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Hydro jetting versus snaking
Snaking opens a path through a clog; hydro jetting scours the pipe walls with high-pressure water.
Updated · 3 min read
Straight answer
Snaking (cabling) bores through a clog with a rotating cable and is the first step for most blockages. Hydro jetting blasts water through a nozzle to scour grease, scale and fine roots from the pipe walls. A camera check shows which one a line needs.
What this covers
How snaking works
A drain machine spins a steel cable fed through a cleanout. The tip punches through and grabs the blockage.
It opens flow quickly and works in most pipe. It does not clean the pipe walls fully, so grease or roots can rebuild.
How jetting works
A jetter pushes water at high pressure through a hose with a nozzle that aims jets backward and forward. The nozzle pulls itself down the line and scrubs the walls.
It is effective on grease-lined kitchen lines and on scale buildup common in hard-water areas like Alhambra, where the city reports about 240 ppm.
When jetting is not a good idea
Very old clay or cast-iron pipe that is cracked or broken can be damaged by high pressure. In valley homes from the 1950s, which make up much of Rosemead according to Census table B25034, the line may be clay.
A camera look first tells whether the pipe can take jetting.
Choosing for your line
- Fresh clog, first time: snake it
- Grease-lined kitchen line: jetting
- Roots, repeat problem: cable with a cutter, then consider jetting
- Fragile pipe: snake and plan a repair
FAQs
Does jetting damage PVC pipe?
Sound PVC handles residential jetting well. Damaged or poorly joined pipe needs care.
Will jetting remove large roots?
It removes fine roots. Heavy root masses usually need a cutting head first.
How long does a jetted line stay clear?
It depends on use, pipe condition and roots. Cleaner walls generally stay clear longer.