When sewer lines back up, drain slowly, or start producing unpleasant odors, most homeowners and property managers just want one thing: a fast, effective fix. Two of the most common solutions are hydro jetting and sewer line snaking, and while both can clear blockages, they work very differently.
Understanding how each method works can help you protect your plumbing system, prevent expensive repairs, and make confident decisions when you call for service. To help you make the right choice, we’ve broken down the benefits of hydro jetting and snaking, when to use each one, and what you can expect during the process.
What Is Sewer Line Snaking?
Sewer line snaking is the traditional method of clearing blockages. A flexible metal cable with a cutting head is fed into the pipe and rotated to break through clogs.
How Snaking Works
A technician inserts the cable into the sewer line through a cleanout or drain opening. As the cable spins, it grinds through common blockages like:
- Hair buildup
- Food waste
- Toilet paper or wipes
- Minor tree root intrusions
- Grease and soap residue
Snaking is widely used because it’s fast, affordable, and can get drains flowing again in minutes.
Best Uses for Snaking
Snaking is ideal when you need a quick, practical solution for:
- Small or moderate clogs
- Partial blockages
- Older, fragile pipes
- Situations where hydro jetting may be too aggressive
If you have a single slow drain or this is the first time you’ve experienced a sewer backup then snaking is often the first step.
What Is Hydro Jetting?
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water (typically 3,000–8,000 PSI) to scour the inside of sewer lines. Instead of breaking up a clog, hydro jetting cleans the entire pipe wall, removing years of buildup and debris.
How Hydro Jetting Works
A specialized hose is inserted into the sewer line. Pressurized water shoots through directional nozzles to:
- Clear heavy grease and sludge
- Remove compacted debris
- Cut through intruding tree roots
- Wash out mineral scale
- Restore the pipe to near-original flow capacity
Hydro jetting is one of the most powerful and thorough cleaning methods available in the sewer and drain industry.
Best Uses for Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting is recommended when:
- There are recurring or severe clogs
- Pipes contain heavy grease, sludge, or scale
- Tree roots are causing repeated blockages
- You need full pipe cleaning, not just clog removal
- You want a long-term preventative solution
Municipal lines, commercial kitchens, food service facilities, and multi-unit buildings often rely on hydro jetting for ongoing maintenance.
Hydro Jetting vs. Sewer Line Snaking: Key Differences
While both methods are effective, they aren’t interchangeable. Here’s a simple comparison:
1. Cleaning Power
- Snaking: Breaks through clogs but leaves residue behind.
- Hydro Jetting: Cleans the entire pipe, removing buildup and restoring flow.
2. Longevity
- Snaking: Short-term solution; blockages can return.
- Hydro Jetting: Long-term results; prevents future clogs.
3. Versatility
- Snaking: Best for small, simple clogs.
- Hydro Jetting: Effective for major clogs, grease-heavy lines, and root removal.
4. Cost
- Snaking: Typically lower upfront cost.
- Hydro Jetting: Higher initial investment, but can save money by preventing repeat service calls.
5. Pipe Condition Requirements
- Snaking: Safe for older or fragile pipes.
- Hydro Jetting: Not recommended for severely damaged pipes without prior inspection.
Which One Do You Need?
Choosing between hydro jetting and sewer line snaking depends on two factors: severity of the clog and condition of the pipes.
Choose Snaking If:
- You have a simple, localized blockage
- This is the first occurrence
- The pipes are older and need gentle cleaning
- You want the fastest and most affordable solution
Choose Hydro Jetting If:
- You have recurring backups or multiple clogged drains
- There’s heavy grease buildup (common in restaurants)
- Tree roots are present
- You want preventive maintenance or a long-term fix
- A camera inspection reveals extensive debris inside the line
For many property owners, the best approach is a combination: start with snaking to break up the obstruction, follow up with hydro jetting for a full clean.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is hydro jetting safe for all types of pipes?
Hydro jetting is safe for most modern sewer systems made of PVC, cast iron, or clay—but it is not recommended for severely cracked or collapsed lines. A camera inspection is usually performed beforehand to ensure the pipe can handle the water pressure.
Does hydro jetting remove tree roots?
Yes. Specialized jetting nozzles can cut through small to moderate root intrusions. However, if roots have caused significant pipe damage, repair or replacement may be needed.
Will snaking get rid of grease buildup?
Snaking can punch a hole through grease, but it won’t fully remove it. That’s why hydro jetting is the preferred method for restaurants, commercial kitchens, and homes with long-term buildup.
How long do the results last?
- Snaking: May last weeks or months depending on usage.
- Hydro Jetting: Can keep lines clear for years when combined with routine maintenance.
Is hydro jetting worth the cost?
For major clogs, older systems with years of buildup, or recurring backups, hydro jetting is often the most cost-effective long-term solution because it reduces future service calls.
Key Takeaways
- Snaking is fast and affordable for simple blockages.
- Hydro jetting provides deep cleaning and long-term prevention.
- Camera inspections help determine which method is safest and most effective.
- Commercial and municipal systems often rely on hydro jetting for ongoing maintenance.
- The best solution depends on the clog’s severity and the health of the sewer line.
Need Sewer Line Cleaning or Hydro Jetting?
Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, recurring backups, or a major sewer line obstruction, Behm Enterprises provides professional hydro jetting, sewer line snaking, and camera inspection services for residential, commercial, and municipal customers.
Our experienced team delivers accurate diagnostics, safe cleaning methods, and long-lasting results—so your system runs smoothly and your property stays protected.
Contact Behm Enterprises today to schedule service or request an inspection. We’re here to keep your sewer lines flowing the right way.
