Drain and sewer issues can wreak havoc on commercial properties and municipal facilities. Luckily, a trained plumber can quickly help you overcome the problem by snaking or hydro jetting the pipe. Both methods are effective at unclogging pipes and tackling other issues. However, they work differently, and plumbers typically use them for different types of situations. We’ll explain how each process works and how to determine which method is better suited to your specific needs.
Key Differences Between Snaking and Hydro Jetting
Drain snaking involves inserting a rotating mechanical auger through the pipe. When the auger reaches the clog, it pierces through the solid mass so that everything gets flushed out of the pipe.
Hydro jetting uses highly pressurized jets of water to blast through clogs and scour the inside of the pipe clean. The plumber can control the pressure and adjust it based on what they’re trying to achieve, for example, cleaning the pipe as a preventive measure, breaking up a clog or cutting out tree roots.
Which Method Is More Effective for Tough Clogs?
Both methods can be effective for tough clogs, but hydro jetting is usually the preferred option. That’s because it doesn’t just break up the clog but also fully cleans the inside of the entire pipe. This makes it a great option for places like restaurants and commercial kitchens that often experience issues with grease causing their drainpipes and sewer lines to clog.
Drain snaking can break through a stubborn grease clog, but it doesn’t eliminate the grease clinging to the sides of the pipe like hydro jetting does. Hydro jetting is also more effective for cutting through and removing larger tree roots inside sewer lines and municipal pipelines such as storm drains.
Snaking vs. Hydro Jetting: Safety and Pipe Considerations
Drain snaking and hydro jetting are both generally safe when performed by a trained professional. Either method can result in pipe damage, but the risk is fairly minor for a trained and experienced plumber.
The condition of the pipe is an important consideration when choosing which method is better. Although the plumber can adjust the pressure when hydro jetting a pipe, the jets of water can still cause damage if the pipe is old and brittle or has existing issues like extensive corrosion, cracks or loose fittings.
This is why plumbers generally perform a camera inspection first to assess the condition of the pipe and decide whether they can safely hydro jet it without risking damage. Snaking is the safer option in situations like needing to clean an old cast-iron sewer line that’s severely corroded or brittle in places.
Cost Comparison: Snaking vs. Hydro Jetting
Snaking a drain line or sewer pipe is typically cheaper than hydro jetting. However, hydro jetting is often the more cost-effective long-term solution. Sometimes debris gets left behind when snaking a pipe to unclog it, which can result in the clog recurring and the pipe needing snaking again. Hydro jetting provides longer lasting results since the jets of water fully scour and clean the inside diameter of the pipe.
When Do I Need Snaking vs. Hydro Jetting?
Plumbers commonly use drain snaking to clear minor clogs and obstructions affecting sinks and toilets. If you’re dealing with a major sewer issue or recurring drain clogs caused by grease and sludge buildup or extensive scale within the pipe, hydro jetting is the best way to overcome the problem and prevent it from recurring.
If you notice any signs that indicate the sewer line in a commercial building is starting to clog, scheduling a hydro jetting service immediately can help you avoid the line fully clogging and constantly backing up. Some of the main signs to watch for include slow drains throughout the building, toilets that don’t flush completely and sewage smells coming from drains and other plumbing fixtures.
Choosing the Best Drain Cleaning Method for Your Situation
When you need reliable commercial or municipal pipe cleaning in the Phoenix, AZ metro area, Reddi Services Industries is the company to trust. We’ve been in business since 1957, and our team has extensive experience tackling issues with municipal pipelines, commercial sewer lines, and more. We also specialize in trenchless commercial sewer repair and replacement, which allows us to minimize property disruption and downtime while we resolve even the largest-scale drain line issues. If you’re unsure whether snaking or hydro jetting is the better solution for whatever problem you’re facing, we can perform a thorough evaluation and provide you with honest advice on which route to take.
To schedule an inspection or service appointment, contact our team at Reddi Services Industries today.
