Hear from Our Customers
You stop calling plumbers every six months. The smell goes away. Your toilets flush without that slow gurgle, and your drains empty the way they’re supposed to.
That’s what happens when the entire pipe gets cleaned, not just the clog that’s causing problems today. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the inside of your sewer line, removing grease, soap buildup, tree roots, and decades of gunk that snaking can’t touch.
Most homeowners in Placerville don’t realize their sewer line is only partially clear after a standard rodding. The clog moves, water flows again, and everyone assumes the problem is solved. Then three months later, it’s back. That’s not bad luck—that’s an incomplete cleaning. When you clear the whole line, you’re not just fixing today’s backup. You’re preventing the next one.
Murray Plumbing isn’t new to El Dorado County. We know the older homes on hillside lots, the mid-century properties with cast iron that’s seen better days, and the seasonal ground shifts that stress underground pipes after winter.
We’re licensed, insured, and available 24/7 because sewer problems don’t wait for business hours. When you call, you’re talking to someone local who understands what Placerville properties deal with—not a call center three states away.
Our reputation here is built on showing up fast, diagnosing the real problem with camera inspections, and charging what we quote. No surprises. No upselling services you don’t need.
First, we run a camera through your line. That shows us what we’re dealing with—roots, grease, a bellied pipe, whatever. You see the same footage we do, so there’s no mystery about what’s wrong.
Then we use hydro jetting equipment that sends pressurized water through the pipe at a force strong enough to cut through buildup and flush it completely out of your system. It’s not a snake that pokes a hole through the clog. It’s a full pipe cleaning that restores flow from your house to the street connection.
After the jetting, we run the camera again to confirm the line is clear and check for any damage that might need attention. If your pipe has cracks or root intrusions, you’ll know before they turn into a bigger problem. The whole process usually takes a few hours, and when we’re done, your sewer line works the way it did when it was new.
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You get a full video camera inspection before and after the cleaning. That’s how we know what’s in your line and whether the hydro jetting did its job. You’re not paying for guesswork.
The hydro jetting itself is thorough—we’re talking about water pressure that removes everything from grease and soap scum to tree roots and mineral deposits. It’s safe for your pipes and environmentally friendly since we’re only using water, no harsh chemicals.
In Placerville, we see a lot of older sewer lines where tree roots have worked their way into joints, or where decades of use have left a thick coating inside the pipe. Hillside properties also deal with ground movement that can crack lines or cause them to sag. A camera inspection catches these issues so you’re not blindsided by a collapse six months down the road. If your line needs repair, we’ll tell you. If it just needs cleaning, we’ll tell you that too. Same-day service is available for urgent situations, and our pricing is transparent from the start.
If you’re dealing with slow drains in multiple fixtures, that’s usually your main sewer line, not just a single clogged pipe. When the kitchen sink, bathroom drains, and toilets all start acting up around the same time, it means the common line they all feed into is restricted.
Other signs you need sewer cleaning include gurgling sounds when you flush, water backing up in your shower or tub when you run the washing machine, or sewage odors around drains or your yard. These aren’t problems that fix themselves, and they tend to get worse fast.
In Placerville, older homes and properties with mature trees are especially prone to root intrusion. Roots grow toward water sources, and even a small crack in your sewer line is an invitation. If you’ve had your line cleared before and the problem keeps coming back, that’s a clear sign you need a full hydro jetting, not just another temporary snaking.
A snake (or auger) pokes a hole through the clog so water can pass. It’s a quick fix that works for simple blockages, but it doesn’t clean the pipe. All the grease, soap scum, and buildup on the walls stays right where it is, which means the clog usually comes back within months.
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water—typically between 3,000 and 4,000 PSI—to scour the entire inside of the pipe. It removes everything: roots, grease, scale, years of buildup. When we’re done, your pipe is as clean as it’s going to get without replacing it.
For recurring backups or lines that haven’t been cleaned in years, hydro jetting is the only method that actually solves the problem. It’s more thorough, lasts longer, and gives you a truly clear line instead of just a temporarily open one. If your sewer keeps backing up every few months, snaking isn’t going to cut it.
Most homes benefit from hydro jetting every two to three years, but it depends on your property. If you have older pipes, large trees near your sewer line, or a household that puts a lot of grease and debris down the drains, you might need it more often.
Commercial properties or homes with heavy usage should consider annual cleanings to prevent backups. It’s a lot cheaper to maintain a clear line than to deal with emergency repairs, water damage, and the health hazards that come with sewage backups.
In Placerville, the freeze-thaw cycles and ground movement we get can stress underground pipes, making them more susceptible to root growth and cracks. If you’re in an older home or on a hillside lot, it’s worth having your line inspected every couple of years even if you’re not having problems. Catching issues early saves you from expensive surprises later.
Hydro jetting is safe for pipes in good condition, but that’s why we always run a camera inspection first. If your line has significant cracks, collapses, or sections that are badly deteriorated, we’ll see that before we start and adjust our approach.
The camera tells us what your pipe can handle. For lines that are structurally sound but dirty, hydro jetting is the best cleaning method available. For pipes that are already compromised, we’ll let you know what repairs are needed before we proceed.
Older cast iron and clay pipes are common in Placerville, and many of them are still perfectly functional—they just need cleaning. But some have reached the end of their lifespan and need repair or replacement. The inspection gives you the full picture so you can make an informed decision. We’re not going to damage your pipes to make a sale. If hydro jetting isn’t the right call, we’ll tell you.
Tree roots are the biggest culprit, especially in older neighborhoods with mature landscaping. Roots grow toward moisture, and even a tiny crack in your sewer line is enough to let them in. Once they’re inside, they expand and trap debris, creating blockages that get worse over time.
Grease and soap buildup is another major cause. Even if you’re careful about what goes down your drains, years of use leave residue on the pipe walls that narrows the opening. Add in things like wipes (even the “flushable” ones), feminine products, and excess toilet paper, and you’ve got a recipe for backups.
Placerville’s soil conditions and hillside properties also contribute. Ground shifts from seasonal changes can cause pipes to sag or separate at joints, creating low spots where waste collects. Older pipes made of cast iron or clay are more prone to corrosion and cracking, which invites roots and allows soil to intrude. A camera inspection shows exactly what’s causing your backup so you’re not guessing.
The cost depends on the severity of the clog, the length of your sewer line, and what we find during the camera inspection. A straightforward hydro jetting typically runs a few hundred dollars. If there are complications—like extensive root intrusion or a damaged pipe that needs repair—the price goes up.
We give you an upfront quote after we inspect your line, so you know what you’re paying before any work starts. No hidden fees, no surprise charges after the job is done. Some companies quote a low price to get in the door, then add on costs once they’re there. That’s not how we operate.
The real question isn’t what it costs to clean your sewer line—it’s what it costs not to. A backup can ruin flooring, damage walls, and create health hazards that require expensive remediation. Insurance doesn’t always cover it, especially if the damage resulted from lack of maintenance. Spending a few hundred dollars on prevention beats spending thousands on emergency repairs and restoration.
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