Apr29

By Dave Bangar

Drain Snaking vs Hydro Jetting: Which is Better?

Keeping your home’s pipes clear of clogs is essential for maintaining a smooth flowing home plumbing system. Your pipes play an important role in many aspects of your daily life such as brushing your teeth, showering, using the bathroom, and cleaning your dishes. Without a clear draining system your life is not only heavily inconvenienced, but you could also be putting your home at risk for future expensive plumbing emergencies.

When it comes down to clearing clogs in your pipes you have two major options to choose from: drain snaking or hydro jetting. Both of these options have certain applications they are best suited for, as well as a variety of advantages and drawbacks.

Keep reading for a comprehensive plumbing methods comparison between these two strategies.

What is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting is a technique employed by professional plumbers where highly pressurised water is passed through pipes to remove blockages and clogs. The process involves a high-pressure hose and specialised nozzle that allows for water to be rapidly sent through a pipe, quickly breaking down any waste and debris present.

Hydro jetting is one of the best plumbing solutions available for getting rid of clogs inside drains. It is highly effective for removing a variety of materials and substances such as grease, human waste, food materials, tree branches, and sludge.

Hydro Jetting Applications and Limitations

Hydro jetting has a number of different use case scenarios where it is the superior option in comparison to drain snaking. Due to the highly pressurised water involved in hydro jetting, it is able to remove massive clogs in your system and at a much faster rate than drain snaking. The high pressure solution allows for wood, grease, dried concrete, ice, sand, tree roots, and almost any other type of debris, to be completely wiped out of your system. For a thorough cleaning method that will leave your pipes crystal clear in a matter of hours, hydro jetting is your go-to solution.

Although this drain cleaning technique is the most sophisticated option available, it does have its limitations. Not all pipes are strong enough to handle the force involved in hydro jetting. If your pipes are old, weak, or in poor condition, they may not be able to withstand highly pressurised water. Hydro jetting is also typically a more pricey solution for clearing pipes than other less extensive methods.

What is Drain Snaking?

Drain Snaking is another plumbing solution for removing clogs within pipes. Drain snaking involves the insertion of a long and flexible metal wire that is wrapped in coils for added structure. The process can either be performed manually by a plumber or with a motorised device. Manuel removal is done by attaching a corkscrew-shaped hook to the end of the wire and is pushed through the pipe until it attaches to the clog. This type of removal is best suited for clogs that are less invasive and usually located less than 10 ft into the drain. Motorised removal relies on a motor to push the snake through your drain to reach clogs that are as deep as 150 ft into your pipes.

Drain Snaking Applications and Limitations

Drain snaking also has its own advantages and drawbacks depending on the specific circumstance. The intricate process of drain snaking can allow you to carefully remove clogs in your pipes, without damaging the pipe in the process. The less-invasive nature of drain snaking is perfect for removing smaller clogs that are not as entrenched in your plumbing system. Drain snaking is also the more affordable option compared to hydro jetting.

While drain snaking is a great solution for removing shallow clogs in pipes, it is not as effective for clearing out extreme clogs that have been unresponsive to other methods. Drain snaking for clog removal will also not 100% flush out your pipes for a polished aftermath, like you would normally get with a hydro jet drain cleaning.

Final Verdict

Both of these drain cleaning techniques are extremely effective when applied for the right situation. Hydro jetting is best suited for removing clogs of substantial extent, or buildups that are located deep within your pipes. Hydro jet drain cleaning will ensure that all of the material and residue inside of your pipes is completely cleared out. Drain snaking is more optimised for less-invasive clogs that are not as deep in your drain line. While drain snaking is the more affordable option, it doesn’t leave your pipes crystal clear like a hydro jet cleaning would.

By utilising these pipe clearing methods you are ensuring an effective clog removal for a long-lasting drainage system. My Plumber Kelowna is here to provide guidance on which plumbing solution is right for you, and to deliver the most high-quality drain cleaning service possible.

To schedule a cleaning, reach out to us today online, or call us at 250-601-0000.