Hydro Jetting Cost

Hydro jetting sends water at very high pressure through a drain or sewer line to scour away grease, scale, sludge and roots. Angi puts a typical professional visit for a clogged sewer line at $350 to $600, with a national average of $475. Its full range runs from $100 to $2,000.

HomeGuide's figures are higher because they focus on severe blockages: $600 to $1,400 on average, with an average of $1,000 and a range of $300 to $3,000.

Price summary

Hydro jetting vs snaking

A snake punches a hole through a clog. Jetting cleans the full width of the pipe, so it lasts longer on grease buildup and root intrusion. For a one-time hair clog in a bathroom sink, snaking is usually enough. For a main line that keeps backing up, jetting is often the better value. See drain cleaning cost for single-fixture prices.

What raises the price

• Access. HomeGuide says costs are lowest when a cleanout gives easy access to the sewer line. If a toilet must be pulled to reach the line, Angi lists toilet removal at $50 to $200.
• Clog severity and location. Heavy roots or a blockage deep in the line take more time.
• Line length. HomeGuide notes residential sewer lines typically run 50 to 150 feet.
• Extra work. Tree root removal adds $100 to $600 and installing a two-way cleanout about $2,700 (Angi).

Camera inspection

Many plumbers run a camera first to confirm the pipe is sound enough to jet, or after to show the result. HomeGuide lists sewer camera inspections at $125 to $750; Angi gives $275 to $1,800 and notes some areas require one for sewer work.

When jetting is not enough

Jetting cleans pipes; it does not fix them. If the camera shows a cracked, collapsed or badly sagging pipe, you will need a repair. Angi lists sewer line repair at $60 to $250 per linear foot. Compare sewer line repair cost and sewer line replacement cost.

What hydro jetting is

Hydro jetting uses water at very high pressure, pushed through a hose with a nozzle that sprays backward and to the sides. The jets pull the hose through the line and scour the pipe walls, removing grease, scale, sludge and fine roots. A cable auger, by comparison, bores a hole through a clog but leaves most of the buildup on the pipe walls.

When jetting makes sense

• Grease buildup in kitchen and main lines, common in restaurants and busy households.
• Recurring clogs that come back soon after snaking.
• Root intrusion, after the roots are cut, to clean out the remaining material.
• Before lining a pipe, so the liner bonds to clean pipe.

When it is not a good idea

High-pressure water can damage pipe that is already broken, badly corroded or separated at the joints. That is why most plumbers run a camera through the line first. If the pipe is collapsed or offset, jetting will not fix it, and a repair is needed instead.

What affects the price

• Line length and diameter. Main sewer lines take longer than a single branch.
• Access. An accessible outdoor cleanout keeps the job simpler.
• Camera inspection. Some companies include it; others charge separately.
• Severity. Heavy grease or dense roots take more passes.

Questions to ask

1. Will you inspect the line with a camera before and after jetting?
2. Is the price for one line or the whole system?
3. Is there a warranty if the clog returns?

In Texas

Older neighborhoods in Texas cities often have clay or cast iron sewer lines and large trees, so roots are a common reason for jetting. Older cast iron is also prone to scale and corrosion, which is why a camera check before jetting is especially important.

What happens during a jetting visit

The plumber usually starts with a camera inspection to see the condition of the pipe and find the blockage. Jetting is done from a cleanout, where the hose can be fed straight into the main line. A special nozzle with rear-facing jets pulls itself through the pipe while scouring the walls. The operator moves it back and forth through problem sections, then runs the camera again to confirm the pipe is clear.

The whole visit typically takes a couple of hours, depending on the length of the line and how much buildup there is. Water and debris go down the line to the sewer, not into the house.

Is the pipe strong enough?

Hydro jetting works well on PVC and on cast iron or clay that is still structurally sound. It can damage pipe that is already broken, badly cracked or collapsing. That is why a camera inspection first is the right order. If the video shows the pipe is failing, the money is better spent on a repair rather than a cleaning that may make things worse.

How often to jet

Jetting does not need to be a routine service for most homes. It makes sense when grease or roots return regularly. For root problems, some homeowners schedule a jetting every year or two to keep the line open until they are ready for a permanent repair. Restaurants and homes with heavy kitchen use may need it more often.

Jetting vs. root foaming

Some companies offer chemical root treatments after jetting to slow regrowth. These do not repair the pipe, and results vary. Ask what the product is, how often it needs to be repeated and what it costs over time before agreeing to it.

Choosing a company for jetting

Ask whether the company owns its jetter and camera or subcontracts the work, whether the price includes before-and-after video, and whether there is a guarantee if the line clogs again soon after.

Sources

1. Angi: How Much Does Hydro Jetting Cost? (updated Jul 9, 2026)
2. HomeGuide: How Much Does Hydro Jetting Cost? (Jul 14, 2025)