The funny thing about a blocked drain is that it can start with something so small like when the kitchen sink takes longer to empty or the toilet makes a strange sound after flushing.
And then one day the water stops moving and the question changes from whether there is a blockage to which method will clear it in the best way possible.
So the two common options that you can get are drain snaking and hydro jetting like both can restore the whole flow but they do not work in the same way.
That is why we are gonna be understanding how hydro jetting vs drain snaking can help you when your drains need a deeper clean.
A Drain Snake Is All About Opening The Way Without Overdoing It
The thing about a drain snake is that it uses a flexible cable that travels through the pipe until it reaches the blockage.
And the cable may have a cutting head that breaks the obstruction apart creating a path for the water.
Plus professional drain snaking is often a good choice when the blockage is close to the fixture or caused by hair paper or food waste. It may also be used to open the line before a camera inspection.
Drain snaking may suit:
- One blocked sink toilet or shower
- A recent local blockage
- A solid object trapped in the pipe
- Older pipework that needs a gentler approach
The main limit is that the snake may only open a hole through the blockage. Grease and waste can remain on the pipe walls so the problem may return.
While The Hydro Jetting Is All About Cleaning More Than The Spot You Can See
Hydro jetting sends high pressure water through a special hose and nozzle. The water breaks apart the blockage and washes loose material through the drain.
Hydro jet drain cleaning can remove heavy grease sludge mineral buildup and smaller root growth while cleaning more of the pipe wall. This makes it useful when a drain has been cleared before but keeps blocking again.
What is more is that this high pressure equipment can cause serious injury when it is handled incorrectly.
That is why Derc Salotech says that high pressure water jetting needs proper controls and safe work methods.
The Right Method Always Depends On The Type Of Blockage That Is Causing The Issue
A stubborn drain blockage should not be treated the same way every time because the material inside the pipe decides which method is more suitable.
Snaking may work well for:
- Hair in a bathroom drain
- Paper buildup near a toilet
- A small food blockage
- An object lodged in the pipe
Hydro jetting may be better for:
- Thick grease coating the line
- Sludge spread through a longer section
- Mineral deposits
- Fine tree root growth
- Blockages that keep returning
And if you want to understand a bit more about these different kinds of blockages then just take a look at Jim Dandy’s guide.
Plus when it comes to grease and tree root blockages then it may need a far deeper clean than a small local clog.
Old Pipes Need The Answers Right Away Before They Explode
Hydro jetting is powerful but it should not be used blindly on every drain because when it comes to the older clay pipes and damaged joints then they may already have cracks or weak areas that need to be found first.
And so a plumber may recommend a camera inspection when the line has a history of collapse roots or movement and that camera can show where the blockage sits and whether the pipe is suitable for high pressure cleaning.
That is why the drain snaking may be the most safer first step when the pipe condition is uncertain because it can restore enough flow for a clearer inspection.
One Costs Less While The Other Costs More
When push comes to shove a drain snake is usually quicker and may cost less for a simple blockage while the hydro jetting often costs more because it uses specialised equipment and takes more preparation.
The better value depends on the problem.
Snaking makes sense when one small blockage needs to be removed. It may not save money when recurring blocked drains keep bringing the plumber back. In that situation hydro jetting may provide a more complete clean and leave less material inside the line.
Neither method repairs a broken or collapsed pipe. If an inspection finds serious damage then the drain may need repair relining or replacement after the blockage is cleared.
So Let’s Clear That Drain The Right Way
When it comes down to the real nitty gritty there is no single winner because the right choice depends on the blockage and the condition of the pipe.
And so the drain snaking is useful for quick local clogs and pipes that need a gentler first approach.
While the hydro jetting is stronger when grease sludge and repeated buildup have coated the line.
That is why a proper inspection helps make sure that the method solves the real problem instead of only restoring flow for a short time.
So put your trust in Rockdale Plumbing because they can assess the drain and choose the right equipment based on the pipe condition and the material causing the backup.
In fact their expert plumbers can clear all the simple clogs with snaking or use deeper cleaning methods when buildup has spread through the line.
Which is why you need to call Rockdale Plumbing when you need a dependable blocked drain plumber who can clear the line properly and help stop the same blockage from returning.