Stubborn Buildup & Root Intrusion

When a cable machine clears the clog but the problem comes back a few weeks later, the real issue is not the blockage itself—it is what is coating the inside of your pipes. Layers of grite, grease, mineral scale, or invading tree roots need a more powerful solution.

High-pressure water jetting scours the full interior diameter of the pipe, removing buildup that a cable machine simply pushes through. Putman & Son's Plumbing has offered jetting service for over three decades and it remains one of the most effective, eco-friendly methods for restoring pipe capacity.

Close-up of residential plumbing pipe work

When to Call a Pro vs. DIY

Jetting is strictly a professional service—the equipment operates at thousands of PSI and requires trained handling. Consider jetting when:

  • A drain clog has been cleared but comes back within weeks or months
  • You notice slow draining across multiple fixtures simultaneously
  • A camera inspection reveals heavy grease, scale, or root mass inside the pipe
  • Your home has mature trees with roots near the sewer line
  • You are buying or selling a home and want the lines verified clean

Standard drain cleaning (cable/snake) is the right choice for a simple one-time clog. Jetting is the step up when the underlying pipe condition is the real problem.

What to Expect

1

Camera Inspection First

We always look before we jet. A sewer camera shows us the pipe material, location of buildup or roots, and any existing damage so we know jetting is safe for your pipes.

2

Select the Right Nozzle & Pressure

Different problems call for different jetting heads. Root-cutting nozzles, grease-dissolving nozzles, and flushing nozzles are each purpose-built. We match the tool to your situation.

3

Jet the Line

Pressurized water (up to 4,000 PSI) blasts through the pipe, cutting roots, dissolving grease, and scouring mineral deposits off the pipe walls. Only water is used—no chemicals.

4

Post-Cleaning Camera Verification

We run the camera again so you can see the clean pipe interior. If any structural issues are revealed (cracks, offsets), we discuss repair options at that point.

5

Maintenance Recommendation

Depending on your situation, we may recommend periodic jetting (annual or bi-annual) to keep root-prone or grease-prone lines clear long term.

Recurring backups despite previous repairs?

Jetting may be the permanent fix. Call for a camera inspection and jetting estimate.

(248) 652-0990

Why Jetting Works Better for Certain Problems

A cable machine punches a hole through a clog, but the residue stays on the pipe walls and rebuilds over time. Jetting cleans the full 360 degrees of the pipe interior, restoring it close to its original diameter. For grease-heavy kitchen lines and root-invaded sewers, this is the difference between a temporary fix and a lasting one.

Jetting is also the preferred method for pre-lining preparation. If a pipe needs to be relined (trenchless repair), the interior must be completely clean first—jetting is how we get it there.

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Contact us for reliable plumbing service in Rochester Hills and Metro Detroit.