Why Hydro Jetting Is Essential Before Sewer Pipe Lining

If you are considering trenchless sewer pipe lining (CIPP), there is one step that absolutely cannot be skipped: hydro jetting. The success and longevity of a pipe liner depends entirely on the surface it bonds to. A dirty, root-filled, or grease-coated pipe will produce a liner that fails prematurely — wasting your investment.

Here is why hydro jetting before pipe lining is not optional, and what happens when this critical step is done properly.

CIPP (Cured-in-Place Pipe) lining works by inserting a flexible, resin-saturated liner into your existing sewer pipe, inflating it against the pipe walls, and curing it in place. The cured liner becomes a new pipe-within-a-pipe — smooth, seamless, and root-resistant.

For the resin to bond properly and the liner to conform to the pipe shape, the pipe interior must be completely clean. Grease, roots, scale, debris, or any foreign material between the liner and the pipe wall will create voids, weak spots, and potential failure points. This is why thorough cleaning is the foundation of a successful lining job.

Hydro jetting before pipe lining accomplishes several critical objectives simultaneously.

Professional pipe lining follows a three-step preparation sequence that we call the camera-jet-camera process. First, we run a sewer camera through the pipe to document its condition, identify blockages, and confirm the pipe is a good candidate for lining.

Next, we perform thorough hydro jetting to clean the pipe interior completely. Finally, we run the camera again to verify the pipe is clean and to confirm the structural assessment. Only after this second camera pass confirms the pipe is clean and structurally sound do we proceed with the lining installation.

Unfortunately, some contractors cut corners by skipping or inadequately performing the pre-lining cleaning step. The consequences can be severe: liner delamination from the pipe wall, wrinkles and voids in the cured liner, premature liner failure, and the need for costly re-lining or excavation.

A liner installed in a dirty pipe might appear fine initially but can fail within years instead of the 50+ year lifespan a properly installed liner should deliver. The cost of thorough hydro jetting is a small fraction of the total lining investment — and it is the single biggest factor in long-term liner performance.

At Duluth Plumbing, hydro jetting is a non-negotiable part of every pipe lining project. We invest the time to clean your pipe thoroughly because we stand behind the quality and longevity of our work. Our camera-jet-camera process gives you visual documentation of every step.

If you are considering pipe lining for your Duluth home, call us at (218) 227-4082 for a camera inspection and honest assessment. We will show you exactly what your pipe needs and provide a detailed, transparent estimate.