Hydro-Jetting vs. Snaking: Which One Do You Need?
Drain Cleaning
When you call a plumber for a clog, they usually have two main weapons: the drain snake (auger) and the hydro-jetter. Which one they use depends on the severity of the blockage.
Drain Snaking (The Cable Machine)
A long steel cable with a cutting head spins inside the pipe.
- Best For: Simple clogs like hair in a shower, a toy flushed down the toilet, or minor tree root intrusion.
- How it Works: It punctures a hole through the clog to restore flow. It does *not* clean the walls of the pipe.
Hydro-Jetting (The Power Washer)
A hose blasts water at 3,000+ PSI into the pipe.
- Best For: Grease buildup in kitchen lines, heavy sludge, sand, and complete sewer line restoration.
- How it Works: It scours the pipe walls clean, washing away years of buildup. It restores the pipe to 'like new' capacity.