Power Flushing: What Homeowners Need to Know About Hydrojetting

Power Flushing: What Homeowners Need to Know About Hydrojetting


After 35+ years of clearing drains throughout Northern Pittsburgh, I’ve seen just about every type of clog you can imagine. From grease buildup in Baldwin to tree roots wreaking havoc in McCandless, we’ve handled it all. And if there’s one method that consistently saves homeowners time, money, and future headaches, it’s power flushing—also known as hydrojetting.

Let’s walk through what power flushing is, how it works, and why it might be exactly what your plumbing system needs.

What exactly is Power Flushing?

Power flushing, or hydrojetting as we call it in the trade, is a drain-cleaning process that uses high-pressure water to blast away stubborn blockages and buildup inside your pipes. We’re talking about water pressure between 3,000 to 4,000 PSI—strong enough to cut through just about anything clogging your drains.

Here’s what makes hydrojetting different from traditional methods like snaking: a drain snake might punch a hole through a clog, but hydrojetting completely scours the inside walls of your pipes clean. It removes everything—grease, soap scum, mineral deposits, tree roots, and years of accumulated gunk—leaving your pipes in near-new condition.

Who Needs Power Flushing?

Over the decades, we’ve found that hydrojetting is the best solution for several common scenarios:

Homes with Frequent Clogs: If you’re constantly reaching for the plunger or calling for drain service, there’s likely a deeper issue that snaking alone won’t solve. Power flushing gets to the root cause and clears it out completely.

Older Homes: Many homes in our area were built decades ago, and those aging pipes can accumulate years of buildup. 

Tree Root Invasions: Trees are great for shade, but their roots have a nasty habit of finding their way into sewer lines. Hydrojetting cuts through those roots and clears them out without damaging your pipes.

Commercial Kitchens: Local restaurants and businesses dealing with heavy grease accumulation need more than basic drain cleaning. Power flushing tackles those thick grease layers that would otherwise lead to major backups.

If any of these situations sound familiar, it’s probably time to give us a call.

How the Power Flushing Process Works

Here’s what happens when we show up to hydrojet your drains:

Step 1: Inspection – We send a small camera down into your pipes to get eyes on the problem. This shows us exactly where the blockage is and what we’re dealing with.

Step 2: Set-Up – We insert a high-pressure hose with a specialized nozzle designed to spray water forward and backward, ensuring we clean the entire pipe surface.

Step 3: High-Pressure Cleaning – Water blasts through at around 3,500 PSI, removing grease, sludge, debris, roots, and buildup. The force is powerful enough to restore your pipes to nearly original condition.

Step 4: Final Check – We run the camera through again to confirm everything’s clear and your pipes are flowing freely.

The whole process is environmentally friendly—just water and pressure, no harsh chemicals that could damage your pipes or harm the environment.

The Benefits of Hydrojetting Your Drains

After three and a half decades in this business, I can tell you hydrojetting offers advantages you just don’t get with other methods:

Complete Cleaning: Unlike snaking, which just pokes a hole through clogs, hydrojetting scrubs your pipe walls clean. This means fewer future problems and better long-term flow.

Prevents Future Blockages: By removing all that accumulated buildup, you’re preventing the recurring clogs that lead to multiple service calls.

Safe for Your Pipes: We’re not using harsh chemicals that can corrode metal pipes or damage PVC. Just water—safe for any type of plumbing system.

Eco-Friendly: No chemicals means no environmental impact. It’s the responsible choice for homeowners who care about their environmental footprint.

Cost-Effective Long-Term: Yes, hydrojetting costs more upfront than basic drain cleaning. But when you factor in fewer service calls, prevented emergencies, and extended pipe life, it pays for itself many times over.

Expert Hydrojetting Services from Terry’s Plumbing

Dealing with slow drains, recurring clogs, or stubborn blockages? Our experienced team at Terry’s Plumbing delivers fast, effective hydrojetting services that get your plumbing system back to peak performance.

We’re a local, family-owned business that’s been part of this community for decades. When you call us, you’re getting Pittsburgh pros who know these homes, understand these plumbing systems, and stand behind our work.

Don’t let clogged drains disrupt your day. Contact Terry’s Plumbing today, and we’ll get your pipes flowing freely again. After all, we’re not just plumbers—we’re your neighbors, and we’re always just a call away.