What is Jet Cleaning?

What is Jet Cleaning?

Jet cleaning, also known as pipe jetting or hydro jetting, is a method of cleaning pipes by using high-pressure water to clear debris or other obstructions. It works similarly to a pressure washer but uses special equipment to clean stormwater systems.  

Why is Jet Cleaning Necessary?

Jet cleaning is necessary when there are blockages, or excess sediment, in conveyance lines.

Each stormwater system is made up of structures, such as catch basins, and conveyance lines. Conveyance lines are the pipes that convey water through the system, between the different structures.

Conveyance lines can get blocked over time, by root intrusion, sediment buildup, or other ways. When this happens, it is incredibly difficult to access the blocked area, thus the importance of Jet cleaning.

“Jet cleaning is crucial to a successful stormwater management plan. It allows for a comprehensive cleaning of the entire system, can reduce the likelihood of extensive sediment buildup, and even help manage root intrusion. Property owners that jet clean, when necessary, ensure the safety and long-term health of their stormwater system”.

– Lexie Papastavrou, Account Manager & Stormwater Expert

How Does Jet Cleaning Work?

Jet cleaning works by using high-pressure water to clean the inside of conveyance lines. To start, a technician will set up the appropriate tools. At CatchAll Environmental we often use a warthog jet cleaner head. The warthog functions by spraying water backward at a high rate, thus propelling it forward through the conveyance line.

This propulsion allows the technician to feed the warthog forward through the conveyance line, while simultaneously spraying water backward forcing out debris.

The technician continues this process until the entire blockage is cleared, ensuring that the jetter head reaches the end of the conveyance line. This can be confirmed through visual inspection, such as another team member physically seeing the jetter head through an upstream catch basin.

Does Jet Cleaning Use Chemicals?

The rule of thumb when it comes to stormwater is “only rain down the drain” so we do not use any chemicals when jet cleaning, or for any of our stormwater management services.

How Do You Know if You Need Jet Cleaning?

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell. One of the obvious signs to look out for is if your catch basin has sediment levels that have filled the sump and are up to the level of the pipes. At that point, sediment does not have any place to go and will settle in the pipes themselves, posing a flood risk.

How Often Should You Have Your Stormwater System Jet Cleaned?

Jet cleaning is an integral part of proper stormwater management. It provides a method of cleaning hard-to-reach structures, such as the inside of conveyance lines. Jet cleaning should be performed on an as-needed basis. Once sediment begins to accumulate at the entrance of the conveyance line, this indicates that it may be time to jet clean.

Should You Jet Clean Your Entire Stormwater System or Only Service as Needed?

Additional cleaning is rarely a bad thing. At CatchAll Environmental we utilize a “smart clean” approach where we inspect the entire system and service only structures that need it, to reduce cost while ensuring the system stays functioning properly.

Typically, Jet cleaning is used to achieve a specific goal, such as to remove root intrusion or sediment within a conveyance line.

When was the last time your stormwater system was jet cleaned?

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Schedule an inspection today.

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