Commercial kitchens are fast-paced environments, and there are many moving parts that keep them running smoothly. Part of this is keeping the drainage system clean and functioning. Commercial kitchens deal with a significant amount of grease and food waste that presents unique challenges to keeping their drain systems healthy. One solution is hydro-jetting, which is a powerful drain-cleaning technique that has become a top choice for maintaining commercial kitchen drains.
Here, we’re going to dive into the advantages of hydro-jetting for commercial kitchens, and why it has become one of the best solutions.
What Is Hydro Jetting?
Hydro-jetting is a drain cleaning technique that uses high-pressure water or steam to clean the interior surfaces of drains and pipes. A hose with a jetting nozzle is inserted into the drain system, and water is released at extremely high pressure. On average, a water pressure of about 1500 psi is used for standard treatment. However, there may be cases where more pressure is needed. In some cases, pressure as high as 5,000 psi or higher is used.
With this high pressure, grease, debris, and obstructions are dislodged and flushed out of drains and pipes. Hydro-jetting is more effective at breaking up clogs than traditional methods like drain snaking because it completely removes build-up and residue.
Why Commercial Kitchens Need Advanced Drain Maintenance Solutions
The sheer volume of grease and food waste handled by commercial kitchens makes drain and plumbing maintenance more complex than residential kitchens. The frequent and heavy use of fats and oils can lead to grease accumulation in pipes. This can happen even with a grease trap system if it’s not properly maintained. Over time, the accumulation of grease can harden and cause blockages in pipes.
It isn’t just grease that’s the culprit in commercial kitchens. Food particles also play a role. Food particles from plates that have been scraped and kitchen prep areas can make their way into drains, resulting in troublesome clogs.
In addition to this, clogged or blocked drains present problems that don’t meet stringent health regulations. For example, unpleasant odors, drainage backflow, and unsanitary conditions. Not properly maintaining drains can put a commercial kitchen at risk of being fined for non-compliance with local health regulations.
6 Benefits of Hydro Jetting for Drain Maintenance
Preventative Maintenance
Hydro-jetting can be used as preventative maintenance, rather than used solely for treating existing clogs. Commercial kitchens that schedule regular hydro-jetting sessions as part of their preventative maintenance schedule can prevent the buildup of grease and food debris before it has a chance to become an issue. This simple step can save commercial kitchens from costly repairs and downtime in the future.
More Thorough Cleaning
Snaking, which was considered the standard drain clog treatment for years, is effective at breaking clogs and increasing water flow, but it doesn’t get the job done as well as hydro-jetting. The high-pressure water of hydro-jetting removes grease, food particles, and mineral deposits from inside the pipes. This is in contrast to snaking, which works by puncturing a blockage, and sometimes breaking it loose. The thorough cleaning that hydro-jetting offers reduces the risk of recurring blockages while optimizing flow capacity.
Gentler, Eco-Friendly Drain Maintenance
Compared to chemical drain cleaners, hydro-jetting is a safer, gentler, and more eco-friendly solution. Harsh chemical drain cleaners can be harmful to the pipes and potentially contribute to corrosion. The chemicals aren’t friendly for the environment either, with residue making its way into local sewage and water systems.
Improved Drainage Efficiency
Hydro-jetting is effective for increasing drain efficiency. By removing debris and buildup from inside pipes, hydro-jetting eliminates slow drainage and minimizes the risk of backups. This is key for keeping commercial kitchens operational and avoiding safety risks and disruptions to business.
Addresses Multiple Issues with One Treatment
Unlike other drain cleaning methods, hydro-jetting is effective for treating a wide range of blockages, and it’s suitable for various types of pipe materials. In our experience, hydro-jetting can treat blockages caused by grease, food, sludge, scale, and in some cases, small tree roots. The versatility of hydro-jetting makes it a good first option for clogs or backups of unknown origin.
Improving Workplace Safety and Cleanliness
When a drain in a commercial kitchen is blocked or slow-flowing, it can create hazardous and unhygienic conditions. Standing water that occurs as a result of backflow can significantly increase the risk of slips and falls. In high-volume, fast-paced commercial kitchens, this becomes an even greater risk as employees might not notice the issue before it’s too late.
Additionally, with standing water comes lingering foul odors and the potential for bacterial growth. These are not situations that should ever be associated with a commercial kitchen. Standing water compromises the hygiene of the kitchen, and puts both employees and guests at risk.
Cost Effectiveness
The downside of hydro-jetting is that it’s typically more costly upfront compared to other drain treatment methods. Still, even with the higher upfront costs, hydro-jetting proves to be more cost-effective in the long run. A thorough hydro-jetting cleaning reduces the frequency of repairs and emergency service calls. By keeping drains and pipes in clean, optimal condition, hydro-jetting can also extend the lifespan of the plumbing system. Overall, hydro-jetting saves money and is a smart investment for the future.
When To Use Hydro-Jetting In Commercial Kitchens
Hydro-jetting is versatile enough to make it suitable for various commercial kitchen drain needs.
Recurring or Difficult Clogs: Where hydro-jetting is used most frequently to remedying clogs, especially in kitchens that experience frequent or recurring blockages. Hydro-jetting helps to address the root cause, rather than providing a quick fix or temporary solution.
Commercial Kitchen Grease Buildup: Hydro-jetting is the most effective way of removing resistant grease deposits that can easily become problematic for commercial kitchens.
Routine Maintenance: It’s not necessary to wait until an issue occurs before contacting a hydro-jetting professional. Commercial kitchens can benefit from including hydro-jetting in their regular maintenance schedule. For most commercial kitchens, an annual hydro-jetting service will work for preventative maintenance. Kitchens that experience frequent or recurring clogs might want to schedule a cleaning once every six months until the issue is completely resolved.
Post-Renovations: Commercial kitchens that have recently undergone renovations or new installations can benefit from a hydro-jetting sessing. This can help clear out construction debris, such as dust and dirt, along with stray construction materials that may have found their way into the pipes.
What To Expect with a Hydro-Jetting Session
Whether the plumbing professional is called to a commercial kitchen for a plumbing issue or routine maintenance, a hydro-jetting session typically begins with an inspection of the drain and pipes. This is done using a small camera that is inserted into the plumbing system. From here, the professional will look for the source and severity of any blockages, along with buildup, debris, and structural issues in the plumbing.
After the initial inspection, a hydro-jetting nozzle is inserted into the pipe and a high-pressure stream of water is released. The water pressure force and duration of treatment will depend on the severity of blockages and debris.
Once the hydro-jetting session is complete, a second inspection occurs. This is to ensure that all blockages were removed and that plumbing is in good working condition. Sometimes, after debris is removed, a plumbing professional is better able to assess the overall health of the plumbing system. If they notice any issues or have recommendations, they will state so at this time.
Hydro-Jetting for Plumbing Longevity in Commercial Kitchens
Commercial kitchens can’t afford for their drains and plumbing systems to go down. Maintaining a functioning, efficient drainage system is something that can’t be compromised on. Hydro-jetting stands out among other options as a powerful, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution for maintaining commercial drains.
At Northwest Biofuel, we’re here to assist commercial kitchens with their plumbing and drainage needs. Whether it’s an emergency repair, lingering issue, or routine maintenance, contact Northwest Biofuel for reliable, thorough, and professional service.
