Plumbing Tips | April 18, 2022
Hydro Jetting VS Snaking a Line (What Are The Pros & Cons For Each?)
If you’ve ever wanted to know strengths and weaknesses of hydro jetting vs snaking a line, then you’ve come to the right page.
Although they help solve the same issue, they are different in more ways than one. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each so you can determine which will give you the best results.
Hydro Jetting vs Snaking
A seasoned plumber or drain specialist will know quickly when to use a “jetter” or a snake to clean out a line. But homeowners don’t have that experience.
Here’s a primer on the advantages and disadvantages of each so you can better understand which is needed for your particular situation.
Advantages of Hydro Jetting
- Highly effective, long-lasting results for severe or stubborn problems (like tree roots)
- Clears clogs in all types of pipes
- Eliminates foul odors coming from drain pipes
- Service is fast, taking 1 to 3 hours depending on the difficulty of the problem
- Uses only high-pressurized water, making it environmentally safe
Disadvantages of Hydro Jetting
There are some disadvantages of hydro jetting, but honestly the good outweighs the bad in this situation.
- Some older, weaker pipes might not be able to withstand water pressure
- Already damaged drain pipes (like those with a “bellied” line) can’t be cleared
- Price of hydro jetting is higher than snaking a line
Advantages of Snaking a Line
- No risk of damaging pipes
- Works great for basic sewer line clogs and blockages that aren’t too severe
- Can be effective for long periods of time
- Relatively inexpensive
Disadvantages of Snaking a Line
- Some clogs are too tough to eliminate
- Not as thorough as hydro jetting (if snake isn’t wide enough, it can miss pieces of clog and debris)
- If snaking doesn’t thoroughly clean/clear out the area, the problem can return sooner than expected
Final Thoughts
Hydro jetting vs snaking is a decision best made by a professional plumber or drain specialist. Without the proper equipment (including a camera inspection system), it is unlikely a homeowner without prior experience can determine the severity or location of the problem and the condition of the pipe.
Related Resources
- FAQs about Hydro Jetting
- How to use a plumber’s snake
- Do you need a hydro jetting service?
- How much does hydro jetting cost?
- How to fix roots in a sewer line: ultimate guide
- Sewer lines: the essential homeowner’s guide
- Camera line inspection? What’s wrong with your sewer pipe?
- What do do if you have roots in your sewer
- Are sewer backups covered by insurance?
- Drain Services page
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need a hydro jetting or snaking service.
1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.