Hydro jetting costs $475 on average, but you might pay anywhere from $350 to $600
Having to keep your plumber on speed dial is no fun for any homeowner. If chronic sewer clogs are giving you issues, it might be time to call in the big guns. You’ll pay anywhere from $350 to $600 for hydro jetting costs.
Hydro jetting shoots high-pressure water through your sewer line, breaking up clogs and restoring function to your pipes. Learn how much you’ll pay for hydro jetting services, plus additional factors to consider that might cost more now but prevent clogs in the future.
| Low Cost | Average Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $350 | $475 | $600 |
Hydro Jet Drain Cleaning Cost Factors
Calling in a plumber for a hydro jet drain cleaning service is a great solution to a clogged or slow-moving sewer line. Here are some cost factors to consider.
Extent of Clog
Even serious clogs stand no real match against hydro jet technology. Water is blasted through your pipes at 4,000 to 35,000 PSI, which will clear even the toughest of clogs.
That said, the more clogged it is, the longer it will take. Plumbers typically cost between $45 to $200 per hour, so even a few extra minutes can change the price tag of this service significantly. If you call in a local emergency plumber, it will raise the price more.
Accessibility
Sewer lines are typically located in the crawl space, basement, or garage of a home. When they are difficult to reach, or in some cases sealed off or covered with obstacles, it’ll cost more for hydro jetting services because it will take longer for a professional to gain access.
The same $45 to $200 hourly fee for a plumber applies here, in addition to the hydro jetting drain cleaning costs.
Sewer Line Inspection
Cities and large suburbs in particular don’t tend to mess around with sewer lines connected to main lines, as serious damage could cause problems for hundreds of people.
In some areas, a camera inspection by a professional is required every time you do work on your sewer line. Sewer line inspections typically cost anywhere from $275 to $1,175.
While this isn’t what most would call inexpensive, the fines you’ll pay for not calling an inspector if you’re caught—or something’s still wrong with your sewer line and you don’t catch it—will be more expensive.
Additional Costs to Consider
With the basics covered, let’s look at some additional hydro jetting cost factors that could come into play when you get your sewer line unclogged.
Toilet Removal and Replacement
You wouldn’t be the first homeowner who’s had a clog or pipe damage serious enough to warrant a toilet replacement. On top of hydro jetting costs, toilet removal costs $50 to $200 on average, while installation costs $370.
Tree Root Removal
One of the most common sewer line problems comes from tree roots in your yard that grow around (or through) your sewer line.
High-pressure hydro jetting is so strong, in fact, that it may be able to remove the tree roots causing a blockage. Tree root removal from a sewer line typically costs between $100 and $600, on top of hydro jetting drain cleaning costs.(Check your home’s warranty to see if this is covered in your policy.)
Sewage Backup Cleanup
Many homes have a sewer backflow preventer, which, as its name implies, prevents all the things a sewer transports away from your home from getting back in if there’s an issue with your pipes.
A 120-square-foot bathroom could cost up to $3,000 to clean and repair after water damage. However, you shouldn’t clean up sewage on your own due to health and safety concerns.
Sewer Cleanout Installation
Let’s say you survive a massive clog but fear it will happen again. In that case, you might consider installing a two-way sewer cleanout, which gives a professional easier access to your sewer main line. A two-way sewer cleanout installation costs about $2,000, in addition to hydro jetting costs.
Repairs or Replacement of Sewer Lines
Sewer line replacement and repair is generally calculated by the linear foot and can range from $60 to $250 per linear foot. The cost to repair a sewer line averages about $2,900.
Trenchless replacements and repairs are the easiest, as they require very little excavation and can be installed in just a few hours. A sewer line repair company near you can give you a quote.
Cost to Perform Hydro Jetting Yourself
DIY hydro jetting is not an option for the vast majority of folks. The pressure of a hydro jet can injure a person if mishandled, the cost to repair a sewer line if you damage it could easily exceed thousands of dollars, and it’s not even legal to DIY repair a sewer line in many areas.
For these reasons, we recommend hiring a professional plumber or sewer cleaning company near you to tackle any hydro jetting work you need done.
Cost to Handle Hydro Jetting Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
You’re pretty much stuck paying however much it takes to hire a professional to hydro jet your system. For what it’s worth, a portable sewer jetter costs between $1,500 and $2,000. So it actually makes better financial sense to hire a professional.
Ways to Save on Hydro Jetting Costs
Just because a drain is badly clogged doesn’t mean an expensive hydro jetting session is required.
Here are two ways to save on hydro jetting drain cleaning costs:
Handle the landscaping portion, if needed: Digging to access a sewer main line or ripping up parts of your yard might be necessary, such as when you install a two-way sewer cleanout. Do this portion yourself to save on hourly labor costs.
Snake your drain instead: Snaking a sewer main line only costs $100–$400. If the clog is close enough, you may be able to do it yourself with a snaking tool.
Good plumbing maintenance: Keep your drains clear. Avoid flushing large items and take care of small clogs before they turn into big ones. This is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent major plumbing issues down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hydro jetting can definitely be worth the cost, depending on the extent of your clog (and the reasons behind it). Hydro jetting can wipe out multiple years’ worth of junk trapped in your sewer line—including tree roots in some instances—helping to keep it clear for years to come.
Hydro jetting may not be right for every situation, but it’s definitely more powerful than snaking a drain. For severe clogs, it’s a good option to consider if your plumbing isn’t too old and able to handle it.
When you have a hydro jetting service performed, you’re basically blowing out your entire system, clearing it of all debris and clogs. Hydro jetting, therefore, should last several years. Ask the company if they offer any kind of warranty for the work when you call around for quotes.
Old pipes can be damaged by hydro jetting due to the intense amount of pressure that travels through them. For PVC pipes, which are one of the most common materials used for sewer lines, it’s considered safe.
If you’re using it as a preventative measure, say in the event that you frequently experience clogs, once every one or two years or so is a good time frame. The number of times will depend, though, on how old your plumbing is and how prone it is to clogging.
