When your drains back up or sewer lines clog, it’s easy to panic. You might have heard that hydro jetting — one of the most powerful drain‑cleaning methods available — can damage older pipes. But is that true, or just a myth? At Prestige Pipe Lining, serving Raleigh, North Carolina, and surrounding areas, we want to help you cut through the confusion so you can make the best decision for your home’s plumbing.
The Problem: Conflicting Information Everywhere
If you’ve searched online, you probably saw two very different stories:
- “Hydro jetting can crack old pipes!”
- “Hydro jetting is safe and effective for all pipes!”
So what’s the truth?
The answer lies in understanding how hydro jetting works and what condition your pipes are in before it’s used.
What Hydro Jetting Really Is (and How It Helps)
Hydro jetting uses high‑pressure water streams to blast through clogs, grease, mineral buildup, tree roots, and more — all without digging up your yard. It’s an environmentally friendly, non‑chemical solution that thoroughly cleans your sewer and drain lines from the inside out.
This method is one of the most effective ways to clear stubborn blockages and help prevent recurring plumbing issues.
Myth #1: Hydro Jetting Always Damages Older Pipes
Fact: Hydro jetting does not automatically damage older pipes — but it can if the pipes are already weak, brittle, or severely corroded.
Here’s why:
Why Older Pipes Might Be Vulnerable
Pipes don’t stay strong forever. Over time, materials like cast iron, clay, galvanized steel, or brittle PVC can:
- Corrode or rust from the inside out
- Develop cracks or weakened joints
- Suffer root intrusion
- Become thin and fragile
- Shift or settle unevenly underground
When hydro jetting applies high‑pressure water to pipes with these issues, it can exacerbate hidden weaknesses, leading to leaks, cracks, or worse.
But that doesn’t mean hydro jetting always causes damage.
Myth #2: Hydro Jetting Is Unsafe for All Older Plumbing
Fact: Many older pipes can be safely jet‑cleaned — as long as the condition of the pipe is good enough first.
Professionals like the team at Prestige Pipe Lining always start with a camera inspection before hydro jetting. This allows us to see the interior of the pipe and assess:
- Material type (cast iron, clay, PVC, etc.)
- Signs of corrosion or cracking
- Weak spots or shifts in the pipe
- Root intrusion or mineral buildup
Only after this careful evaluation do we decide whether hydro jetting is a safe and effective option. If not, we recommend alternatives or repairs first.
So When IS Hydro Jetting Safe?
Here are scenarios where hydro jetting is likely safe and effective:
✅ Pipes in good structural condition (even if old)
✅ No visible corrosion or cracks during inspection
✅ Blockages from grease, sludge, or minor debris
✅ PVC or reinforced pipes that haven’t weakened
✅ Professional evaluation and pressure control
In these situations, hydro jetting can remove buildup and significantly extend the life of your pipes by preventing recurring clogs.
When Hydro Jetting Might NOT Be the Best Option
If your pipe inspection shows any of the following, hydro jetting might be risky without repair first:
🚫 Cracks or thin spots in the pipe walls
🚫 Severely corroded cast iron or galvanized steel
🚫 Clay pipes with root intrusion or fragmentation
🚫 Multiple patch repairs already done
🚫 Pipes older than 50 years without a maintenance record
In these cases, continuing with hydro jetting alone could make existing damage worse — and lead to costly failures or leaks later on.
Why Professional Assessment Matters
This is one of the biggest reasons DIY enthusiasts get into trouble: Hydro jetting is not a one‑size‑fits‑all service.
A professional technician will:
🔍 Inspect your pipes with a camera
🔍 Evaluate pipe material and condition
🔍 Adjust water pressure based on need
🔍 Choose appropriate nozzles
🔍 Recommend repairs or alternatives when necessary
At Prestige Pipe Lining, we take this extra step every time — especially in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, and nearby communities — to protect your home’s plumbing and avoid unnecessary damage.
Hydro Jetting vs. Other Methods
It’s also helpful to compare hydro jetting with traditional alternatives:
Hydro Jetting
✔ Thoroughly cleans the entire pipe interior
✔ Eliminates buildup, grease, and roots
✔ Reduces future clogs
✔ Non‑chemical and environmentally friendly
Traditional Snaking
✔ Effective for minor clogs
✔ Lower pressure
✔ May not remove deep buildup
✔ Might leave residue behind
Hydro jetting usually wins for deep cleaning and long‑term plumbing health, as long as it’s safe for the pipe material.
Wrapping It Up — What Raleigh Homeowners Should Know
🔹 Hydro jetting does not automatically damage older pipes.
🔹 The condition of the pipe matters more than its age.
🔹 Professional inspection makes all the difference.
🔹 Prestige Pipe Lining uses advanced tools and expertise to protect your plumbing.
If you’re in Raleigh, NC, or the surrounding areas and concerned about pipe cleaning or sewer maintenance, don’t guess — get a professional assessment first.
Need Hydro Jetting or a Pipe Inspection?
At Prestige Pipe Lining, we combine cutting‑edge technology with experienced plumbing professionals to keep your pipes flowing smoothly — without unnecessary risk to old plumbing systems.
