Jetting vs. CCTV: What’s the Difference and When Do You Need Both?

When it comes to maintaining underground sewer and storm systems, two of the most effective services are hydro jetting and CCTV pipe inspection. While they are often used together, they serve very different purposes.

What is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clean the inside of pipes. It removes grease, sludge, roots, sediment, and debris that can restrict flow or cause backups.

Jetting is commonly used for:

• Preventative maintenance
• Storm drain cleaning
• Sewer line restoration
• Removing buildup before inspections or repairs 
  
  

What is CCTV Inspection?

CCTV inspection uses specialized cameras to inspect the inside of pipelines in real time. This allows technicians to identify cracks, root intrusion, offsets, collapses, and other issues without excavation.

CCTV is commonly used for:

• Diagnosing drainage issues
• Verifying pipe condition
• Locating blockages or damage
• Documenting systems before and after cleaning
  
  

Why They Work Better Together

Jetting cleans the line, while CCTV shows what’s happening inside the pipe. Running a camera through a dirty line can limit visibility and make it difficult to accurately identify issues.

By combining both services, customers receive:

• Cleaner, more accurate inspections
• Faster diagnosis of problems
• Better preventative maintenance
• Reduced risk of emergency failures

At Delta Hydro Excavation, we regularly combine jetting and CCTV services to help customers maintain sewer and storm systems efficiently while minimizing downtime and costly repairs.