Hydro Jetting vs Snaking: Which Does Your Drain Need?

Snaking and hydro jetting both clear clogs, but they work differently and fit different problems.

How each one works

• Snaking: a spinning cable pushes through the clog and opens a path.
• Hydro jetting: water at high pressure scours the whole inside of the pipe.

When snaking is enough

A single soft clog close to a drain, like hair in a shower or a one-time kitchen clog, is a good fit for snaking. It's quick and usually costs less.

When hydro jetting is the better fit

• Grease that keeps coming back in a kitchen line.
• Hard-water scale narrowing an older line.
• Roots growing into the sewer line.
• A main line that clogs again a few months after snaking.

Check the pipe first

On older cast iron or clay pipe, ask for a camera inspection before jetting. Pipe in poor condition may need repair instead.

Is hydro jetting better than snaking?

Not always. Snaking is fine for one soft clog. Jetting is better for grease, scale, roots and lines that keep clogging.