When drains in your home or business stop working properly, it can cause major stress. Slow drains, bad odors, or complete blockages are more than just inconvenient; they can damage plumbing if left untreated.
Many homeowners turn to a professional drain cleaning company for help. However, one common question comes up: Should the plumber use hydro jetting or snaking to fix the problem?
Both methods are popular and effective, but they work in very different ways. Understanding the differences can help you know what to expect when you call for service and why one option may be better for your specific issue.
Let’s explore hydro jetting and snaking in detail, so you can see how the drain cleaning company in St. Joseph County decides which method to use.
Hydro Jetting Vs. Snaking-What Drain Cleaning Company St Joseph County Uses
Drain Snaking
Drain snaking is one of the oldest and most widely used methods of clearing blockages. A plumber uses a tool called a drain auger, also known as a plumbing snake. This flexible metal cable has a coil or corkscrew-like tip at the end. The plumber feeds the snake into the pipe and rotates it to break apart or grab the clog.
The process is straightforward. The snake either pulls the debris back out of the pipe or pushes it further down so water can flow again. Snaking is usually the first solution many homeowners think of because it’s quick, affordable, and works well for simple blockages like hair clumps, soap scum, or small food particles.
When Snaking Works Best
A drain cleaning company in St. Joseph County might choose snaking if the clog is relatively small or located near the surface. For example, a bathroom sink or shower drain clogged with hair can often be cleared with a snake in just minutes.
Snaking is also a good choice when the blockage is caused by soft materials, such as toilet paper or grease buildup. It’s less invasive than hydro jetting and usually does not risk damaging older, fragile pipes.
For quick, simple clogs, snaking is often all that’s needed. It’s faster, less expensive, and safer for delicate plumbing.
What Is Hydro Jetting and How Does It Work?
Hydro jetting is a more advanced drain cleaning method that uses high-pressure water to clear pipes. Instead of physically breaking apart the clog with a cable, plumbers use a special machine that sends a stream of water into the drain.
This water comes out at extremely high pressure, often 3,000 to 8,000 PSI (pounds per square inch), which is powerful enough to blast away tough buildup.
The hydro jetting hose has a nozzle designed to spray water in multiple directions. This means it not only clears the main clog but also cleans the entire inside surface of the pipe.
Hydro jetting doesn’t just solve the current problem; it restores the pipe closer to its original condition by washing away grease, scale, and sludge that could cause future blockages.
When Hydro Jetting Is the Better Choice
A drain cleaning company in St. Joseph County may recommend hydro jetting if the clog is severe or recurring. For example, tree roots growing into sewer lines are a common problem in older neighborhoods. A plumbing snake might punch a small hole through the roots, but hydro jetting can cut them out and wash the pieces away.
Hydro jetting is also ideal for grease-heavy clogs, such as those often found in kitchen drains. Over time, cooking oil and fats harden along the pipe walls. A snake may temporarily clear a path, but only hydro jetting can completely wash away the greasy buildup.
One reason a drain cleaning company recommends hydro jetting is that it offers preventive benefits.
Instead of just reacting to clogs, hydro jetting cleans the whole pipe, removing hidden buildup before it becomes a blockage.
For homeowners, this means fewer emergencies and less risk of water damage from overflowing drains. For businesses, it means less downtime and fewer costly repairs. Scheduling hydro jetting as a maintenance service once every couple of years will keep plumbing systems running smoothly.
Comparing the Two Methods Side by Side
Understanding how a drain cleaning company in St. Joseph County decides between the two helps to compare hydro jetting and snaking directly.
· Effectiveness: Snaking works for minor clogs, but hydro jetting provides a complete clean that clears both the blockage and residue inside the pipe.
· Cost: Snaking is usually less expensive upfront because it requires simpler tools and less time. Hydro jetting may cost more, but it often prevents repeat service calls.
· Pipe Safety: Snaking is safer for older, fragile pipes, while hydro jetting requires pipes to be in good condition to handle the water pressure.
· Long-Term Results: Snaking offers a quick fix, but clogs may return. Hydro jetting provides a more permanent solution by fully cleaning the pipe.
By looking at these factors, plumbers choose the method that balances immediate results, safety, and long-term effectiveness for the customer.
Why Professional Inspection Matters
Before deciding whether to use snaking or hydro jetting, a drain cleaning company in St. Joseph County usually performs a camera inspection. This involves sending a small video camera into the pipe to see exactly what is causing the blockage.
The camera reveals important details, such as whether the clog is grease, hair, roots, or a foreign object. It also shows the condition of the pipe. If the pipe is old, cracked, or weakened, high-pressure hydro jetting may not be safe. In those cases, snaking is the smarter choice.
This inspection step ensures the plumber uses the right method the first time, saving homeowners time and money.
Wrap Up
Hydro jetting and snaking are both useful tools for solving drain problems. Snaking is quick and cost-effective for minor clogs, while hydro jetting delivers a deep, long-lasting clean for tougher or recurring blockages.
A professional drain cleaning company in St. Joseph County knows when to use each method, ensuring you get the best results without unnecessary expense or risk.
If your drains are giving you trouble, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Call Meerkat Plumbing and get your pipes professionally inspected and fixed by our experts. With the right professional help, your plumbing system can run smoothly and reliably for years to come. Schedule a visit today!
