Hydro Jetting vs. Snaking: Finding the Best Drain Cleaning Method

If you notice the water in your sink start to rise when it should be draining or if your toilet is taking a long time to fill back up after flushing, don’t panic. You probably just have a clogged drain. These plumbing issues may seem serious, but they are very common and, in most cases, easy to resolve.

The type of solution is purely based on the type of clog you are experiencing. Different kinds of clogs require different tools to get the job done. Take a look below to find out which type of drain cleaning service will work best for your unique situation:

How Does a Drain Snake Work?

Snaking the drain is a process that involves inserting a cable into the drain. At the end of the cable, there is an auger-like rotating blade. On the opposite end, there is a crank for the technician to operate. As the technician feeds the cable deeper into the drain, they’ll wait until they feel resistance to stop. Once they feel resistance, that means the clog has been located.

With the cable in place, the technician begins to turn the crank on their end, rotating the blades inside the drain. This chews and digests the clog, chopping it into smaller pieces. These small pieces can either wash out through the plumbing system or get pulled out when the cable is pulled out.

What is Hydro Jetting?

You can probably guess by the name that hydro jetting involves a jet of high-pressure water to clear out years of clogs from the drain. This high-pressure method is fast, powerful and effective.

In addition to blasting through stubborn clogs, hydro jetting is also powerful enough to smooth the inner texture of the pipe, which helps prevent future clogs from forming.

When to Use Snaking over Hydro Jetting?

Snaking is often the first line of defense against an unexpected clog. Some instances where snaking is the preferred drain cleaning method include:

• In one-off situations when there needs to be a quick resolution.
• To deal with simple clogs not yet hardened in the drain.

Hydro jetting, on the other hand, is best for more stubborn clogs and hardened debris. The service is more intense and can also put an end to recurring clogs if you experience frequent blockages.

Are There DIY Versions?

Snaking is relatively easy for a homeowner with a knack for home repair to try on his or her own. Hydro jetting, however, is not. The dangerous water jets are powerful enough to cause harm to your home if they get out of hand or are not operated by someone with experience and training.

Additionally, hydro jetting is not a good idea to perform on weakened or damaged pipes because it can cause further damage and even ruptures. This is why trained technicians always inspect the pipe before recommending hydro jetting.

Whether you are experiencing recurring clogs or a simple one-off clogged drain emergency, there’s a drain cleaning service out there that will work for you. Call (505) 913-7075 today and speak with the experts at Daniels Heating and Air, LLC about your next service in Albuquerque, NM.