Hydrojet Drain Cleaning vs Snaking: Best Fix for Main Sewer Clogs?

If you’re facing a main sewer line clog, you’re likely torn between two solutions: hydrojet drain cleaning or traditional snaking. We get this question all the time from homeowners and businesses alike. Both methods can clear clogs but which one offers the best long-term results?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the differences between hydro jetting and snaking, when to use each, and why your choice matters for the health of your plumbing system. If you're dealing with clogged drains, slow flow, or recurring blockages, this one's for you.

What Causes Main Sewer Line Clogs?
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Before we dive into tools and techniques, it’s worth knowing what causes clogs in the first place.

Most sewer line clogs we encounter stem from:

• Grease from kitchen sinks and dishwashers
• Tree roots infiltrating tiny cracks in older sewer pipes
• Food particles, “flushable” wipes, and paper products
• Sludge, mineral buildup, and waste stuck to pipe walls
• Structural issues like collapsed pipes or offsets

You might spot the signs through unpleasant odors, multiple slow drains, or even toilet backups. Once these symptoms appear, the problem is likely beyond a simple DIY fix and may require the right tools, like a hydro jetting machine or drain auger.

Option 1: Snaking with a Drain Auger
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Snaking (or augering) is the traditional method for clearing blockages. We use a long flexible metal cable with a corkscrew tip, manually feeding it through the drain until it hits a clog then twisting or pushing to break through.

Pros of Snaking
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• Budget-friendly solution for light to moderate clogs
• Ideal for older plumbing systems that can't handle high pressure
• Quick and minimally invasive, often under an hour

Cons of Snaking
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• Doesn’t scrub or clean pipe walls, which means debris buildup stays behind
• Less effective on grease, tree roots, and layered blockages
• Doesn’t always restore full flow, often a short-term fix

Best Use Cases for Snaking
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• Single clogged drain (toilet, tub, or sink)
• Homes with fragile or outdated sewer pipes
• As a first step before full hydro jetting

While snaking does the job for minor drainage issues, it’s not a deep clean. Think of it as poking a hole in the problem, not removing the problem entirely.

How Hydrojet Drain Cleaning Works
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Now let’s talk about hydro jetting, the big guns. This method uses high pressure water, up to 8,000 PSI, to blast away clogs, grease, sludge, and tree roots inside your sewer lines.

We insert a specialized nozzle attached to a hydro jetting hose into your main line. Then, using a professional-grade hydro jetting machine, we unleash water jets that scour every inch of the pipe walls clean.

Benefits of Hydrojetting
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• Total pipe cleaning not just clearing clogs
• Removes grease, food particles, roots, and even hardened mineral buildup
• Helps prevent future clogs by eliminating buildup
• Boosts overall efficiency of your plumbing system

Downsides of Hydrojetting
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• Higher cost compared to snaking
• Not suitable for all older or damaged sewer lines
• Requires specialized tools and trained technicians

Best Use Cases for Hydro Jetting
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• You’re experiencing recurring clogs or backups
• You need to remove grease, tree roots, or hardened sludge
• Your sewer pipes are modern and structurally sound
• You're trying to maintain a clean system proactively

Compared to snaking, hydro jetting works by giving your system a full-body cleanse. It’s the difference between brushing your teeth and getting a professional cleaning.

Hydrojetting vs Snaking: Side-by-Side Breakdown

Here’s a quick table to help you compare both solutions:

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Let’s Talk Cost: Hydro Jetting vs Snaking

We get asked this all the time: How much does hydro jetting cost?

Here’s a general breakdown for the Bellevue area:
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Hydrojetting Cost
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• Average Range: $350 – $800+
• Based on:
  • Severity of the clog
  • Location and length of the pipe
  • Need for video inspection
  • Accessibility of the sewer line

Snaking Cost
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• Average Range: $125 – $250
• Best for small, isolated clogs
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Yes, hydro jetting is more expensive upfront, but when you factor in long-term maintenance, it often saves you money by avoiding repeat service calls and deeper repairs.

Is Hydrojetting Safe for All Pipes?

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Short answer: Mostly, yes.

We recommend hydro jetting for modern plumbing systems especially those with PVC, copper, or updated cast iron.

That said, homes with clay, orangeburg, or severely aged lines may need caution. That’s why we always perform a camera inspection first to assess the system’s condition.

Our goal? Solve the problem without causing damage. No guessing. Just clarity.

