At Mark Johnson Plumbing, we know that clogged drain or toilet can ruin your day. Slow-moving drains or overflowing sinks are common plumbing problems that many homeowners face on a regular basis. There are two main ways to handle these issues: hydro jetting and snaking.
Hydro-Jetting vs. Snaking – Which Way is Better?
- Snaking utilizes a cable with an auger-like attachment to chew up blockages in your drain
- Hydro Jetting makes use of a high-pressure water jet designed to blast through stubborn clogs, hardened debris, and even tree roots
Many homeowners will have a preferred method they use to treat clogged drains, and they will try and convince you that their method is best. However, in the debate between hydro jetting and snaking, there are many points to consider before making a decision:
How Does Snaking Work?
Snaking the drain involves using a flexible cable with an auger-like attachment used to chew up the blockages. The technician inserts the cable into the drain and waits until they feel resistance against it. At this point, the technician begins to crank their end of the cable, which rotates the blades on the opposite end. The blades chew through the clogs, breaking them up so they can either wash out through the system or get pulled out once the cable is removed.
What is Hydro Jetting?
The second effective drain cleaning option is hydro jetting. This service makes use of a high-pressure water jet designed to blast through stubborn clogs and hardened debris. Hydro jetting also prevents future clogs from forming by smoothing the inner texture of the pipe wall.
Can I Perform My Own Hydro Jetting?
We firmly discourage clients from attempting their own hydro jetting services. Unlike many home repairs that are perfectly safe to DIY, hydro jetting is best left to a professional. Some of the most significant arguments against DIY hydro jetting include:
- Individuals without experience may not be able to handle the service properly and become overwhelmed by the power of the water jets.
- Pipes that are already weak or damaged could be further weakened by hydro jetting. It’s always important to allow a professional the chance to inspect the pipes before hydro jetting to make sure the pipes are strong enough.
When to Try Snaking?
Many homeowners will see snaking and hydro jetting as equally effective drain cleaning methods, but the truth is that snaking is best for simple clogs. In most cases, the first option a technician will provide is snaking, and if that doesn’t work, they move to hydro jetting.
Hydro jetting is best for stubborn or recurring clogs as a way to permanently clean the pipes and prevent future clogs from forming.
Count on the sewer & drain experts at Mark Johnson Plumbing for all of your drain cleaning and hydro jetting needs. Call (318) 257-6167 or contact us online to get started!
