What's the difference between hydro jetting and sewer snaking?

We're often asked about the difference between hydro jetting the sewer or storm line and sewer snaking. The best way that we can describe it is that snaking punches a hole through the debris in your line while hydro jetting cleans the entire circumference.

Why is this important?

Let's use the situation that the line is compacted with roots. If you run just a snake through the root system, you would punch a hole through the center of it leaving behind spider roots, and likely larger ones, that will catch the debris that is put down the system and begin rebuilding a clog immediately. With hydro jetting, the force and spinning of the water through the heads clears the entire circumference of the pipe, top to bottom and side to side leaving no debris to catch what is put down the drain. This makes hydro jetting a longer term solution than simply snaking the line.

Is it a permanent solution? Not necessarily, but it could buy you a good deal of time before you have to dig up and replace your sewer. In the case of roots in the line there is obviously, minor hairline slippages that allow the roots to enter the system, eventually they will grow back, however, this could take years. With regular yearly or bi-yearly jetting to keep the line clear you could, realistically, add years to the life of your sewer or storm lines.

At Jimmy Jets our goal is not to dig up your yard or basement, we prefer not to. Our hydro jet service comes with complementary camera so you know and can make good, educated decisions on what is next for your sewer. Give us a call today if you're looking for professional, outstanding service.