Snaking vs. Hydro Jetting: Which Drain-Cleaning Method Do You Need?

Water backing up in a sink or shower is never convenient, and reaching for a plunger only helps so much. Some clogs break apart with a few firm pushes, while others cling to pipe walls no matter how hard you try. Snaking and hydro jetting are two drain-cleaning techniques you can consider. This quick guide explains how each one works — that way, you can match the right method to your specific clog before you call in a professional.

What Is Snaking?

Snaking uses a tool called a drain snake, also known as a plumber’s auger, which is a flexible cable with a coiled end. This cable is fed into the drain and pushed through the pipe until it reaches the blockage.

The plumber rotates the cable, either manually or with a motor, to break the obstruction into smaller pieces that can be flushed away or to hook onto it, so it can be pulled out of the pipe. This mechanical method tackles clogs in sinks, bathtubs, sewer lines and large pipes and is often used when chemical drain cleaners or plungers are ineffective.

What Is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clear obstructions and thoroughly clean the interiors of plumbing pipes and sewer lines. Instead of simply punching a hole through a clog, hydro jetting uses a specialized nozzle that blasts water through tree roots, heavy grease, sludge, mineral scale and other accumulated debris.

The water is often sprayed both forward to break apart the clog and backward to flush the dislodged material out of the system. Hydro jetting is usually used in parking garage drains, grease tank lines, stack lines, main sewer lines and storm drains.

Which Method Is Right for You?

Now that you’re more familiar with both snaking and hydro jetting, let’s review some scenarios when one drain-cleaning method might be more effective than the other.

Generally, drain snaking is the smarter and more sufficient call when:

• Your drain has been flowing normally for months, and you’re suddenly facing a blockage.
• You’re dealing with clogs caused by common buildup, such as hair and soap scum, in bathroom sinks, showers or employee restrooms.
• Minor food particles or grease have created a localized blockage in your drain.
• You have toilet blockages due to hygiene products or paper and need a quick resolution.
• You have older or fragile pipes that could be damaged by high-pressure cleaning.

Hydro jetting is usually the more appropriate long-term investment when:

• You’re experiencing recurring clogs that traditional snaking hasn’t fully resolved.
• There is a significant buildup of grease, sludge or scale inside your pipes.
• Tree roots have infiltrated your sewer lines.
• You require preventive maintenance for high-traffic lines, such as the main drain in a commercial kitchen.
• You want a truly thorough cleaning that scours the entire pipe wall.
• A camera inspection confirms that your plumbing system can safely withstand the high-pressure water.

Get Expert Drain Cleaning From Dash Drains

Whether you’re dealing with a slow bathroom sink at home or a backed-up grease line in a commercial kitchen, Dash Drains offers both drain snaking and hydro jetting services to get water moving safely again. Our team handles snaking on pipes ranging from 3/4 inch to 10 inches in diameter, and our specialty training in high-pressure water jetting means we can tackle tougher buildup, too. We’ve served Massachusetts homes and businesses with professional service since 2012.

Call us at 781-414-5363 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment. Facing an urgent drain issue? Our 24/7 emergency drain service is ready when you need us.