Should I Use a Snake or Hydrojet to Clean Clogged Drains?
Clogged drains are a common issue that every homeowner will face at some point. Whether it’s a blocked toilet, a slow-draining sink, or a completely clogged drain, it’s frustrating when water doesn’t flow freely. While you can try using a plunger to resolve minor blockages, stubborn clogs often require more powerful tools, like a plumbing snake or hydro jetting. But which one should you choose? Let’s break down both options and explain when each is the best choice for your plumbing problem.
What is a Plumbing Snake?
A plumbing snake (also known as a plumbing auger) is a flexible metal tube with a corkscrew or auger attached to one end. The other end of the snake has a crank that you turn to extend the cable into the drain. As the cable reaches the clog, turning the crank helps push through the blockage, often breaking it apart and clearing the path.
Plumbing snakes come in manual versions, perfect for DIYers, and motorized versions, which are typically used by professional plumbers for tougher clogs.
Pros of Using a Plumbing Snake:
- Best for minor clogs: A plumbing snake works well for blockages caused by hair, soap scum, food particles, or small items like toilet paper.
- Gentler on pipes: Ideal for older plumbing systems or fragile pipes, as it exerts less pressure than hydro jetting.
- Cost-effective and easy to use: If you’re dealing with a small clog, a snake is an affordable and easy tool to handle.
- Quick fix for localized blockages: Great for addressing problems in toilets, sinks, or tubs.
Cons:
- Doesn’t thoroughly clean pipes: While it clears the immediate blockage, it doesn’t address build-up along the sides of the pipes.
- Only a temporary solution: If the clog is due to ongoing buildup, a snake may not resolve the root cause of the issue.
- Limited reach: Snakes are generally effective for smaller clogs in specific areas, but not for larger, more complex blockages.
What is Hydro Jetting?
Hydro jetting involves using a high-pressure stream of water to clean and clear out clogged drains. A specialized nozzle connected to a high-pressure hose is inserted into the pipe, and the water stream is directed at the blockage. The powerful force of the water breaks up the clog, clears mineral deposits, grease, and even tree roots, and flushes everything down the drain.
Before using hydro jetting, plumbers typically inspect the pipes using a camera to ensure the pipes are in good condition and to determine the best pressure settings for the job.
Pros of Hydro Jetting:
- Thoroughly clears drains: Hydro jetting cleans pipes completely, removing not just the clog, but also buildup like grease, oils, and minerals.
- Effective for tree roots: It can clear invasive tree roots that may be obstructing pipes, which a snake cannot do.
- Environmentally friendly: It uses only water under high pressure, with no harsh chemicals, making it a safe option for both the environment and your plumbing.
- Long-lasting results: Hydro jetting helps maintain clear pipes by thoroughly cleaning them, reducing the chances of future clogs.
- Works on a wide range of blockages: Whether it’s hair, grease, or debris, hydro jetting is capable of handling almost any clog, big or small.
Cons:
- Requires professional expertise: Hydro jetting is a powerful tool and should only be handled by trained professionals. Using it improperly could damage pipes, especially older or fragile ones.
- Not suitable for damaged pipes: If your plumbing system is old, cracked, or corroded, hydro jetting may cause further damage, as the high-pressure water could exacerbate existing issues.
Which Method Should You Choose? Snake or Hydro Jetting?
The choice between using a plumbing snake or hydro jetting depends on the severity and type of clog you’re dealing with, as well as the condition of your pipes.
Choose a Plumbing Snake When:
- You have a minor or localized clog: If the blockage is due to small debris, hair, or a simple obstruction, a plumbing snake is often enough to clear the path.
- You have older pipes: Plumbing snakes are gentler on older pipes or fragile plumbing systems, making them a safer choice for these situations.
- You need a quick, affordable solution: For simple, temporary fixes, a snake is the more cost-effective and accessible option.
Choose Hydro Jetting When:
- You have persistent or recurring clogs: If you’ve tried a snake, plunger, or other methods, and the clog keeps coming back, hydro jetting is a more thorough option that cleans the entire pipe.
- You have grease, mineral buildup, or tree roots: Hydro jetting is the best option for cleaning out long-term buildup or for removing tree roots blocking your drain.
- You want long-term results: Hydro jetting helps prevent future clogs by thoroughly cleaning the pipes, improving the flow and longevity of your plumbing system.
Snake or Hydro Jet? Call a Professional Plumber for the Best Advice!
Choosing the right method to clear your clogged drains can be tricky, especially if you’re not sure what’s causing the issue. While both plumbing snakes and hydro jetting are effective, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each method. When in doubt, it’s always best to call a professional plumber. Experts have the tools and knowledge to properly assess the situation and choose the right method for your pipes, ensuring the job is done safely and effectively.
Don’t let clogged drains disrupt your home—contact our team of experienced plumbers for a consultation today!
FAQs About Snake or Hydrojet
A plumbing snake works best for small to medium clogs caused by hair, food particles, or toilet paper. However, it’s not ideal for more severe issues like tree roots or mineral buildup.
Hydro jetting is generally safe for most modern pipes, but it’s not recommended for older or fragile pipes, as the high-pressure water could cause further damage. Always have a professional assess the condition of your pipes first.
If you’re experiencing recurring clogs, foul odors, slow drainage, or if your plumbing system is several decades old, hydro jetting may be the right solution. A professional plumber can help determine if this method is needed.
Hydro jetting requires specialized equipment and expertise. It’s best left to professional plumbers who know how to safely operate the equipment and ensure the job is done correctly.
For minor clogs, using a plumbing snake may be enough as needed. Hydro jetting is typically used when there’s significant buildup, recurring clogs, or tree root intrusion. It’s not something you would do frequently, but rather as part of preventive maintenance.
