Hydro Jetting vs. Snaking: Which Works Best for Clogged Pipes?

When it comes to stubborn drain clogs and clogged drains, most homeowners immediately think of snaking a drain—but there’s another, far more powerful option: hydro jetting. At Great Jet Plumbing in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, we use advanced hydro jetting plumbing technology to clear out even the toughest blockages.

What Is Hydro Jetting?

If you’ve ever wondered what hydro jetting is, you’re not alone. Hydro jetting is a professional drain cleaning method that uses high-pressure water jets to blast away years of buildup in your pipes. Unlike a traditional drain snake, which only punctures a hole through the clog, hydro jetting effectively cleans the pipe walls.  

How Does Hydro Jetting Work?

Hydro jetting, like all plumbing work, is a step-by-step process. It begins with a thorough inspection of your plumbing system. At Great Jet Plumbing, our team uses specialized equipment to assess the condition of the pipes. 

Once we’re satisfied with the inspection, we’ll move forward with the process by connecting the hydro jetting machine, which will deliver pressurized water to the inside of your pipes. Our jetting machine has the power to clear out grease, hair, mineral deposits, and even tree roots. This process is sometimes called hydraulic jetting, and it’s the gold standard in modern plumbing jetting services. 

Hydro jetting isn’t just for emergencies; pipe hydro jetting is an excellent choice for preventive maintenance for older or frequently used plumbing systems, and should always be performed by professional, certified plumbers.

Hydro Jetting vs. Snaking: What’s the Difference?

A drain snake is a mechanical tool that drills through blockages. It’s effective for small, localized clogs—like hair or soap buildup near a sink or shower drain. While this traditional method does a great job at getting the small stuff, it may not be as effective for major blockages or stubborn clogs. 

Snaking:

• Breaks through clogs but leaves residue behind

• Temporary solution

• Works best for simple clogs

• May not clear major blockages or tough blockages

Hydro Jetting:

• Completely cleans and restores pipe flow

• Prevents future clogs

• Works for both residential and commercial systems

• Effective for tough blockages and major blockages

In short, hydro jetting ensures a longer-lasting clean and helps avoid recurring issues, making it the right solution for persistent or severe drain problems.

Benefits of Hydro Jetting

When it comes to clearing tough blockages and maintaining your plumbing system, hydro jetting offers more than just a quick fix—it provides a complete, long-term solution. The result is improved flow, fewer future problems, and a healthier plumbing system overall. Here are a few of the benefits of hydro jetting:

• Deep Cleaning: Removes grease, mineral scale, soap scum, and debris. 

• Eco-Friendly: Uses only water—no harsh chemicals and does not produce harmful waste, making it safe for the environment.

• Versatile: Ideal for cleaning sewer pipes as well as both home and business drains.

• Long-Lasting: Prevents future blockages, heavy buildup, and pipe damage.

• Cost-Effective: Reduces the need for repeated drain service calls and costly repairs.

Is Hydro Jetting Safe for Pipes?

Hydro jetting is a highly effective way to clear clogs and restore flow in your plumbing system, but safety is always a top priority. At Great Jet Plumbing, our professional plumbers are thorough and careful. With the right equipment and years of experience, our technicians can safely clear clogs and remove years of buildup without damaging your plumbing. 

Preventing Clogs with Regular Maintenance

Keeping your plumbing system free of clogs starts with regular maintenance and smart daily habits. Scheduling routine hydro jetting services is one of the most effective ways to prevent buildup and keep your drains flowing smoothly. 

Simple changes in your daily routine can also make a big difference. Be mindful of what goes down your drains—avoid pouring grease or oil, and use drain screens to catch hair and food particles. Regularly cleaning your drains and being alert to early warning signs like slow drainage or unusual noises can help you fix minor issues before they turn into bigger problems.

When to Choose Hydro Jetting

If you’re dealing with slow drains, recurring backups, bad odors from your plumbing, or severe clogs that cannot be cleared by other methods, pipe hydro jetting could be the right choice. It’s especially useful for:

• Main sewer line clogs

• Commercial kitchen drains

• Tree root intrusion

• Long-standing buildup

At Great Jet Plumbing, we offer 24/7 hydro jetting plumbing services across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The way we see it, our job is simple: keep your pipes clear and help keep your home or business running smoothly.

Don’t let recurring clogs slow you down. Whether you need quick water jetting drain service or a full system cleaning, our team at Great Jet Plumbing has the tools and expertise to restore your plumbing quickly and effectively.