Snaking vs. Hydro Jetting: Which Does Your Drain Need?

Both methods can clear a clogged drain, and neither one suits every pipe. Method depends on pipe material, structural condition, obstruction and access. Older or damaged piping may not be suitable for high-pressure jetting. Camera inspection may be recommended where conditions warrant.

What is snaking a drain?

A drain snake, or auger, is a coiled steel cable with a cutting or grabbing head on the end. It's fed into the drain and spun until it breaks up the clog or hooks it so it can be pulled out. Small hand snakes handle sinks and tubs. Drum machines like the one above handle floor drains and main lines.

Snaking is often the first thing to try on a single-fixture clog: hair in a tub, food in a kitchen sink, a toilet clog past the bowl.

What is hydro jetting?

Hydro jetting sends water through a special nozzle at very high pressure, thousands of pounds per square inch. Jets that point backward pull the hose down the line while scrubbing the full inside of the pipe. It can wash out grease, soap scum, scale, sludge and root masses in a pipe that can take the pressure.

Whether it's the right call depends on the pipe. Older or damaged piping may not be suitable for high-pressure jetting.

Snaking vs. hydro jetting at a glance

When might snaking be the right choice?

• One sink, tub, shower or toilet is clogged and the rest of the house drains fine.
• The clog is close to the fixture.
• The pipe is old cast iron, galvanized or clay that's in poor condition, where high pressure could make a weak spot worse.

When might hydro jetting be the right choice?

These all assume the pipe is suitable for high pressure:

• A kitchen line that keeps clogging with grease. See why oil down the drain causes clogs.
• A main line or sewer line with roots or heavy buildup.
• A drain that clogs again a few weeks after snaking.
• When a camera needs a cleaner pipe to see the walls clearly.

Why does the camera sometimes come first?

Many Central New Jersey homes have older cast iron or clay sewer pipes, which can crack, sag or separate at the joints with age. Jetting a damaged line can push water out through the break. Where conditions warrant, a sewer camera inspection can show the condition of the pipe and help decide on the method, or whether the line needs a repair instead of another cleaning.

What does it cost?

It depends on which line is clogged, how easy it is to reach and which method suits the pipe, so we price it after we assess the job. A service call is $49, waived if you go ahead with the work. Written upfront flat-rate pricing options. You choose. Outside regular hours, emergency service requires a $250 upfront emergency fee. When paid, the standard $49 service fee is waived. During regular hours there is no emergency fee. Additional repairs are quoted before work begins. We respond immediately upon contact; dispatch and arrival depend on availability and location. Our drain cleaning cost guide explains what changes the price.

Which should you choose?

You don't have to guess. Tell us what's happening, and we'll look at the drain and recommend a method and explain why. Learn more on our drain cleaning page, or call 908-873-6686. Contact us to confirm whether your job site is within our current service area.