Jun5

By Dave Bangar

Snaking vs. Water Jetting: Which To Choose

Understanding the Two Most Common Methods Used to Dislodge Plumbing Clogs

When it comes to dislodging stubborn clogs in your plumbing system, there are two main methods used by professional plumbers that are highly effective at resolving the issue – drain snaking and water jetting. 

While both methods will likely produce a successful outcome, the method a Kelowna plumber chooses to use depends on several factors, such as the severity of the clog and how difficult it is to remove.  

Below, we will dive a bit deeper into drain snaking and water jetting and explain what both methods entail and when each method should be used.

What is Drain Snaking And When it is Used?

Drain snaking is a method used by professional plumbers in Kelowna to clear stubborn clogs that live deep in your plumbing system. The process entails using a tool called a drain snake or auger, which is a long, flexible cable with a corkscrew-like tip. Drain snakes can be either manual or motorized. 

Manual drain snakes are used to dislodge small clogs that are located less than 10 ft deep in your plumbing. Motorized drain snakes, on the other hand, are used for deeper clogs, as the tool uses a motor to continuously rotate, and can dislodge clogs that are 150 feet deep.

With both options, a plumber will insert the drain snake inside a drain. For manual drain snakes, the plumber will turn the snake while pushing it further into the pipe in order to break up and remove the obstruction. With a motorized drain snake, the tool’s motor will rotate the snake to help dislodge the clog. 

What is Water Jetting and When is it Used?

Water jetting is a more powerful method used to clear clogs and debris from plumbing systems.
With this method, a plumber will use a specialized machine that utilizes water pressure to blast away severe clogs that are difficult to remove.
Along with removing clogs, water jetting is also a great tool for preventing clogs as it can be used to remove buildup before an obstruction forms.

It’s important to note that water jetting can be dangerous and damage your pipes if not performed correctly, which is why it should only be executed by a trained plumber in Kelowna with experience using this kind of machinery. 

Which Option is Better?

Both snaking and water jetting are highly effective methods for clearing mild to severe clogs in plumbing systems, but the answer to the question of which method is better will depend on several factors, including the size of the clog, how deep it is, and what has caused it. 

Drain snaking is most often used to remove smaller clogs or obstructions caused by a buildup of hair, grease, or paper products. 

Water jetting, on the other hand, is used after other methods like drain snaking have failed and can be quite effective at clearing large clogs caused by mineral buildup, grease, or foreign objects.

What Causes Clogs and How to Prevent Them

Plumbing clogs can occur any time a foreign object gets trapped or substances build up in your drain. This includes:

• Hair
• Food waste
• Soap and other bathroom products
• Fats and oil
• Tree roots
• Children’s toys

Depending on the severity of the clog, it can be difficult to remove if not addressed quickly. 

The good news is that clogs can so easily be prevented by following these tips:

• Use a drain cover to catch hair and other debris and prevent it from becoming trapped in your drain.
• Never pour grease and fats down the drain and always dispose of them properly
• Never rinse food or food debris down your sink.
• Never flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet.
• Have a plumber perform regular maintenance so that they can identify and address any potential clogs in the early stages

If you suspect you have a clog in your pipes, contact our team of Kelowna-based plumbers today.

At My Plumber Kelowna, we have a team of licensed, trained, and highly experienced plumbers who can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action, whether it’s drain snaking, water jetting, or another method. We will then dislodge the clog and resolve any other plumbing issues you may be experiencing.

Call us today at 250-601-0000 or fill out a form on our website and we will be in touch ASAP.