Hydrojetting San Francisco: Professional Drain Cleaning for Historic Homes & Commercial Properties
O’Grady Plumbing (OGP) is San Francisco’s multi-generational residential and commercial plumbing company.
Last month, we were called to a beautiful Victorian home in Pacific Heights with plumbing issues that had frustrated the homeowners for weeks. Despite multiple attempts with store-bought chemicals and basic snake tools, their slow drains persisted. This is a common scenario we encounter throughout San Francisco, from the fog-kissed homes of the Sunset District to the historic buildings near Fisherman’s Wharf.
We’re O’Grady Plumbing, and since 1998, we’ve been providing specialized hydrojetting services to San Francisco residents and businesses. Working in a city with such diverse architecture—from century-old Victorians in Nob Hill to modern high-rises in SoMa—we’ve seen firsthand how our unique infrastructure creates distinctive plumbing challenges.
The truth is, San Francisco’s aging sewer lines, combined with our hilly terrain and salt air, create perfect conditions for stubborn clogs that regular methods simply can’t touch. Whether you’re dealing with slow drains in your Russian Hill condo, managing multiple properties in the Marina District, or maintaining plumbing for your Mission District restaurant, hydrojetting offers the most effective solution.
As San Francisco natives who’ve worked on thousands of local properties, we understand that you need solutions that protect your valuable home while providing lasting results. Our professional hydrojetting service uses high-pressure water—not harmful chemicals—to completely clear blockages while preserving your historic plumbing systems.

What is Hydrojetting?

Hydrojetting is our most powerful drain cleaning method, using specialized equipment that delivers pressurized water at up to 4,000 PSI through your pipes. Unlike traditional snaking that merely pokes holes in blockages, our hydrojetting service completely scours pipe walls, removing years of built-up grease, scale, roots, and debris that cause recurring clogs.
For San Francisco’s unique plumbing systems—especially in older neighborhoods like Noe Valley and Cole Valley—hydrojetting offers significant advantages:
- Complete Removal: Eliminates 100% of blockage material, not just creating a small pathway
- Preserves Historic Pipes: Safe for most pipe materials, including those found in Victorian and Edwardian homes
- Prevents Future Issues: The thorough cleaning helps prevent quick re-clogging, a common problem in San Francisco’s aging infrastructure
- Environmentally Friendly: Uses only water pressure, no harsh chemicals that could contaminate the Bay
When you call us for hydrojetting in San Francisco, we first conduct a thorough inspection to ensure it’s the right solution for your specific plumbing system and situation.
The O’Grady Hydrojetting Process
When you choose our San Francisco hydrojetting service, you can expect:

Comprehensive Inspection
We start with a thorough assessment, often using video camera technology to identify the exact nature and location of your blockage.

Tailored Approach
We customize pressure levels and nozzle types based on your specific pipe material and age—essential for protecting San Francisco’s historic plumbing systems.

Complete Clearing
Our specialized equipment reaches far into your sewer lines, addressing issues that standard methods can’t reach.

Post-Service Camera Inspection
We verify complete removal of all blockages and document the improved condition of your pipes.

Preventative Recommendations
We provide guidance specific to your San Francisco neighborhood on maintaining clear drains long-term.
For commercial clients managing properties or restaurants throughout San Francisco, we offer scheduled maintenance programs to prevent costly emergency situations.
When to Choose Hydrojetting for Your San Francisco Property

Our San Francisco customers typically benefit from hydrojetting when experiencing:
- Recurring Clogs: If you’ve had multiple drain issues in Pacific Heights or Presidio Heights homes
- Slow Drains Throughout the House: Common in multi-unit buildings in the Richmond and Sunset Districts
- Foul Odors: Often reported in older Marina District properties with complex plumbing systems
- Restaurant Grease Issues: Essential for Mission and North Beach food establishments
- Root Intrusion: Frequently encountered in western neighborhoods with mature landscaping
- Property Management Needs: Preventative maintenance for multiple units in areas like SOMA and Potrero Hill
For San Francisco’s unique microclimate areas, we’ve adapted our hydrojetting techniques to address location-specific challenges. From the sandy soil of the Outer Sunset to the rocky terrain of Diamond Heights, we understand how local conditions affect your plumbing.
Our San Francisco Plumbing Expertise
As San Francisco plumbing specialists with over 25 years of experience, we’ve built our reputation by understanding the unique challenges of our city’s infrastructure. Since our founding in 1998, we’ve completed more than 10,000 hydrojetting services across every San Francisco neighborhood.
Local Experience That Matters:
- We’ve worked extensively in historic districts like Pacific Heights and Nob Hill, where specialized knowledge of century-old plumbing systems is essential
- Our team has developed specific techniques for the common cast iron and clay pipes found throughout San Francisco’s older homes
- We maintain detailed records of underground infrastructure patterns by neighborhood, allowing us to anticipate challenges before they arise
San Francisco Roots: As a locally-owned business operating since 1998, we’re deeply connected to the San Francisco community we serve. Our long-standing presence in the city has allowed us to develop specialized knowledge of local plumbing systems and build lasting relationships with homeowners, property managers, and business owners throughout San Francisco.

