If you have a sink that won’t drain or a toilet that keeps backing up, your first instinct is probably to reach for a plunger or call a plumber to “snake” the line. While these are great quick fixes, they often only solve half the problem.
In our experience servicing homes throughout the area, we see “recurring clogs” more often than anything else. A homeowner will snake a drain, it works for two weeks, and then the backup returns. Why? Because the pipe wasn’t actually cleaned it just had a small hole poked through the debris. This is where Hydro Jetting comes in.
But is blasting high-pressure water through your pipes always the right move? Let’s look at the pros and cons of Hydro Jetting versus traditional snaking.
The Pros of Hydro Jetting
- A Total Clean (Not Just a Hole) While a snake (auger) clears a path through a clog, Hydro Jetting uses 3500+ PSI of water pressure to scrub the pipe walls. It removes grease, soap scum, and mineral buildup, leaving the inside of your pipes looking almost like new.
- It Tackles Tree Roots In many older neighborhoods nearby, tree roots are the #1 enemy of sewer lines. A snake might tear through a few roots, but Hydro Jetting can actually shear them off completely and wash the debris away, preventing them from growing back as quickly.
- Long-Term Savings Because Hydro Jetting is so thorough, you typically won’t need to call a plumber back for the same issue for a long time. It’s a “preventive” service that saves you from the cycle of $150 service calls every few months.
The Cons of Hydro Jetting
- Risk to Fragile Pipes This is the most important “human” factor to consider. If your home has very old, orangeburg, or heavily corroded cast-iron pipes, the intense pressure of a hydro jet could potentially cause a pipe to collapse. This is why a camera inspection should always be done first.
- Higher Upfront Cost Because it requires specialized, heavy-duty equipment and more expertise, Hydro Jetting costs more than a simple snaking. It is an investment in the health of your plumbing rather than a “cheap fix.”
Which One Do You Need?
Choose Snaking if: You have a simple “point-of-use” clog, like a child’s toy or a clump of hair in a bathroom sink, and your pipes are old or fragile.
Choose Hydro Jetting if: You are dealing with a main sewer line backup, stubborn grease in kitchen lines, or if you find yourself clearing the same drain multiple times a year.
The Preventive Tip: Don’t wait for the backup to happen during a holiday dinner or a party. If your drains have started to gurgle or smell “off,” they are trying to tell you something. A professional inspection can tell you if a Hydro Jetting service can save you from a much more expensive trenchless pipe replacement down the road.