Hydro Jetting vs. Drain Snaking: What's the Difference?

Both drain snaking and hydro jetting clear blocked pipes, but they solve different problems — using the wrong one for a recurring issue is a common reason a clog keeps coming back.

What Drain Snaking Does

A drain snake (or auger) is a flexible cable fed into a pipe to break up or retrieve a specific blockage — hair, a foreign object, a localized clog. It's fast and effective for most everyday clogs.

What Hydro Jetting Does

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the full interior of a pipe, clearing buildup along the entire length rather than just punching through one spot. It's the better option for grease coating, mineral scale, or root intrusion.

How to Tell Which One You Need

• A first-time, localized clog → snaking is usually enough
• The same drain clogs again within weeks → likely buildup, not a single blockage — jetting
• Multiple fixtures backing up together → may point to a main line issue, worth a camera inspection first
• A commercial kitchen line with ongoing grease buildup → jetting is generally the more durable fix

A Word on Pipe Condition

Jetting is safe for pipes in good structural condition, but older or already-damaged pipes are often checked with a camera inspection first to confirm they can handle it.