Hydro Jetting vs. Snaking for Effective Drain Cleaning

 

Keeping your drains clean and free of debris is a vital part of homeownership. In addition to preventing annoying clogs and blockages, clean drains promote a healthy plumbing system and efficient plumbing appliances.

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With that being said, clogged drains are still among the most common plumbing problems we see as professional plumbers. In addition to hair, grease, food and oil getting stuck in the drains, we also see problems from homeowners using chemical drain cleaners to keep their drains clean. These chemicals are harsh and corrode your pipes, weakening them from the inside and speeding up the wear and tear process.

For quality drain cleaning services, we recommend snaking or hydro jetting. These methods are both safe and effective. Continue reading to find out which service is best for you:

How does Snaking work?

plumbingsnakeSnaking involves using a cable with an auger-like attachment on the end. The steps for snaking are as follows:

  • The cable is fed into the drain by a technician.
  • When the technician feels resistance against the cable, it indicates that the clog has been reached.
  • After the cable is set in position, the technician will turn a crank on his end of the cable that makes the blades inside the drain rotate.
  • The clog gets chewed up. Smaller pieces of the clog are then free to either wash out through the system or get pulled out when the cable is removed.

What are the benefits of Hydro Jetting?

As the name suggests, hydro jetting uses a jet of high-pressure water to quickly clear out years of debris and grease from the drains. This service is fast, effective and safe. Hydro jetting is perfect for stubborn clogs and recurring blockages.

The jets are so powerful, they actually smooth the inner texture of the pipe to help prevent future clogs before they even get a chance to form.

Circumstances in Which You Should Choose Snaking Over Hydro Jetting

hydrojettingIn most cases, technicians will recommend snaking as the first defense against clogs because it’s simple, easy and mostly effective. Snaking is ideal for simple clogs that have not yet hardened to the pipe wall. When snaking isn’t enough, we recommend hydro jetting since it’s more intense and actually prevents future clogs from forming.

Are these Services DIY-Able?

Most professionals will strongly discourage trying to hydro jet your drains without the necessary experience and training. Some of the reasons for this include:

The high-pressure water could cause damage if you don’t know what you’re doing.
If you have pipes that are already damaged or weakened from chemical drain cleaners, hydro jetting may make the problem worse. This is why our technicians always inspect the pipes before recommending the service.

Call Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer today to keep your drains in tip-top shape. Call (626) 962-0885 today for trusted drain cleaning services in Covina, CA.