Hydro Jetting vs. Snaking Your Pipes
There are two primary options for tackling clogged drains: hydro jetting and snaking. However, there are some big differences in how these drain cleaning methods work, the cost, and the end result. Snaking is recommended for clearing minor clogs, but there’s no doubt that hydro jetting reigns supreme. In this article, Sunshine Plumbers takes a look at the basics of hydro jetting and snaking. If you’re looking for a professional plumbing service to help you clean your drains, get in touch with Sunshine Plumbers.
Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting, also known as high-pressure water jetting, is a drain cleaning method that uses a stream of high-pressure water to clear out clogs and blockages in pipes. A plumber feeds a long hose and a nozzle through the pipe and releases a powerful stream of water to scour the inside surfaces of pipes. The water is often pressurized anywhere from 2000 psi to 5000 psi, and the plumber can adjust the pressure as needed.
Snaking usually works well for minor clogs, but it’s no match for the power of hydro jetting. The reason this method is popular is that it’s able to scour away heavy buildup within pipe walls in a matter of minutes. The high-pressure water cuts through virtually anything, including grease, soap scum, hair, dirt, mineral deposits, and those pesky tree roots. Unlike snaking, hydro jetting doesn’t leave any clogs behind. Hydro jetting is a great way to prevent new clogs from forming. Since it cleans the entire diameter of the pipe, it is a great preventative maintenance procedure for your drain lines and sewer lines. In addition, it cleans a variety of drains, making it a versatile drain cleaning method. Hydro jetting is not a DIY plumbing job—always leave it to an experienced plumbing service.
Snaking
Snaking utilizes a drain snake to break up and remove minor clogs and blockages. A drain snake is a long, flexible cable with a corkscrew-like tip on one end and a crank on the other end. Unlike hydro jetting machines, operating a drain snake is fairly straightforward and can often be done by DIYers. The cable is fed into the pipe until it reaches the clog. Once it encounters the obstruction, the corkscrew tip is rotated to break up the clog into pieces. In some cases, the clog will attach to the cable and come out when the drain snake is retracted. This method is often used to clear minor clogs closer to the drain opening. However, it may not completely get rid of hardened debris stuck on the pipe walls or clogs occurring further down the pipe.
The Safest Solution: Contact a Plumbing Service
If you’re in need of professional hydro jetting service, reach out to Sunshine Plumbers. This drain cleaning method requires specialized knowledge, skill, and equipment. Improper use of the equipment could lead to pipe damage and serious injuries. The knowledgeable and experienced plumbers at Sunshine Plumbers know how to handle hydro jetting equipment and get the job done efficiently. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and enjoy clear drains.
