Hydro Jetting vs. Snaking for a Smooth Plumbing System

When do you do when one of your drains begins backing up? The first step, of course, is to use a plunger to try and use suction to remove whatever is causing the blockage in your main sewer line. However, if a plunger doesn’t cut it, and the clog is still present, what can you do?

At this point, it’s time to start thinking about enlisting the help of plumbing experts and using professional plumbing techniques to remove the stubborn and caked-on clog which is causing water to back up, and unpleasant smells to emanate from your drains.

The two most common techniques that plumbers employ to get rid of clogs are hydro jetting and using plumber’s snakes.

Scrape Away Debris with Hydro Jetting

Hydro-jetting is a professional plumbing technique which requires specialized tools and training in order to perform effectively. A technician will spray water at an intense pressure – up to 4,000 psi – into your pipes, and the pressure from the spraying water will scrape away even the most hardened debris. Some of the benefits of hydro jetting are:

• Fast, long-lasting results
• Scrapes away years of grime, grease, hair, and buildup
• Perfect for residential main sewer lines
• The only way to effectively remove tree roots from your pipes
• A great option for commercial businesses and kitchens

Why Should You Call for Professional Hydro Jetting?

Because the spray of water can be difficult to control, hydro jetting requires specialized training to perform efficiently. Attempting to DIY your hydro jetting, or working with an unqualified technician may lead to damage to your pipes due to the high water pressure.

Clear Out Clogs with a Plumbing Snake

Plumbing snakes are the less powerful option when it comes to clog removal. Plumbing snakes, or augers, look like long metal tubes which have a flexible cable inside. On one end there is a hand crank, which is used to push the snake into your pipes; on the other end is a corkscrew-like coil, which turns as the snake pushes into your pipes and breaks apart whatever is blocking its path.

Some benefits of using a plumbers snake are:

• Using a plumbing snake is generally a cheaper option
• Snakes are more “gentle” than hydro jetting, which means they won’t damage your pipes

When Should You Use a Plumbing Snake?

Plumbing snakes are considered to be the “intermediary” step between using a plunger and hydro jetting. One of the downfalls of using a plumber’s snake is that the coil at the end can only break up what is directly in front of it. But the coil is a much more gentle and non-invasive method of clog removal, and is necessary if your home has old pipes in your main sewer line.

For more information about professional plumbing techniques, and assistance solving all of your plumbing issues, contact Hall’s Plumbing in Woodland, CA at (530)-668-1429 today.