Hydrojetting is safe on sound pipe of any material at appropriate pressure — but “older” and “sound” are not the same thing. On cast iron that has corroded thin, or clay with separated joints, high pressure can worsen existing damage. That is exactly why we camera the line first.
The Honest Answer, in Detail
Safe: PVC and ABS of any age. Cast iron in good condition. Clay pipe with intact joints. Modern HDPE. Pressure is adjustable, and a technician who knows the pipe material and condition can set it appropriately.
Not appropriate: cast iron corroded thin enough that the wall is compromised. Clay with significant joint separation or cracking. Orangeburg pipe, which is already deformed. Any line the camera shows as collapsed or structurally failing — that needs repair, not cleaning.
Why the Camera Comes First
You cannot judge pipe condition from the age of the house. Two 1965 Albuquerque homes on the same street can have cast iron in completely different states depending on what went down the drains over sixty years. A camera inspection shows actual wall condition, existing cracks, and joint integrity — and that is what determines both whether to jet and at what pressure.
A contractor who jets every line at the same pressure without looking first will eventually turn a blockage into a break. We have been called out to fix that.
Compared to Cabling on Fragile Pipe
Cabling is gentler and is the better choice on a line that is intact but thin. It clears the blockage without stressing the pipe wall — accepting that it will not remove the buildup coating and the line will need service again sooner.
What We Do
Camera first on anything beyond a simple fixture clog. Match method and pressure to actual pipe condition. Recommend hydrojetting when the line can take it and will benefit, cabling when it cannot, and repair or replacement when the line is past cleaning. Our technicians are not paid on commission, so the recommendation reflects the pipe.
All work carries our Home Comfort Guarantee. Contact B. Carlson in Albuquerque.
