Sewer lines play a crucial role in our daily lives, but most people do not think about them until there is a problem. One of the biggest issues that homeowners face with their sewer lines is root growth. Trees and shrubs can send roots into pipes in search of water, causing blockages that can lead to serious problems. The traditional method of removing these roots, using a snake or drain cable, can cause even more damage to the pipes, especially if they are made of certain materials.
The three most common materials used in old sewer lines are cast iron, clay tile, and Orangeburg pipes. Each of these materials has its own unique characteristics, but they all have one thing in common: they are prone to damage when a snake or drain cable is used to remove root growth. Cast iron pipes, for example, can crack or break off a chunk when exposed to the force of a spinning cable. The same is true for clay tile pipes, which are brittle and easily damaged. Orangeburg pipes, made of compressed paper and pitch, can also be damaged by the force of a snake or cable.
This is where high-pressure water jetting comes in. Jetting is a method of removing root growth from pipes that uses high-pressure water to cut and remove roots without causing any damage to the pipes. The process starts with the use of a camera to inspect the pipes and locate the roots. Once the roots are identified, the jetter head is guided next to the roots and high-pressure water is used to cut and remove them.
The key to the success of this method is the pressure of the water. By using water at high pressure, the roots are cut cleanly and removed without causing any damage to the pipes. This means that homeowners do not have to worry about the cost and inconvenience of repairing damaged pipes after the roots have been removed. Furthermore, because the roots are cut cleanly, they will not grow back for several years, giving homeowners peace of mind that they will not have to deal with the same problem in the near future.
In conclusion, high-pressure water jetting is a safe and effective method of removing root growth from old sewer lines made of cast iron, clay tile, and Orangeburg pipes. By using this method, homeowners can avoid the damage that can be caused by using a snake or drain cable, and enjoy peace of mind knowing that their pipes will not be damaged and that the roots will not grow back for several years.