Professional hydro jetting by Pelican Underground removes sewer blockages that standard drain cleaning cannot reach — including root intrusion, hardened grease, scale deposits, and sediment that accumulates over decades in New Orleans’ aging cast iron and clay pipe infrastructure. Our NASSCO-certified technicians perform a sewer camera inspection before every hydro jetting service to diagnose the blockage and select the correct pressure and nozzle for your specific pipe material and diameter.
Backed by NASSCO certifications in PACP, MACP, and LACP programs, the Pelican Underground team provides first-class trenchless sewer repair services throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. We offer professional vertical stack lining, CIPP services, and drain cleaning for multi-story buildings and residential properties in Alexandria and Central Louisiana. Trenchless sewer repair services are provided in Covington and the Northshore region, with specialized solutions for aging pipe systems in established neighborhoods.
Our team delivers expert trenchless services for Houma and Terrebonne Parish, addressing unique coastal challenges with no-dig pipe repair solutions. Reliable stack lining and pipe repair services are available for Slidell‘s multi-family residential and commercial buildings.
Hydro jetting is a pipe-cleaning method that uses pressurized water — typically 1,500 to 4,000 PSI for residential pipes and up to 60,000 PSI for industrial applications — to cut through and flush out grease, root intrusion, scale buildup, and debris accumulated inside sewer pipes. Unlike drain snaking, which creates a hole through a clog, hydro jetting completely removes the obstruction and scours the pipe wall clean, restoring full flow capacity. Before performing hydro jetting, Pelican Underground conducts a sewer camera inspection to confirm the pipe can withstand the water pressure and to locate the exact obstruction.
Before performing hydro jetting, we typically conduct a thorough sewer camera inspection to identify the location and nature of blockages, ensuring we use the appropriate pressure and techniques for your specific pipe conditions.
| Factor | Hydro Jetting | Drain Snaking (Augering) |
|---|---|---|
| Method | High-pressure water (1,500–60,000 PSI) | Mechanical cable with cutting head |
| Effectiveness | Completely removes blockage + scours pipe walls | Creates hole through clog, may not fully clear |
| Root intrusion | Cuts and flushes roots out | Punches through roots temporarily |
| Grease buildup | Fully removes grease coating from pipe walls | Limited — grease re-accumulates faster |
| Cost | $300–$1,500 | $100–$300 |
| Recurrence | Less frequent recurrence after treatment | Higher recurrence — problem often returns |
| Best for | Heavy buildup, roots, commercial kitchens, main lines | Simple clogs, routine maintenance |
| Pipe inspection included | Pelican includes camera inspection | Typically not included |
For a complete pricing breakdown, see our Trenchless Sewer Repair Cost Guide for New Orleans.
Unlike traditional methods that just create holes through clogs, power jetting removes blockages entirely. Your pipes will be as clean as the day they were installed.
Regular hydro jetting prevents future clogs by removing the buildup that causes them. It’s like changing your car’s oil – a small investment that prevents bigger problems.
Our hydraulic cleaning process uses only water, no harsh chemicals that could harm your family or the environment. It meets all municipal requirements and environmental regulations.
By thoroughly cleaning your pipes, hydro jetting reduces the need for frequent service calls. Many of our customers go years between cleanings after a thorough hydro jetting.
Hydro jetting often serves as the preparatory step in our comprehensive residential trenchless solutions, ensuring pipes are thoroughly cleaned before advanced repair techniques like CIPP lining or pipe bursting are implemented.
You should consider our high-pressure water cleaning services when you notice:
For routine maintenance and minor clogs that don’t require high-pressure cleaning, our standard residential drain cleaning methods provide gentle yet effective solutions for most household drain issues.
This is one of the most common questions we get, and the answer is: it depends on your pipes’ condition. That’s exactly why we always inspect first.
While hydro jetting effectively clears blockages and buildup, pipes showing structural damage from our pre-cleaning inspection may require trenchless pipe repair to address underlying issues and prevent recurring problems.
Our experienced technicians adjust pressure levels based on your specific pipe materials and conditions. We’re not here to damage your system. We’re here to make it work better.
We’re not just another plumbing company. We’re specialists in advanced pipe cleaning and repair. Here’s what sets us apart:
Hydro jetting costs vary based on the severity of blockages, pipe length, and accessibility. Most residential jobs range from $300-800, while commercial properties may cost more due to larger pipe systems. We provide upfront pricing after our initial inspection, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
For most residential properties, every 1-2 years is sufficient for preventive maintenance. Commercial properties, especially restaurants, may need quarterly or bi-annual service. Properties with heavy tree coverage might need annual root cutting to prevent intrusion.
No, hydro jetting is performed entirely through existing access points like cleanouts and manholes. There’s no digging or disruption to your landscaping. The process is contained within your pipe system.
Traditional drain cleaning uses mechanical tools like snakes to create holes through blockages. Hydro jetting completely removes blockages and scrubs pipe walls clean. It’s like the difference between poking a hole in a clogged sink versus completely cleaning it.
Most residential hydro jetting jobs take 1-3 hours, depending on the extent of blockages and pipe length. Commercial properties may take longer. We include inspection time in our service, so you’ll get a complete assessment of your pipe condition.
Yes, hydro jetting uses only water under pressure. No chemicals or harmful substances. It’s one of the most environmentally friendly pipe cleaning methods available and meets all environmental regulations in our service areas.
Hydro jetting is extremely effective for organic blockages, grease, roots, and mineral buildup. However, solid objects like toys or jewelry may need mechanical removal first. Our pre-inspection camera work identifies what we’re dealing with before we start.
In most cases, yes. Hydro jetting addresses the root cause of recurring clogs by removing the buildup that causes them. However, if your pipes have structural damage or are improperly graded, you may need additional repairs for a permanent solution.
