Drain Snaking or Hydro Jetting: Which One Is Best?

Which Option is Best For My Plumbing? Drain Snaking or Hydro Jetting?

We know stopped-up drains are some of the most common problems for many homeowners. A variety of substances including hair, dirt, debris, and fungal growth will build up in a drain over time. This disrupts the flow of water and often leads to slow or completely stopped-up drains. This is where drain snakes and hydro jetting come in handy. Here’s the difference between the two systems:

Drain Snakes

Also known as plumbing snakes or plumbing augers, drain snakes have a long cable with a blade or corkscrew attached to one end. When used correctly, drain snakes can get rid of minor stoppages quickly and easy, and may prevent the need to hire a plumber to remove the blockage.

How it’s used: Insert the cable into the drain and upon reaching the stoppage, crank the handle. This causes the blade or corkscrew to turn and cut through or grab hold of the stoppage.

Pros: Drain snakes can easily and inexpensively clear out a simple clog, and a friend to DIYers.

Cons: Drain snakes do not clean drains properly and typically provide a temporary solution to reoccurring drain blocks. Drain snakes are also incapable of handling stoppages due to tree roots.

Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting uses a special nozzle connected to a high-pressure hose, which produces a powerful jet flow that can both remove all sizes of blockages and clean the drain.

Pros:  Some hydro jets are so powerful that they can even break up tree roots obstructing drains. Cleaning is important in preventing future stoppages.

Cons: Hydro jets are not an option for consumers and do-it-yourselfers. You will need to seek the help of a professional plumber if you are interested in hydro jetting. Because hydro jets are so powerful, they can cause more harm than good on weak or damaged pipes. As a result, prior to the service, your plumber should inspect your pipes before using this method of removing clogs and cleaning drains to ensure it is a proper fit.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our Los Angeles and Orange County plumbers, please contact us online or give us a call at (833) 936-1791. Adeedo! is here for you.