Hydro Jetting Cost
Hydro jetting uses a high-pressure water stream to clean the inside of drain and sewer pipes. It usually costs about $300 to $1,000, with main sewer lines at the high end. Snaking is cheaper and punches a hole through a clog, while jetting scours grease, scale and roots off the pipe walls. Plumbers often run a camera first to make sure the pipe can take the pressure.
Typical pro cost
$300 to $1,000
- Urgency
- Fix this week
- DIY difficulty
- Hard
- Time to fix
- 1 to 3 hours (pro)
- Prices
- US typical range
Last reviewed October 2026
Signs it's this problem
- Drains that clog again weeks after snaking
- Slow drains throughout the house
- Gurgling toilets and sewage smells
- Grease buildup in kitchen lines
- Tree roots found in the sewer line
Common causes
Grease and soap buildup
Kitchen lines slowly narrow as fat hardens on the pipe walls.
Tree roots
Roots enter joints in older sewer lines and catch debris.
Scale
Hard water leaves mineral scale that narrows pipes.
Heavy debris
Wipes and other items build up in the main line.
How to fix it, step by step
- 1
Try a plunger or a small drain snake on single slow fixtures first.
- 2
If several drains back up, the main line is likely clogged; call a plumber.
- 3
Ask for a camera inspection to see what is in the pipe and whether it is damaged.
- 4
For grease, scale or roots, hydro jetting cleans the pipe walls instead of just opening a hole.
- 5
Old clay or cracked pipes may not handle jetting; the plumber should check first.
- 6
Ask about a maintenance plan if roots return every year.
Tools and materials
- Plunger
- Hand drain snake
Approximate DIY cost: $20 to $60 for basic tools
Call a pro when
- Sewage backing up into the basement or tubs
- Roots in the main line
- Clogs that keep coming back
Hydro Jetting Cost cost
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Hydro jet a single drain line | $300–$600 |
| Hydro jet the main sewer line | $500–$1,000 |
| Sewer camera inspection | $200–$600 |
| Drain snaking (for comparison) | $150–$500 |
Ranges are typical US prices compiled by FixHomeCost. Prices vary by region, home and contractor, so compare 2–3 local quotes.
Common questions
Is hydro jetting better than snaking?
For grease, scale and roots, jetting cleans more thoroughly. Snaking is cheaper and fine for a simple clog.
Can hydro jetting damage pipes?
It can damage pipes that are already cracked, broken or very old. A camera inspection first reduces the risk.
How often should a sewer line be jetted?
Only when needed. Homes with recurring roots or grease problems sometimes jet every 1 to 2 years.
How long does hydro jetting take?
Usually about 1 to 3 hours, depending on the length of pipe and the clog.
Related guides
This is general information, not a professional inspection. See how we research costs.