Does your home have a plumbing issue that needs fixing? You've heard of snaking and hydro jetting, and now you're wondering which option is best. Find out in this article as we explore the two main plumbing solutions - snaking and hydro jetting - and compare their pros and cons to help you decide which is right.

What is Snaking?

Snaking is a common method for clearing blocked sewer lines. A plumber will insert a long, flexible rod into your sewer line. The rod is equipped with a cutting blade that can slice through tree roots or other debris that may be causing the blockage.

What is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting is another common method for clearing blocked sewer lines. This method uses high-pressure water to blast through debris and clear the blockage. Hydro jetting is more effective than snaking because it can remove buildup on the pipe's sides and blockages.

An Overview of How They Work

Hydro jetting and snaking are both effective methods for clearing clogged drains. But which one is the best?

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to blast through clogs while snaking uses a rotating auger to break up and remove blockages.

Both methods are effective, but hydro jetting is usually the better option because it is more powerful and can reach further into the drain. Hydro jetting is also less likely to damage your pipes than snaking, which can be abrasive.

If you have a clogged drain, contact a professional plumber to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.

Pros and Cons of Each Method

Pros of Snaking & Hydro-jetting: 

1. Quick and effective - Snaking and hydro-jetting are quick methods to unclog drains, usually taking no more than an hour or two, depending on the severity of the clogging. 

2. Prevents damage – Snaking and hydro-jetting can clear away blockages without causing any undue damage to pipe walls or fixtures.

3. Cost efficient - Compared to other repair methods, such as replacing entire sections of plumbing, snaking, and hydro-jetting are relatively cost-efficient in terms of labor hours and parts needed for replacement. 

4. Long-lasting results - As chemical drain cleaners do, both snaking and hydro-jetting remove the root cause of clogs instead of just temporarily clearing it away.

Cons of Snaking & Hydro Jetting: 

1. Can't reach certain areas – Depending on where a blockage is located in a pipe system, neither snaking nor hydro jetting may be able to access it due to tight bends in the pipes preventing tools from reaching certain spots.

2. Expensive equipment – High-powered water jets require specialized equipment that can become costly when needing repairs.

3. Potential backflow issues – If not done correctly, there is potential for backflow from either method, which could spread hazardous material throughout a home or business.

Which Method Is The Most Effective?

Many factors come into play when determining which method is the most effective for clearing a clogged drain. The type of drain, the severity of the clog, and the location of the clog are just a few of the things that need to be considered. For example, if you have a serious clog in your main sewer line, hydro jetting is going to be your best bet. On the other hand, snaking might be all you need if you have a minor clog in a small drain.

In general, hydro jetting will be more effective than snaking because it can reach further into the pipes and blast away any buildup that might be causing the blockage. However, it is also more expensive and aggressive, so it's not always necessary. If snaking does the trick, it's the cheaper and easier option.

Conclusion

Snaking and hydro jetting are two of the most commonly used methods to unclog drains. Snaking is ideal for clogs close to the drain opening, while hydraulic jetting can be a better option for tougher blockages. Hopefully, this article helped provide some insight into snaking vs. hydro jetting so that you can make an informed decision when dealing with stubbornly clogged drains in your home.