What is sewer snaking?
A sewer machine uses a rotating cable and cutting or retrieving head to open or remove an obstruction. Snaking is a proven method for many ordinary stoppages and can restore flow quickly when the blockage is suitable for mechanical cleaning.
What is hydro jetting?
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water and specialized nozzles to clean the inside of sewer and drain piping. Instead of simply creating an opening through certain types of buildup, jetting can remove material from a larger portion of the pipe wall.
When is hydro jetting the better choice?
Jetting can be especially useful for grease, sludge, soft buildup and lines that repeatedly clog because material remains on the pipe walls. The pipe should be evaluated first because severely damaged or deteriorated piping may require a different approach.
When is snaking the better choice?
Snaking can be the practical first choice for many straightforward stoppages, particularly when the objective is to restore flow and the obstruction can be mechanically cleared. It can also help retrieve or cut through certain blockages depending on the equipment and pipe conditions.
Should a sewer camera be used?
Camera inspection can help identify why a line keeps stopping up and whether cleaning alone is likely to solve the problem. If the camera reveals collapsed pipe, major separation or another structural failure, repeated cleaning may only provide temporary relief.
Which service is cheaper?
Traditional snaking is often less involved, while hydro jetting generally uses more specialized equipment. Price should not be the only consideration. The better value is the method that addresses the actual condition causing the stoppage and reduces unnecessary repeat service.
Can hydro jetting prevent future clogs?
No cleaning method can guarantee that a sewer will never clog again. However, when buildup is the cause and the pipe is structurally sound, thorough jetting can leave the line substantially cleaner than simply opening a pathway through the obstruction.