What Hydro Jetting Actually Removes

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Here’s where the hydro jetting machine outshines a basic auger:

• Grease buildup from cooking oils and soap scum
• Tree roots wrapping through pipe joints
• Sludge from long-term debris buildup
• Mineral scaling along pipe walls
• Lingering food particles and waste
• Bacteria that causes unpleasant odors

It’s a deep-cleaning solution that clears blockages, restores efficiency, and even improves drainage performance throughout your plumbing system.

When to Snake First, Jet Later

Snaking still has its place! Here’s when it might be your best first step:

• You have a new clog and no prior issues
• Your home’s pipes are fragile
• You’re looking for a quick, affordable fix
• You want to try a low-pressure solution before using the big tools

We sometimes start with a snake just to open the drain enough for a camera inspection, then follow with hydro if the situation calls for it.

Our Hydro Jetting Process (What to Expect)

When you hire us for hydrojet drain cleaning, here’s how we do it:

1. Video Inspection
   • We locate the clog, assess the line, and check for weak spots
2. Jetting Setup
   • We roll in the hydro jetting machine, attach the hose, and prep the specialized nozzle
3. High Pressure Cleaning
   • Using up to 8,000 PSI of high pressure water, we clean the pipe walls and flush all debris into the main sewer line
4. Final Inspection
   • Another camera pass ensures the line is completely clear
5. Maintenance Plan
   • We’ll give you tips to maintain your system and suggest follow-up drain cleaning if needed

We don’t just fix the issue, we solve it.

Final Verdict: So, What’s the Best Fix?

For minor, one-time clogs, snaking can be a quick and easy win.

But for recurring blockages, grease problems, or tree root invasions, nothing beats the power of hydrojet drain cleaning.

It’s more thorough, lasts longer, and restores your plumbing system to its best shape fast.

Let’s Fix Your Drain the Right Way

Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn sewer line clog or just want to prevent the next one, we’ve got the right tools, the experience, and the commitment to do the job right.

📍 Serving Bellevue, Seattle, and surrounding areas

💧 Need hydro jetting, video inspection, or snaking?

Contact us today to get your drains flowing freely again.

Let us help you clear your clogs, restore your flow, and keep your system running like new with the power of hydro.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between snaking and jetting?

The main difference between snaking and jetting lies in how they remove clogs from your plumbing system.

• Snaking (or augering) uses a flexible metal cable to manually break through a clog, clearing a path in the drain. It's ideal for minor or soft blockages, but it doesn’t clean the pipe walls or remove deep buildup.
• Jetting, often called hydrojet drain cleaning, uses high pressure water jets to fully clear debris, grease, sludge, tree roots, and other blockages. It scrubs the interior of your sewer lines, restoring full flow and helping prevent future clogs.

In short: Snaking is a short-term fix, while hydro jetting is a more thorough, long-term solution for clogged or slow drains.

2. How do I stop my main sewer line from clogging?

To prevent your main sewer line from clogging, follow these best practices:

• Schedule regular drain cleanings, especially if you have large trees near your sewer line or experience slow drains.
• Avoid flushing grease, wipes, feminine products, or food particles down toilets or sinks.
• Install a grease trap or filter in your kitchen to reduce buildup.
• Consider hydro jetting your sewer lines every 1–2 years to remove sludge, debris, and developing blockages.
• Conduct a video inspection to check for tree roots, pipe damage, or structural issues before they become severe.

 By maintaining your plumbing system with the right tools and regular care, you can extend the life of your pipes and reduce emergency backups.

3. Should I hydro jet my sewer line?

Yes, you should consider hydro jetting your sewer line if you're dealing with:

• Recurring clogs or slow drainage
• Heavy grease buildup, sludge, or tree roots
• A desire to fully clean the pipe walls, not just poke a hole through a clog

Hydro jet drain cleaning uses high pressure water to thoroughly clean and restore the full diameter of your pipes. It’s a highly effective, non-invasive method that works well for both residential and commercial plumbing systems, especially when traditional snaking is no longer effective.

Always perform a video inspection first to ensure your pipes can handle the power of a hydro jetting machine.

4. What is the best thing to use to unclog a sewer line?

The best tool to unclog a sewer line depends on the type and severity of the blockage:

• For minor clogs or soft blockages, a drain snake (auger) is often effective.
• For severe blockages, grease buildup, tree roots, or debris, a hydro jetting machine is the most effective solution. It uses high pressure water jets to completely clean the inside of the sewer pipes.
• Chemical drain cleaners are not recommended for main sewer lines, as they can damage pipes and don’t address the root cause.

If the issue keeps coming back or multiple drains are affected, hydro jetting is usually the best long-term fix. It not only removes the clog but also restores full flow and helps prevent future issues.