and effective uses of professional hydro jetting is removing infiltrating tree roots which have embedded themselves within home sewer lines, requiring high-pressure water jetting to detach and extract the roots fully.

Hydro Jetting vs. Traditional Drain Cleaning

Typical hydro jetting

Average Cost Range: $300 to $800

Powerful hydro jetting uses extremely high-pressure water (up to 5,000 PSI) blasted through specialty nozzles to thoroughly scrub and scour clogged drains and pipes, pulverizing stubborn blockages, and debris. An extremely effective drain cleaning method.

Traditional drain snaking/augering

Average Cost Range: $100 to $250

Commercial Hydro JettingSnaking relies on manually advancing a rotating cylindrical wire through pipes to hook, dislodge, and pull out entangled debris. Suitable for minor sink clogs but cannot match hydro jetting’s cleaning power for severe main line issues. A more affordable but limited option.

Method effectiveness comparison

In cases of severe main drain clogs caused by extensive buildup, thick sewage backups, impacted grease, or infiltrating tree root masses, hydro jetting is vastly more effective at restoring full pipe flow and function compared to standard snaking. But jetting costs significantly more.

Preventing Future Drain Emergencies

Hydro jetting helps avoid expensive future plumbing issues through:

  • Thoroughly cleaning the full diameter of pipes and sewer lines to “reset” systems to like-new condition, preventing foreseeable clog recurrence and blockages.
  • Flushing out impacted sludge, inorganic sediment, and grease using high-pressure nozzles rather than chemicals or hand augering alone.
  • Fully extracting infiltrating tree roots and organic masses vs just snaking through temporarily. Roots eventually regrow when left intact.

Typical emergency plumbing issue cost savings

The deep cleaning and blockage removal hydro jetting provides can save homeowners $500 – $2,000+ in emergency plumber costs to rectify burst, backed up, or ruptured piping that clog-related water pressure often causes down the line.

Regional Pricing Differences

Higher-cost major metropolitan regions

New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles – $600 – $1,000 for typical residential hydro jetting services.

Mid-tier suburban regions

Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Chicago – $400 – $750 for standard residential jetting.

Lower-cost rural areas

Small towns and rural communities – $250 – $500 for identical hydro jetting services.

Market factors like higher costs of living and lower competition create pricing premiums in some regions.

Finding a Reliable Company

We asked professional plumbers for tips on choosing the right jetting provider:

“Always verify licenses, training certs, and insurance before allowing any plumber on your property,” advises Mike Goldstein of Goldstein Plumbing.

“Request at least two or three quotes to make apples to apples cost comparisons for identical services,” recommends James Riley of Jim’s Plumbing.

“Vet ratings and reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp to gauge quality and customer service,” suggests pipe pro Angie Duval. “This helps avoid frustrations.”

Expert Insights

“While pricier, hydro jetting’s cleaning power and pipe scouring abilities make it the go-to for major sewage or root-based clogs,” explains 20-year plumbing veteran James Riley. “It provides lasting solutions conventional snaking cannot.”

“Jetting is the gold standard for fully restoring drainage and flow when addressing major buildup or bio matter masses in pipes,” advises senior plumber Angie Duval. “Yes, it costs more, but also does much more.”

“Investing in periodic preventative jetting for high-use properties helps avoid five-figure plumbing disasters down the line,” suggests plumbing expert Mike Goldstein. “A little proactive spending goes a long way.”

Final Words

In cases of stubborn sewage backups, years of oil and grease accumulation, or infiltrating tree roots compromising drain function, hydro jetting provides an unrivaled solution. The high-pressure jet streams scour and clear pipes in ways no other methods can. When drainage is severely compromised, jetting is well worth the price.

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