A clogged drain can go from a minor inconvenience to a full-blown plumbing emergency faster than you think. When your sink backs up, your toilet won’t flush, or your shower starts pooling water, you need a fast, effective solution.
Two of the most common methods professional plumbers use to clear blocked pipes are drain snaking and hydro jetting. But how do these methods differ—and more importantly, which one is right for your home or business?
At Rocket Plumbing, we specialize in both. This guide will walk you through what each method involves, when it should be used, and the pros and cons of each so you can make a confident, informed decision.
What Is Drain Snaking?
Drain snaking is one of the oldest and most widely used methods for clearing clogged drains. It involves using a tool called a plumber’s snake or drain auger—a long, flexible metal cable with a coiled end that is manually or mechanically fed into your pipes.
Once inserted, the snake is rotated to dislodge, break apart, or hook onto the obstruction, allowing it to be pulled out or flushed down the drain.
When to Use Drain Snaking
- Clogs caused by hair, soap scum, or paper in bathroom sinks and tubs
- Food waste and minor grease buildup in kitchen sinks
- Toilet blockages (with a specialized toilet auger)
- Slow draining water in any single fixture
- Initial clearing before a video inspection
Benefits of Drain Snaking
- Affordable and fast – Ideal for minor blockages
- Non-invasive – Doesn’t require dismantling pipes or using water pressure
- Safe for most plumbing systems, including older pipes
- Quick relief – Often resolves the issue in a single visit
Drawbacks of Drain Snaking
- Doesn’t fully clean the pipe – May leave behind residue that causes future clogs
- Not effective for solidified grease or dense buildup
- Can miss problems deeper in the sewer line
- Can puncture or damage fragile pipes if misused by inexperienced operators
What Is Hydro Jetting?
Hydro jetting is a more advanced drain cleaning technique that uses high-pressure water—up to 4,000 PSI—to blast away blockages and debris inside your pipes. Think of it as a pressure washer for your plumbing system.
A specialized nozzle is inserted into the pipe and propelled forward by reverse water jets. As it moves, it thoroughly scrubs the inside of the pipe, removing grease, sludge, roots, mineral buildup, and even hardened scale.
When to Use Hydro Jetting
- Recurring or severe clogs that don’t respond to snaking
- Commercial kitchens or businesses with heavy grease waste
- Sewer line backups or root intrusion
- Prevention and maintenance of large plumbing systems
- Preparing pipes for video inspection or repair
Benefits of Hydro Jetting
- Completely cleans the pipe walls, not just the blockage
- Breaks through even the toughest clogs, including tree roots
- Eco-friendly – Uses water only, no harsh chemicals
- Prevents future issues by removing buildup and residue
- Ideal for large or heavily-used plumbing systems
Drawbacks of Hydro Jetting
- Requires pipe inspection beforehand to avoid damage
- May not be safe for fragile or deteriorated pipes
- Higher upfront cost compared to snaking (but longer-lasting results)
- Professional service required – Not a DIY option
Drain Snaking vs. Hydro Jetting: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Drain Snaking | Hydro Jetting |
| Best for | Minor clogs near the surface | Severe or recurring clogs, grease, tree roots |
| Method | Mechanical breaking or pulling | High-pressure water cleaning |
| Pipe Cleaning | Partial | Complete |
| Effectiveness | Temporary relief | Long-term solution |
| Cost | Lower upfront | Higher upfront, more value |
| Suitability | Most home plumbing systems | Newer or structurally sound pipes |
Which Method Should You Choose?
If you’re dealing with a simple, one-time clog, such as hair in the shower drain or food in the kitchen sink, drain snaking is often the quickest and most cost-effective solution.
But if you’ve been fighting the same drain issue repeatedly—or if you’re noticing problems across multiple fixtures—hydro jetting may be the better investment. It not only removes the current blockage but also thoroughly cleans the interior of your pipes to prevent future issues.
Still unsure? At Rocket Plumbing, we offer camera inspections to assess the exact condition of your pipes and recommend the safest and most effective method for your specific problem.
Let Rocket Plumbing Help You Clear the Way
Whether it’s a minor clog or a full-blown backup, Rocket Plumbing is here to help you get your drains flowing again—fast. Our expert plumbers are equipped with the latest technology to deliver safe, reliable, and long-lasting drain cleaning services for homes and businesses.
We proudly serve the Charlotte area with prompt appointments, honest assessments, and top-rated customer service.
