Hydro Jetting vs Snaking: Which Drain Cleaning Method Is Right for You?

When you have a clogged drain, there are two main professional methods to clear it: snaking (also called cabling or rodding) and hydro jetting. Each has its advantages, and the right choice depends on your specific situation.

What Is Drain Snaking?

A drain snake is a flexible metal cable with a corkscrew or blade tip. The plumber feeds it into the drain and rotates it to break through or pull out the clog. It’s been the standard drain cleaning method for decades.

Pros of Snaking

• Lower cost than hydro jetting
• Effective for simple clogs
• Safe for older or fragile pipes
• Quick for accessible blockages

Cons of Snaking

• Only punches a hole through the clog—doesn’t clean the pipe
• Buildup remains on pipe walls
• Clogs often return sooner
• Less effective for grease or scale buildup

What Is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting uses a high-pressure water stream (up to 4,000 PSI) to scour the inside of pipes. A specialized nozzle sprays water in multiple directions, blasting away grease, scale, roots, and debris.

Pros of Hydro Jetting

• Thoroughly cleans the entire pipe interior
• Removes grease, scale, and buildup completely
• Cuts through tree roots
• Results last longer than snaking
• Environmentally friendly—just water, no chemicals

Cons of Hydro Jetting

• Higher cost than snaking
• Not suitable for damaged or fragile pipes
• Requires camera inspection first to assess pipe condition

Which Should You Choose?

Choose snaking for:

• Simple, one-time clogs
• Older homes with fragile pipes (until inspected)
• Budget-conscious situations
• Clogs caused by objects (toys, debris)

Choose hydro jetting for:

• Recurring clogs
• Grease buildup (common in kitchens)
• Tree root problems
• Preventive maintenance
• Commercial properties with heavy use

Not sure which method you need? Call (415) 555-0123 for a professional assessment. We’ll recommend the best solution for your situation.