In most situations, hydro jetting can penetrate and carve out ice to restore flow in frozen sewer and drain lines when used carefully and with the proper setup. The safest approach depends on pipe condition, blockage severity, and outdoor temperatures.

Forward-cutting nozzles are commonly used for frozen lines because they direct high pressure water into the blockage in a rotating “coring” action to gradually reopen flow. Proper hose-handling is important to avoid unnecessary stress on the pipe. Don’t “ram-rod” the blockage; let the nozzle’s waterjets do the work.

Techs often clear frozen lines with cold water, but hot water definitely speeds up the nozzle’s coring and penetrating action. On solid ice, cold water-jets gradually erode away at the ice, while hot water-jets erode and melt the ice simultaneously, which clears the blockage much quicker.

Electric sewer jetters can work for smaller frozen residential lines, but larger outdoor ice blockages typically require larger jetters with higher flow and pressure capability, depending on pipe size and freeze severity.

Recurring frozen lines may indicate poor insulation, standing water, improper slope, or recurring flow restrictions inside the pipe. Thorough cleaning and addressing underlying drainage issues can help reduce future freeze problems.