How to Choose Between Hydro Jetting vs Snaking
At some point, we all deal with those pesky drain clogs at home. You know the signs: sinks that drain slower than molasses, funky smells wafting up from the pipes, or worse, that dreaded sewage backup.
So what’s causing all this trouble? These blockages usually come from a buildup of stuff like hair (we’re all guilty of that), soap gunk, food bits, mineral deposits, and oils. The key is tackling these issues quickly before they become bigger headaches. In the case of clearing these clogs, there are two main ways plumbers go about it: hydro jetting and snaking.
But before diving into it, know that Dependaworthy Benjamin Franklin is ready with well-equipped trucks to help you with drain-clearing challenges. You just need to give us a call. Now, let’s go down into the details of hydro jetting vs snaking, shall we?
How Hydro Jetting Works
Hydro jetting is a procedure that uses high-pressure water to clear debris from pipes, like giving your pipes a power wash. Imagine a super strong hose blasting water through your pipes at crazy high pressures (we’re talking 2,000 to 4,000 psi!). It’s pretty impressive how it can break up blockages and wash away all that dreadful buildup, leaving pipes clean.
But there’s something you need to watch for. Before you start hosing down your pipes, you’ll need a professional plumber like us to check with a camera to make sure your pipes can handle the pressure. You want to avoid using this method on pipes that are getting on in years or already have some damage.
Understanding the Hydro Jetting Method
Hydro jetting uses a concentrated stream of pressurized water to clean pipes. Depending on the clog and pipe material, the water pressure can range from 3,000 to 8,000 psi. This method is powerful enough to remove heavy buildup, tree roots, and grease deposits that other methods might struggle to address.
Hydro jetting is a powerful tool for clearing out clogs caused by fat, oil, and grease (FOG) that accumulate in kitchen drains. We recommend it as annual maintenance to prevent blockages from coming back and maintain steady water flow.
The process begins with a thorough video inspection of the pipes. Once we find the problematic areas, we select the right equipment and water pressure for the job.
This approach is perfect, so hydro jetting can work on a variety of pipe sizes, from residential setups to large industrial systems. As a matter of fact, many homeowners and businesses have made that their preferred choice because it allows for clearing tough clogs.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting’s main advantages include its ability to clean pipes thoroughly, removing all debris and buildup. Though the initial cost can be higher, it saves you money in the long run by bringing down the chance of future clogs and related plumbing issues.
It’s also a clean and non-invasive process, using only water to clear blockages. Hydro jetting fits residential and commercial setups like a glove, keeping pipes in good condition.
However, this method requires a pro assessment and video inspection before use. Please keep in mind that it’s not meant for DIY fixes, as improper use can harm your pipes, particularly if they are older or compromised.
You can always use a certified plumber like us at Dependaworthy Benjamin Franklin to avoid these risks.
Learning the Snaking Method
Snaking (or using an auger), on the other hand, is the old-school method. Picture a long, flexible metal tube with a corkscrew-like end. We feed this into your pipes and twist it around to either break up the clog or grab onto it and pull it out.
It’s great for smaller clogs, like when you have hair throwing a party in the shower drain. It’s also ideal for older homes with more fragile pipes, where hydro jetting might be too intense. For less severe clogs, snaking can be a quick and painless solution.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Snaking
Snaking offers some clear advantages. It’s a simple method, often resolving minor clogs quickly. It’s also safer for pipes that may not tolerate the force of hydro jetting, making it ideal for older plumbing systems. Also, snaking is a method that many homeowners feel comfortable attempting themselves.
However, snaking has limitations. It may only provide a temporary solution, as it doesn’t always clear all debris from the pipe. This allows clogs to adjust over time. Also, if you don’t know how to use it properly, this can scratch the pipe interior. Then, guess what happens if you use it frequently? So, if you are looking for a long-lasting fix, snaking may not be the ideal choice for you.
Hydro Jetting vs Snaking: Which One’s Better
So which one’s better? Well, it depends. Snaking has been used for decades, while hydro jetting offers a more modern alternative.
Snaking is usually the go-to for minor clogs and works well in older homes where the pipes might not be up for the high pressure of hydro jetting experience. It’s quick, simple, and gets the job done for everyday clogs.
But if you’re dealing with a real monster of a clog, hydro jetting, on the other hand, might be your best bet. This is especially true in outdoor sewer lines or pipes with years of buildup where you need a more forceful approach. It’s like a deep clean for your entire pipe system, not just targeting one spot, which helps prevent future issues.
So, the choice of hydro jetting vs snaking depends on how severe the clog is and the condition of your plumbing system.
The Safest Solution When Debating Between Hydro Jetting vs Snaking
Hydro jetting provides a more thorough and lasting solution compared to snaking, making it ideal for serious clogs and ongoing maintenance. However, snaking remains a practical choice for less severe clogs and older plumbing systems. But if you’re still scratching your head and wondering if you should choose between hydro jetting vs snaking or vice versa, it’s always best to call in the experts. A good plumber can take a look and figure out the best way to get your pipes flowing freely again without causing any damage.
Dependaworthy Benjamin Franklin in Charlotte specializes in a wide range of plumbing problems. We are ready to handle any drain-clearing needs through hydro jetting, traditional snaking, or something else. Because, after all, we are DEPENDAWORTHY! (Dependable + Trustworthy).
Remember, taking care of these clogs promptly can save you from bigger (and pricier) plumbing disasters down the road. So don’t ignore those slow drains. Give us a call so we can give them some love and keep your drains flowing like a sweet dream.