Snaking vs. Hydro Jetting Services: Which Is Right for You?
Whether it’s slow drainage, recurring clogs, or backed-up pipes, drain clog issues can disrupt daily life and lead to long-term damage if you don’t address them promptly. Two common solutions for clearing blockages are drain snaking and hydro jetting, but which is right for you? This guide from Sewer Bros breaks down both techniques, their advantages, and when to use them.
What Is Drain Snaking?
Drain snaking, also known as plumbing auguring, is one of the most traditional methods of clearing clogged pipes. It involves using a long, flexible metal cable with a coiled end (called an auger) and inserting it into the pipe.
The auger rotates as it moves through the drain to break up and extract blockages. This technique has been a go-to solution for decades due to its simplicity and effectiveness in tackling common drainage problems.
Advantages of Drain Snaking
Drain snaking is versatile and can fix several types of clogs, including hair, grease, and small debris. Its simplicity also means that plumbers can usually resolve the clog quickly, saving time and hassle. However, drain snaking may not be as effective as other drain-clearing methods such as hydro jetting.
Common Applications of Drain Snaking
Snaking is best for resolving minor blockages in pipes or when dealing with a localized clog. This method commonly applies to clearing bathroom sinks, kitchen drains, and shower clogs. If a blockage is within the first few feet of a pipe, snaking is generally sufficient to remove it.
However, snaking may not be effective for addressing extensive buildups, tree roots, or heavy grease inside pipes. It may only be a temporary solution for more complicated clogs. In those situations, a more powerful solution like hydro jetting may be necessary.
What Is Hydro Jetting?
Hydro jetting is a more advanced and powerful technique for clearing clogged drains. Unlike snaking, which mechanically disrupts blockages, hydro jetting uses high-pressure water streams to clean pipes.
The equipment includes a specialized hose connected to a pressurized water tank, which sprays water at pressures ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 pounds per square inch (PSI). The jets of water blast away debris, grease, and other buildup, completely clearing the pipe and restoring optimal drainage.
Advantages of Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting offers a more thorough and effective cleaning process compared to snaking. It removes the clog as well as residue or buildup that could lead to future blockages, making hydro jetting ideal for long-term maintenance and improving the overall health of your drainage system.
Another key advantage of hydro jetting is that it can tackle more severe clogs, such as tree roots, hardened grease, and stubborn debris. It has the power to fully flush out and remove blockages while minimizing the likelihood of recurring issues.
Common Applications of Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting is typically used for severe clogs or when snaking has failed to resolve the issue. It’s particularly effective for removing tree roots that have invaded sewer lines and for eliminating buildup caused by years of grease or mineral deposits.
This method is also ideal for maintaining clean pipes in restaurants, hotels, and apartment complexes, where high volumes of waste go through plumbing daily. For property managers overseeing commercial or multiunit buildings, hydro jetting is a highly efficient solution for cleaning larger and heavily used drainage systems.
Comparing Drain Snaking and Hydro Jetting
When deciding between snaking and hydro jetting services and which is best for you, their suitability depends on the nature of the clog, the condition of your pipes, and your long-term goals.
Cleaning Thoroughness
If thorough cleaning is your top priority, hydro jetting is the superior option. While snaking often solely focuses on removing a clog, hydro jetting cleans the entire pipe surface. This technique removes grease, debris, and other residues from the pipe walls, leaving them completely clean. If you’re looking for a permanent solution or preventive maintenance, hydro jetting is the better choice.
For older pipes that need targeted cleaning, the gentler action of snaking might be more appropriate. However, if you want your pipes to remain clear for the long term, hydro jetting delivers the most effective results.
Limitations
While both methods have their advantages, each also has certain limitations. Snaking, for example, might only provide a temporary fix for stubborn clogs, as it does not completely clean the pipe. Debris may remain, leading to recurring blockages.
Hydro jetting, on the other hand, may not be suitable for older plumbing systems, as you’ll recall. The intense water pressure can cause cracks or leaks in corroded pipes. Understanding these limitations can help you make an informed decision about which method best suits your specific scenario and needs.
Environmental Impact
When considering the environmental impact of these drain-clearing methods, hydro jetting has a slight edge over snaking. It relies solely on water to clean pipes and does not involve the use of chemicals or harsh detergents, making hydro jetting an eco-friendly choice for clearing blockages.
Snaking, while not harmful to the environment, does not offer the same level of cleaning and may require more frequent use. Repeated snaking could result in higher water usage over time as problems persist and your drains require more maintenance.
How To Seek Drain-Clearing Help
Drain problems can escalate quickly if you don’t treat them, so the earlier you address them, the better. A professional technician can evaluate the condition of your pipes, determine the nature of the blockage, and select the method that best fits your needs.
Whether you’re dealing with a minor blockage or a severe clog, contacting a professional plumber is always a smart move. A trusted service like Sewer Bros can assess your situation and recommend the best course of action. With our residential hydro jetting services in Salem, MA, we can quickly and efficiently leave your drains clog-free.
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