Two very different tools
A snake (or auger) is a flexible cable with a cutting head that pushes through a clog. Hydro jetting uses 3,500 to 4,000 PSI of water through a specialized nozzle to scour the inside of the pipe walls clean.
When snaking is the right call
- A single, isolated clog (one toilet, one bathroom sink)
- Roots or paper that the cable can grab and pull
- Older cast iron lines that are too brittle for full jetting
When hydro jetting wins
- Recurring clogs in the same line
- Grease and soap buildup in kitchen branches
- Whole-house slow drainage (multiple fixtures)
- Pre-camera prep when you are about to inspect or line a sewer
The common failure mode
A snake punches a hole through the grease so water flows again. And the grease builds back up in two months. Hydro jetting scours the pipe wall back to clean, which is why properly jetted kitchen lines often go years before the next service.
Camera first, jet second
We never jet blind. Every hydro jetting job starts with a camera inspection so we can verify the line is structurally sound. If we find a section that is cracked, offset, or close to failing, we recommend a repair before we add water pressure to it.
Call (813) 933-8010 for a camera inspection and we will tell you which method actually fits your line.
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