Most people are used to hearing about snaking a drain or a plumbing snake, but what about hydrojet plumbing?
Both methods are used to remove clogs that prevent your drain from working as it should, but they are used in different circumstances. When it comes to unclogging drains, it’s more about which one is the right tool for the job.
To know what is best for your situation, let’s take a look at the differences in both methods and gain a better understanding.
A snake drain, or a coiled auger, is a long, coiled wired device fed through the drain and into the pipe until it reaches the clog. Pressure is then applied to either push the clog down or out.
Professional snake drains, as used by plumbers, may have a motor in it to make this process easier. These are great tools for when the clog is located within the pipe, and you are unable to reach it any other way.
This approach involves putting a small hose (with a special attachment at the end) into the pipe, and then using a high-pressure jet of water to forcibly remove the clog.
In situations where the clog is immovable, this method could prevent issues like basement flooding, as it fully breaks up and removes all traces of the problem.
Due to the intensity of this method, however, the plumber may use a small camera device before and after to ensure that there is no damage sustained in the process.
Let’s say that you finish washing your face in the morning, or perhaps brushing your teeth, and notice that the toothpaste is still foaming around the drain and barely moving. You then carry on with your morning routine, and by the time you’re done, the sink has finally cleared.
In such a scenario, you likely have a clog. It’s not a big blockage, as water is still able to pass, but there is something in the way. Smaller clogs can be dealt with by using a drain cleaner. If it’s too big for the cleaner to cope with, however, then a snake drain or auger is your best option.
Snake drains work best for a clog that has occurred far past the U-bend and around the corner, just out of reach for the home plumber to get at. The snakes you can purchase from your local store are great for small issues and are easy to use.
Some blockages are just made to cause havoc and frustration. These are the bigger build-ups of grease, hair, oil, and even tree roots. Unfortunately, your store-bought snake drain will not be able to reach these, as they can be much further down the pipe or are just too thick.
Hydrojet plumbing incorporates a thicker hose with a special end that is fed through the pipes until it reaches the problem. Using water that is pressurized anywhere from 3,000 to 8,000 PSI (pounds per square inch) to blast through the clog, break it up, and flush it away is the perfect solution to anything a snake drain cannot handle.
Snake drains and hydrojet plumbing have their advantages and disadvantages. In the following, we will examine both.
While perfect for smaller clogs, the snake drain is limited due to the length it can extend and the durability of the debris causing the blockage. Snaking can offer a temporary solution, but may have to be repeated as it doesn’t clear all the blockage.
On the other hand, it is easy to store and operate and is a great middle ground between a drain cleaner and a professional plumber coming to your home.
High-pressure water blasting through the pipes will certainly clean the majority of stubborn clogs. However, if the pipes are older, weaker, or damaged in any way (either through age or tree root systems), then this could spell more trouble than just a build-up of grease.
Hydro jetting works well for both residential and commercial properties and is a great eco-friendly option as it doesn’t require chemicals to perform its job.
Used by professional plumbers, hydro jet plumbing in Toronto is a powerful tool, but should only be used when the pipes are safe enough to withstand the pressure.
When it comes to removing a clog or blockage from your pipes, it’s more about which approach is the most suitable for your plumbing needs.
Snake drains don’t require special training, and are great as a quick temporary solution in an emergency. When the drain cleaner doesn’t cut it, the snake drain will. Still, it won’t remove everything, meaning that there is the potential for the clog to return.
Hydro jet plumbing uses massive force to blast the clog into many pieces and completely flush it all away, preventing build-up again. However, it can only be handled by a professional.
While this will increase the cost, it gives longer-lasting results. A camera inspection should be done by the plumber prior to use, however, to make sure that the pipes can handle the pressure.
In a residential setting, where the clog may be a result of hair blockage or kitchen grease, then a snake drain is a handy tool to keep next to the plunger.
Larger commercial properties where the pipes run deeper and longer would certainly benefit from hydro jetting if the clog is not immediately within the building so that a snake drain cannot reach it.
Advanced Plumbing Drains and Heating is your complete one-stop-shop in Toronto and the surrounding area when it comes to all your plumbing needs.
With the experience and knowledge to take care of your pipes and drains, from bathtubs to hot water tanks, drain cleaning and waterproofing, and on-hand 24/7 for all emergencies, no clog is too thick, and no drain is too blocked for our tools.
You can call us at 866-863-9539 or contact us here today and chat with our expert team. We will take care of your plumbing issues right away.