Sewer Line Jetting vs. Snaking: Which One Is Better?

Sewer lines can become clogged over time. Common reasons of a blockage include grease, hair, soap scum, and tree roots. These blockages can cause slow drains, unpleasant odors, and even sewage backups.

Choosing the appropriate cleaning method is critical. The incorrect strategy may only give a temporary solution or potentially harm your pipes. Snaking and jetting are two common methods for clearing sewer systems.

This article compares sewer line jetting to snaking. We'll go over how each strategy works, the advantages and disadvantages, and when to use them.

Understanding Sewer Snaking

What is Sewer Snaking?

Sewer snaking is a method for clearing pipe clogs. To break up or remove blockages, a flexible, coiled metal wire, often known as a plumbing auger or drain snake, is inserted into the drain. While a plumbing auger can help with minor clogs, it may not be effective for deeper blockages. In such cases, a drain flusher might be necessary to fully clear the pipe.

How Does a Plumbing Auger or Drain Snake Work?

A drain snake has a revolving tip that allows it to go through the pipes. When it approaches a clog, it either splits it apart or hooks onto the debris, allowing it to be dragged out. Some augers are manual, while others use an electric motor for added power.

Snaking is best used for:

• Minor blockages produced by hair, soap scum, or food particles
• Localized a blockage around the drain opening.
• Older pipelines may not be able to handle high water pressure from jetting. Quick and easy solutions are required.
   

Snaking is effective for mild blockages, but it may not work for deeper or more difficult obstructions. In certain circumstances, hydro jetting may be a preferable option.

Understanding Sewer Line Jetting (Hydro Jetting)

What is Sewer Jetting?

Sewer jetting, also called hydro jetting, is a method of clearing pipe clogs using a high-pressure sewer flusher . It flushes water through the pipes to eliminate obstructions, grease, and debris, leaving them clean.

How Does High-Pressure Water Jetting Work

A hydro jetting equipment attaches to the sewer system and shoots water at high pressure, typically up to 4,000 PSI. The powerful water force dislodges obstructions, removes buildup, and flushes debris from the pipe.

Best Situations for Using Jetting.

Hydro jetting is suitable for:

• Snaking does not completely eliminate grease and sludge buildup.
• Tree root incursion requires more force to break apart.
• Severe obstructions that persist despite snaking
• Routine maintenance for companies and restaurants that experience frequent drain difficulties

Key Differences Between Jetting and Snaking

Which is more effective in clearing tougher clogs?

• Snaking is effective for removing minor blockages such as hair or food.
• Jetting is more effective for removing grease, sludge, and tree roots.

Pipe Safety: Which Is Safer?

• Snaking is suitable for older or delicate pipes.
• Jetting can damage weak pipes but is beneficial to strong ones.

Long-Term Results: Which Keeps Pipes Clean?

• Snaking removes the obstruction but may leave buildup behind.
• Jetting completely cleans the pipe and prevents future blockages.

Cost: Which is more affordable?

• Snaking is a cheaper and more effective solution for minor issues.
• Jetting costs more, but it fixes larger or recurring problems.

Environmental Impact: Water Versus Mechanical Clearing

• Snaking requires no water, making it environmentally friendly.
• Jetting uses a lot of water while avoiding harsh chemicals.

Both methods work, but snaking is a rapid, low-cost solution, whereas jetting gives a deeper, longer-lasting clean.

When to Choose Snaking vs. Jetting?

When Snaking Is the Better Choice?

• Small clogs from hair, food, or toilet paper can cause slow drains that are not fully clogged.
• Older or flimsy pipes may not handle high-pressure water.
• Quick and affordable fixes for minor plumbing issues.

When to Use Hydro Jetting?

• Grease and sludge accumulate in kitchen drains.
• Tree roots are entering subsurface pipelines.
• Recurring clogs that snaking cannot fully remove, or heavy blockages that require a deep clean.

Conclusion

Both snaking and jetting can remove sewer clogs, but they work best in different conditions. Snaking is ideal for minor blockages and fragile pipes, but jetting is preferable for heavy buildup and long-term cleaning.

Snaking is frequently sufficient to clear tiny, basic obstructions . If the blockage is significant or recurring, hydro jetting is a better option.

If your drains remain clogged despite using these methods, it's necessary to call a professional. They may inspect your pipes and suggest the best way to keep your sewer system running efficiently.

Taxonomy

• Drainage
• Water Supply & Drainage