If you’re gearing up for a home renovation, you’ve probably already picked out new paint colors, flooring, or maybe even that dreamy farmhouse sink. But before you start swinging hammers and tearing down walls, there’s one step that often gets overlooked—your plumbing. More specifically, Hydro Jetting. While it might not be the flashiest part of your renovation checklist, it’s one of the smartest moves you can make before any serious remodeling begins.
The Unseen Foundation of Every Home
Let’s be real—no one wants to deal with a plumbing disaster in the middle of a renovation. Imagine investing thousands of dollars in a brand-new kitchen, only to discover that your pipes are clogged or backing up. Not only does it create a huge mess, but it can delay your project and skyrocket your budget. That’s why it’s crucial to start from the ground up—literally.
Your home’s plumbing system is like the veins of your body. If something’s blocked, the whole system gets thrown off. And during renovations, when things are being moved around, added, or upgraded, your plumbing needs to be in tip-top shape.
What Is Hydro Jetting, Anyway?
If you’re not familiar with Hydro Jetting, here’s a quick breakdown. It’s a professional method of cleaning your plumbing pipes using high-pressure water streams. We’re talking about water blasting through your pipes at up to 4,000 PSI (pounds per square inch). It clears out years of grease, soap scum, mineral buildup, tree roots, and whatever else is lurking down there.
Unlike traditional snaking, which just punches a hole through the gunk, Hydro Jetting scrubs the entire inside of the pipe clean. It’s like the difference between brushing your teeth with your finger versus an electric toothbrush. One gets the job done; the other leaves you feeling fresh.
Why Do It Before Renovation?
You might be thinking, “Okay, sounds cool, but why do I need it before a renovation?” Great question. Here’s the deal: renovations often involve new plumbing connections, increased water usage, or repurposing old drain lines. If your existing pipes are already struggling, adding new pressure to the system can cause problems fast.
By Hydro Jetting beforehand, you’re giving your renovation a clean slate. It helps prevent backups, slow drains, or even flooding. Think of it as preventative maintenance that saves you from expensive future headaches.
And let’s not forget resale value. If you’re renovating to boost your home’s market appeal, clean and functional plumbing is a must. Imagine a buyer scheduling an inspection only to find plumbing issues. That’s an immediate red flag. A simple Hydro Jetting session can give you peace of mind and protect your investment.
Especially Important in Older Homes
If your house is more than 20 years old, the need for Hydro Jetting is even more critical. Older homes often come with older pipes—cast iron, clay, or galvanized steel—all of which are prone to buildup, corrosion, or root intrusion. These pipes weren’t built to handle modern water usage, let alone the added stress of a renovation.
Even if everything “seems fine,” these hidden issues can quietly build up over time. One flush too many during your renovation and suddenly you’re dealing with a burst pipe or a backup in the new bathroom. Not exactly the kind of “before and after” photos you want to share.
It’s Not Just About Drain Cleaning
Here’s something most homeowners don’t realize: Hydro Jetting doesn’t just clean—it also gives your plumber a clearer look inside your system. After jetting, many plumbers follow up with a camera inspection. This allows them to spot cracks, breaks, or sagging pipes that could collapse under new loads.
So in essence, Hydro Jetting is both a cleaning and diagnostic tool. It preps your system and gives you a better understanding of its condition. That kind of knowledge is gold when you’re about to make major upgrades to your home.
Timing Matters
You might wonder when exactly this should be done in your renovation timeline. Ideally, schedule Hydro Jetting before any demolition or installation starts. You want to deal with your pipes while access is easy and nothing’s been installed over them yet.
In some cases, your contractor might even thank you for it. Clean pipes make it easier and faster for plumbers to do their work. No dealing with mystery clogs or trying to snake through old buildup. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
How Much Does It Cost?
Let’s talk dollars. The cost of Hydro Jetting varies depending on the size of your home and the complexity of your plumbing system, but typically it ranges from $300 to $600. While that might sound like a lot, compare that to the cost of tearing out brand-new tile to fix a hidden leak or redoing your kitchen floors after a sewage backup. In that context, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Also, many reputable plumbing companies offer bundled services, so if you’re doing other plumbing upgrades during your renovation, you might get a package deal.
Can You Do It Yourself?
Short answer? Not really. Hydro Jetting requires specialized equipment and the expertise to use it safely. Done wrong, it can actually damage your pipes, especially if they’re old or already weakened. It’s one of those jobs best left to the pros.
Plus, hiring a licensed plumber ensures everything’s up to code—something you definitely want when you’re already investing time and money into a renovation.
Final Thoughts
Home renovations are exciting, but they’re also a big investment. The last thing you want is for plumbing problems to ruin the experience—or your budget. By making Hydro Jetting your first step, you’re laying the groundwork for a smooth, successful project.
You wouldn’t build a house on a cracked foundation, right? So why build a new kitchen or bathroom on top of old, clogged pipes?
Clean pipes = clean start. And that’s exactly what every great renovation needs.
