Plumbing Snaking vs. Hydro Jetting

A clogged drain will ruin anyone’s day. You pull out your plunger only to find that, no matter how much you push and pull, you can’t seem to clear your pipes. From clogged sinks to blocked toilets, a blockage in your lines can be a significant headache. Luckily, plumbing professionals have all the tools to clear any drain clog.

Plumbing Snakes

The first tool most plumbers reach for when trying to clear an obstruction is a plumbing snake, also called a plumber auger. This device consists of a long cable that has blades at one end. A plumber places the line into the drain and pushes it forward until it reaches the clog. The operator then turns a crank on the drill to rotate the blades and dislodge the clog. Plumbing drills come in two varieties; a straight tube style and a J-shaped one. The straight type suits most drains, while the J-shaped one is mainly for toilets.

Pros of Plumbing Snakes

When a plunger doesn’t work, a plumbing snake is a quick and effective option for clearing softer clogs. From toilet paper to food scraps, a drain auger should be able to work its way through most organic materials. However, not all clogs are susceptible to the blades of a drill. In this case, most plumbers move on to a more forceful solution; the hydro-jet.

Cons of Plumbing Snakes

Plumbing snakes are effective against many household clogs, but only if used properly. As such, people who lack the needed experience and training can occasionally cause further damage to their lines while trying to clear a clog. Add to this that professional-grade plumbing snakes are large pieces of equipment, and some people would instead leave the work to a professional.

Hydro Jetting

For the toughest of clogs, plumbers rely on high-pressure hydro-jet technology. Hydro jets pressurize water to up to 4000 psi before using it to blast through the most stubborn of clogs. Of course, using high water pressure to break loose debris comes with some risk to pipes. If misused, the high force of water used by a hydro-jet can cause lines to burst and seriously injure those nearby! Due to the increased risk of damage to your pipes, hydro jetting is not something homeowners should attempt to do independently.

Pros of Hydro Jetting

While they require specialized equipment and knowledge, hydro jetting procedures are guaranteed to clear any debris, waste, or organic material from a building’s plumbing. If a blockage remains after hydro-jetting, the only way to remove it is to replace the pipe’s offending section.

Cons of Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting requires a plumber with extensive experience operating a hydro jet. Improper hydro jetting performed by a homeowner with no plumbing experience can severely damage pipes and result in costly repairs. Before choosing a hydro-jet, ensure there isn’t a more economical option that will also work for your situation.

For those jobs you can’t handle independently, rely on the Service Pros. We can address all causes of stubborn clogs or slow drains. Take care of your plumbing issues as soon as possible to avoid a flood or permanent damage to your system. Call us today at 925-753-5600 for help with your drain troubles.

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