Snaking vs. Hydro Jetting: Which One Does Your Drain Actually Need?

What Is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting is a more advanced and powerful method of clearing drains. Using specialized equipment, a plumber blasts highly pressurized water through your pipes to remove blockages and clean the interior walls of the plumbing system.

Unlike snaking, which only pushes through or pulls out part of a clog, hydro jetting eliminates grease, scale, tree roots, and years of buildup.

When Hydro Jetting Works Best

• Stubborn or Recurring Clogs: Perfect for tough blockages that keep coming back after snaking.
• Commercial Properties: Restaurants and businesses often need hydro jetting to clear grease and heavy debris.
• Tree Root Infiltration: The high-pressure water can break up and flush away small root intrusions.
• Preventative Maintenance: Not only removes current blockages but also restores pipes to like-new condition.

Hydro jetting is more thorough, but it requires professional expertise. It’s not recommended for older, fragile pipes that may crack under pressure.

Snaking vs. Hydro Jetting: Key Differences

While both methods are designed to clear clogs, the way they work and the results they deliver are quite different. Snaking uses a mechanical cable to break apart or pull out blockages, making it effective for simple, minor clogs such as food scraps or hair. Snaking typically only addresses the immediate blockage and doesn’t clean the pipe walls, meaning clogs are more likely to return.

Hydro jetting, on the other hand, uses high-pressure water to blast through even the toughest blockages while also scrubbing the inside of the pipes. Because hydro jetting restores pipes to a cleaner state, it provides a longer-term solution compared to snaking. The downside is that it may not be suitable for fragile or aging pipes, which could be damaged by the high water pressure.

In short, snaking is best for quick fixes and lighter blockages, while hydro jetting is the more powerful, long-lasting solution for serious or persistent plumbing issues.

The Role of a Professional Plumber

While DIY drain cleaners and store-bought snakes may offer temporary relief, they rarely solve the root cause of plumbing issues. Professional plumbers, like those at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, use advanced diagnostic tools such as video inspections to determine whether snaking or hydro jetting is the most effective solution.

Our team provides comprehensive plumbing repair services, ensuring your drains are cleared safely and thoroughly. If hydro jetting is the right choice, we’ll verify your pipes can handle the pressure before beginning the service.

Keep Your Drains Flowing Smoothly

When a clogged drain disrupts your day, you need a reliable solution. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we’ll help you determine whether snaking or hydro jetting is the right choice for your situation. From minor clogs to major blockages, our expert plumbing repair services keep your system flowing freely. Call us today to schedule service with a trusted plumber and restore your peace of mind.