When to Hydro Jet Your Sewer Line (vs. Just Snaking It)

Snaking and hydro jetting both clear clogs, but they're not interchangeable. Choosing the right one saves you money and prevents repeat visits.

What snaking does

A drain snake (auger) bores a hole through a clog and restores flow. It's fast, affordable, and perfect for a one-off blockage like a clump of hair or a single grease plug.

What hydro jetting does

Hydro jetting blasts the entire pipe wall clean with high-pressure water. It removes the grease coating, scale, and fine root hairs that snaking leaves behind, restoring the pipe's full diameter, not just a channel through the clog.

Choose jetting when…

• Clogs keep coming back after snaking
• You have grease buildup (especially in a kitchen or restaurant line)
• There's root intrusion to flush after cutting
• Multiple fixtures drain slowly from sediment or scale

One important rule: camera first

Jetting belongs in a structurally sound pipe. A reputable company cameras the line first, if a pipe is cracked or badly corroded, the honest recommendation is repair, not high-pressure water. If someone wants to jet without looking, get a second opinion.