Snaking vs. Hydro Jetting: Which Drain Cleaning Method Is Right for You?

When a drain backs up, the big question is not just “How do I clear it?” It’s “What will actually keep it from coming back?” In many homes and businesses, the two most common professional options are drain snaking and hydro jetting.

This guide breaks down hydro jetting vs snaking in plain English: what each method does, when it makes sense, and when an inspection should come first.

Need help fast? If you have an active backup or risk of flooding, start with an Emergency Plumber visit.

Quick decision guide

Here’s the simplest way to think about it:

  • Choose snaking when the clog is minor to moderate, localized, and you mainly need to restore flow quickly (hair, paper, small debris).
  • Choose hydro jetting when the issue is recurring, greasy, sludgy, or caused by buildup along the pipe walls (kitchen lines, main lines, commercial drain lines).
  • Choose camera inspection first when you suspect roots, pipe damage, shifting, or multiple drains are affected.

If you want a tech to evaluate the best method for your line, book a Plumbing Inspection.

What is drain snaking?

Drain snaking (also called augering) uses a flexible cable with a cutting or retrieving head to break through and pull out obstructions. It’s a practical choice for many everyday clogs, especially when the blockage is close to the fixture.

Best for:

  • Bathroom sink and shower hair clogs
  • Toilet clogs caused by paper buildup (not sewer line failures)
  • Isolated clogs in one drain line
  • Situations where pipe condition is uncertain and gentler clearing is preferred

What snaking does well:

  • Restores flow quickly
  • Clears many common household obstructions
  • Often costs less than more intensive cleaning methods

What snaking may not solve:

  • Heavy grease and sludge coating the pipe walls
  • Scale and mineral buildup that narrows the pipe over time
  • Recurring clogs caused by underlying line damage or root intrusion

If your clog keeps returning, it’s usually a sign that something is being left behind or something deeper is going on. That’s when a diagnostic step can save time and repeat service calls.

What is hydro jetting?

Hydro jetting (water jetting) uses a specialized nozzle to blast high-pressure water through the line. Unlike snaking, which typically opens a pathway through a clog, hydro jetting aims to clean the interior of the pipe more thoroughly by removing buildup along the walls.

Best for:

  • Recurring clogs that return after “successful” clearing
  • Grease-heavy kitchen drain lines
  • Sludge and buildup in main drain lines
  • Commercial drains (restaurants, multi-use restrooms, shared lines)
  • Lines where buildup has reduced diameter and flow

On Holt’s site, hydro jetting is referenced as a professional method used alongside camera inspection to fully clear deeper clogs and address issues like roots and heavy buildup.

Is hydro jetting right for every clog?

Not always. Hydro jetting is powerful, and the right pressure and nozzle selection depend on pipe material and condition. For example, older or compromised pipes may require a camera inspection first to confirm the safest approach.

That is why many pros recommend an inspection before aggressive cleaning if:

  • The home is older and the sewer line condition is unknown
  • You have a history of roots, offsets, or recurring backups
  • Multiple drains are slow or backing up at the same time

If you’re dealing with recurring symptoms, start with a Plumbing Inspection, then choose the method based on what’s actually inside the line.

Snaking vs hydro jetting plumbing: the real differences

Here’s how these methods compare in practical terms:

1) What they remove

  • Snaking: breaks through or retrieves the obstruction
  • Hydro jetting: washes out buildup and residue across a larger area of the pipe

2) How long results can last

  • Snaking: strong for simple clogs, but recurring issues may return if buildup remains
  • Hydro jetting: often longer-lasting for buildup-related clogs because it cleans more of the pipe wall

3) Risk and pipe considerations

  • Snaking: generally gentler, but improper use can still cause problems
  • Hydro jetting: highly effective, but should be matched to pipe condition and clog type

4) When you should diagnose first

If you’ve had repeat clogs, gurgling drains, sewer odors, or multiple drains backing up, diagnosing first is usually the smartest play.

For symptoms and prevention tips, see:

When DIY snaking makes sense – and when it doesn’t

Yes, homeowners can buy small snakes at home improvement stores. That can be fine for very simple, shallow clogs.

But DIY often falls short when:

  • The clog is deep in the line
  • The drain backs up repeatedly
  • You suspect roots or line damage
  • Multiple fixtures are involved
  • Chemical drain cleaners have been used (they can create hazardous splashback)

If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with a minor clog or a bigger issue, it’s safer to schedule a professional visit rather than turning a simple clog into pipe damage. Holt’s guidance on avoiding risky DIY plumbing fixes aligns with this approach.

What to expect from a professional visit

A solid process usually looks like this

1. Symptom check

  • Which fixtures are affected?
  • Is it recurring?
  • Are multiple drains involved?

2. Right tool selection

  • Snaking for localized obstructions
  • Hydro jetting for buildup and recurring issues
  • Inspection first if pipe condition is unknown or symptoms point to a deeper issue

3. Verification

  • Confirm flow and drainage performance after clearing
  • Provide prevention guidance so the clog is less likely to return

If your issue is urgent, use Emergency Plumber services.

Which method is right for you?

Choosing between these methods depends on:

  • Severity and location of the clog
  • Whether it’s a one-off issue or recurring
  • Pipe material and age
  • Whether roots, scale, or damage may be involved
  • Residential vs commercial usage patterns

This is why snaking vs hydro jetting drain cleaning is not a one-size-fits-all decision. A quick evaluation can prevent repeat visits and help you choose the method that actually fits your system.

Book service in Des Moines

If you’re in the Des Moines area and dealing with slow drains, recurring clogs, or a stubborn blockage, Holt can help you choose the right solution and get your plumbing flowing again.

Phone: (515) 209-2360.

FAQs About Drain Cleaning in Des Moines, IA

Q: What’s the main difference between hydro jetting and snaking?

Snaking breaks through or removes a clog to restore flow. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clean pipe walls and flush out buildup, which can help reduce recurring clogs.

Q: Is hydro jetting better than snaking?

It depends on the cause of the clog. Hydro jetting is often better for grease, sludge, and buildup that cause repeat issues. Snaking is often better for simple, localized obstructions and situations where pipe condition needs a gentler approach.

Q: When should I get a camera inspection before choosing a method?

If the problem keeps returning, multiple drains are affected, you suspect roots, or the home has older plumbing, an inspection can confirm what’s inside the line so the cleaning method is matched to the pipe condition.

Q: Can I snake a drain myself?

For very minor clogs near the fixture, a small hand snake can work. If clogs are recurring, deep, or involve multiple fixtures, professional tools and diagnostics are usually safer and more effective.

Q: What should I do if multiple drains are backing up?

Avoid running water and schedule service quickly. Multiple backups can indicate a deeper main line issue and can escalate into flooding or sewage exposure.