Recognition For Excellence:
- Highly rated on review platforms by San Francisco customers
- Long-standing reputation for quality service in the Bay Area
- Committed to maintaining the highest standards of workmanship and customer service
Success Stories From Your Neighborhood
Pacific Heights Victorian Home: When a family in Pacific Heights contacted us about persistent slow drains affecting multiple bathrooms, our inspection revealed decades of buildup in their historic pipes. Using our specialized hydrojetting equipment calibrated for their delicate plumbing system, we restored full flow without damaging their home’s original piping. Two years later, they remain clog-free.
Russian Hill Property Manager: Managing a 12-unit building in Russian Hill, one property manager faced recurring complaints about slow drains throughout the building. Our comprehensive hydrojetting service addressed years of accumulated buildup in the main lines. We now provide scheduled maintenance to ensure residents experience no disruptions.
Mission District Restaurant: A popular Mission District restaurant was facing repeated grease clogs despite regular maintenance. Our commercial hydrojetting service not only resolved their immediate issues but our preventative maintenance program has kept their kitchen operating smoothly for over three years, even during their busiest seasons.
Sunset District Homeowner: A first-time homeowner in the Sunset District was concerned about water backing up during rainy seasons. Our inspection revealed root intrusion in their sewer line—a common issue in this neighborhood. Our hydrojetting service removed the roots and debris, protecting their investment and preventing potential flooding.
We’re On It!
Emergency Services Available – 30 Minute Response Time.
Experience the O’Grady Difference for Your San Francisco Drain Issues
Don’t let stubborn clogs disrupt your busy San Francisco lifestyle or damage your valuable property. Our specialized hydrojetting service provides a complete solution that protects your plumbing system while delivering lasting results.
Schedule Your San Francisco Hydrojetting Service Today:
- Same-Day Service: Available throughout San Francisco for urgent drainage problems
- Transparent Pricing: Upfront quotes with no hidden fees or surprise charges
- Satisfaction Guaranteed: We stand behind our work with a comprehensive service guarantee
We Proudly Serve All San Francisco Neighborhoods:
From the Sunset and Richmond Districts to Pacific Heights, Nob Hill, SoMa, the Mission, and beyond—our hydrojetting experts are familiar with the unique plumbing challenges in every part of San Francisco.
Book Your Service:
- Call: (415) 985-0155
- Email: info@ogradyplumbing.com
- Online: Visit our website to schedule your service
Whether you’re a homeowner dealing with recurring clogs in your historic Victorian, a property manager responsible for multiple units, or a restaurant owner facing commercial drainage issues, our San Francisco hydrojetting specialists are ready to deliver the effective, long-lasting solution you need.
Contact us today to restore your plumbing system to peak performance and prevent future drainage problems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hydrojetting in San Francisco
What is hydrojetting?
Hydrojetting is our most powerful drain cleaning method that uses specialized equipment delivering pressurized water at up to 4,000 PSI through your pipes. Unlike traditional methods, hydrojetting completely scours pipe walls, removing years of built-up grease, scale, roots, and debris that cause recurring clogs. For San Francisco’s unique and often historic plumbing systems, this method provides a thorough cleaning that addresses even the most stubborn blockages that have been frustrating homeowners for weeks.
Is hydro jetting better than snaking?
Yes, hydrojetting is significantly more effective than snaking, especially for San Francisco’s aging infrastructure. Traditional snaking merely pokes holes in blockages, creating a small pathway for water. Our hydrojetting service, on the other hand, completely scours pipe walls, removing 100% of the blockage material. This comprehensive approach is particularly important in older neighborhoods like Noe Valley and Cole Valley, where pipes often have years of accumulated buildup that snaking simply can’t address.
Can hydro jetting damage old pipes?
When performed by our experienced technicians, hydrojetting is safe for most pipe materials, including those found in San Francisco’s Victorian and Edwardian homes. We customize pressure levels and nozzle types based on your specific pipe material and age—an essential consideration when working with historic plumbing systems. Our thorough pre-service inspection ensures we apply the appropriate technique for your unique situation, preserving the integrity of your valuable plumbing while delivering effective results.