By Jeremy Peterson ·
Snaking (cabling) cuts a path through a clog, while hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the whole inside of the pipe. Snaking is usually the right first step for a simple clog. Hydro jetting is better for grease, sludge, and clogs that keep coming back.
What is drain snaking?
A drain snake, or cable machine, feeds a rotating cable into the pipe to break up and pull out the blockage. It's fast and effective for most everyday clogs in sinks, tubs, toilets, and main lines.
What is hydro jetting?
Hydro jetting sends high-pressure water through the line to wash away grease, sludge, scale, and debris stuck to the pipe walls, not just the clog itself.
When should I choose hydro jetting?
- The same drain keeps clogging after it's been snaked
- Restaurant or commercial kitchen lines with grease buildup
- Long pipe runs with heavy sediment
- Before a camera inspection, to get a clear look at the pipe
When is snaking enough?
For a one-time clog in a line that is otherwise in good shape, snaking is often all you need.
How does a camera inspection help decide?
A sewer camera inspection shows what's actually in the line, so we can recommend the method that fixes the problem instead of guessing.
[PLACEHOLDER: Add a short real-world example from a Drain Pros job.]