Hydro jetting in Fairfax uses high-pressure water to scour a main drain or sewer lateral clean, clearing grease, scale and roots that bring clogs back. Inside the City of Fairfax, the City's Public Works handles the public sewer; outside, it's Fairfax County. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Fairfax.
The City of Fairfax is an independent city and the county seat, with a median home built around 1967. Older houses here often have cast iron drains and laterals under mature trees, both prime candidates for jetting. Inside city limits, the City's Department of Public Works runs the sewers; much of the Fairfax mailing area outside the city is unincorporated Fairfax County, served by County Wastewater Management.
What to do now
- Stop running water in the house.
- Check your bill to see whether the City or the County handles your sewer.
- If sewage rises with nothing running, call your provider: City wastewater at 703-385-7810, or 703-385-7924 after hours; County addresses call 703-323-1211.
- Keep people and pets away from any sewage on the floor.
- Locate the cleanout and clear a path to it.
Symptoms and what they usually mean
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Basement drain backs up when upstairs fixtures run | Main drain or lateral clog |
| Clog returns weeks after cabling | Scale, grease or roots left on the pipe wall |
| Root fibers on the cable | Roots entering through a lateral joint |
| Slow kitchen sink only | Grease in the kitchen branch |
| Several houses affected | Public sewer problem |
Cost factors
- Access: outdoor cleanout, basement cleanout or toilet
- Lateral length and number of bends
- Roots and scale versus soft grease
- Camera inspection
- After-hours service
Fairfax County holds homeowners responsible for lateral blockages all the way to the County main, including the connection; check with the City about its rules if you live inside city limits. Repairs inside the city go through the City's Code Administration office at 10455 Armstrong Street; county addresses go to Fairfax County Land Development Services.
For homes from the 1960s, a camera run before jetting is a sensible step. It confirms whether old iron can take the pressure and shows whether a repair, rather than repeated cleaning, would be the better long-term fix. The oldest houses in and around the city are the most likely to have original cast iron, while homes built in later decades are more likely to have plastic lines that just need a thorough rinse. Either way, the plumber should tell you what came out of the line and why it built up.
Hydro Jetting questions in Fairfax
How do I find out who runs the sewer at my address?
Sewage is backing up. Should I call the sewer utility or a plumber first?
Can a jetter damage an old cast iron or clay sewer pipe?
What drives the price of a jetting visit?
More plumbing services in Fairfax
Hydro Jetting nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
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