Hydro-jetting vs. snaking — which is the better option to tackle clogs in your Georgia home? Both techniques clear stubborn clogs, but when comparing the two methods, the benefits of each depend on what’s causing the clog. Understanding the differences between these two approaches can help you determine the most effective plumbing solution for your clog. Explore the differences between hydro jetting and drain snaking and how the professional plumbers at Ricky Heath can help get your drains flowing freely again.
Differences Between Hydro-Jetting and Snaking
Both hydro jetting and snaking get the job done, but in different ways.
Snaking
Drain snaking, or augering, is the most traditional method for removing drain clogs. A plumber feeds a long and flexible metal cable with a corkscrew tip. As the cable rotates, it breaks through the blockages or snags them to pull them out.
Homeowners in Georgia may wonder if they can snake a drain line themselves. Small handheld augers can work for simple clogs, but improper use can push the clog deeper or damage pipes. For anything beyond a minor clog in a tub or shower drain, it’s best to contact the licensed plumbers at Ricky Heath.
Hydro jetting
Hydro jetting is a more involved process that uses high-pressure water (typically up to 5,000 PSI) to cut through tough blockages, such as tree roots. Plumbers attach different-sized nozzles to blast water through the pipe in all directions to clear obstructions. Drain cleaning with hydro jetting is best for removing significant grease buildup, mineral deposits, tree roots, and other old residue.
When To Use Drain Snaking
Snaking is best for minor clogs, such as hair buildup and small blockages. Here are some more instances when drain snaking makes the most sense:
- The clog is in only one drain: Snaking is typically the quickest and most cost-effective solution when the clog affects only one drain, such as a bathroom sink, a single toilet, or a shower drain.
- Newer pipes: If your home is relatively new or you’ve replaced your pipes recently, chances are you don’t have a huge blockage caused by grease build-up. Drain snaking works in most instances.
- Need a quick fix: If you need your drain to work ASAP, a professional plumber can usually resolve the issue by drain snaking in 30 minutes to an hour.
When To Choose Hydro-Jetting
A professional plumber will know when snaking isn’t enough and hydro jetting is needed. Below are some instances when hydro jetting is the best choice:
- Recurring clogs: If you’re calling a plumber to snake the same drain every few months, it usually means the snake is only clearing a path through the buildup, not removing it. In this case, hydro jetting can cut through the clog.
- Grease buildup: Grease coats pipe walls and hardens over time, narrowing the pipe by inches. Hydro jetting blasts the buildup away.
- Scale and mineral deposits: Georgia’s hard water contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can cause blockages over time. Hydro jetting is needed to clear these away.
- Tree root intrusion: Tree roots find the smallest holes in a piping system and invade, causing major blockages. Hydro jetting effectively cuts through and clears them.
- Preventive measures: Older homes with older pipes can have their lines hydro jetted every few years to prevent blockages from forming.
Is Hydro-Jetting Safe for Old Pipes?
Whether hydro jetting old pipes is safe depends on the quality of your old piping system. If your pipes are already cracked, corroded, or compromised in any way, hydro jetting can further damage them. A weak pipe might burst under the immense water pressure, turning a clog into a pipe replacement problem.
Ricky Heath plumbers use a high-definition camera to inspect your pipes and assess whether they’re in good enough condition for hydro jetting. If our plumbers see cracks in your piping system, we recommend fixing them first before hydro jetting.
How To Tell When You Need Professional Drain Cleaning
Not every clog requires professional drain cleaning or repairs, but there are a few signs that indicate it’s time to call the pros at Ricky Heath:
- Multiple slow drains: More than one slow drain may signal an issue in the main line, which requires a plumber.
- Foul odors: The smell of sewage coming from your drains usually signals a clog deep within the main line piping system, which may lead to a messy sewage backup.
- Gurgling sounds: If you hear gurgling sounds from your toilet or drains, it can indicate an issue in your main sewer line.
- DIY isn’t working: If you’ve tried plunging and drain snaking, but the clog isn’t budging, you’ve got an issue best suited for Ricky Heath’s plumbers.
- Frequent clogs in the same location: Needing to clear a drain every couple of months means you likely have a bigger problem.
- Water backups: If you flush the toilet and water backs up out of a different drain, you may have an issue in your main line.
Contact Ricky Heath for Drain Cleaning Services
Knowing the difference between snaking a drain and hydro jetting can help you choose the right solution for your plumbing situation. Some minor clogs can be fixed with DIY methods, but when you need to call in the pros, rely on the professional plumbers at Ricky Heath. Contact us today to schedule a service..
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hydro jetting damage clay pipes?
Hydro jetting can damage old clay pipes that are already compromised with cracks or other signs of deterioration. Clay pipes naturally corrode over time, so our team will inspect them before hydro jetting.
How long do results last after hydro-jetting?
When done properly, hydro jetting can keep your drains clean for years. Following good drain maintenance habits, such as avoiding pouring grease down the drain, reduces the need for repairs and extends the lifespan of your plumbing.
How long does the hydro-jetting process take?
The process is usually quick, taking only a few hours for a full pipeline clean. The timeline depends on the length of your piping system, the severity of the blockage, and the type of blockage. Tree roots are stubborn and can take time to fully clear.
Why can't I just buy or rent equipment and do hydro jetting myself?
Hydro jetting requires specialized training for safe operation. If you do hydro jetting yourself, you could seriously damage your plumbing or injure yourself or others with the equipment because the water is under extremely high pressure.
Does hydro jetting prevent future clogs?
While it’s not a guarantee against future clogs, hydro jetting is the most effective cleaning method for significant clogs. It removes built-up grease and debris from the inside of pipes, significantly reducing the risk of future blockages.
