Clogged drains are among the most common household plumbing problems, and professional plumbers have a few options for fixing them. The method they choose will vary depending on the severity of the clog and the type of plumbing system. The following guide outlines the differences between snaking and line jetting, which are two of the most frequently used techniques. 

Snaking

A plumbing snake, also known as an auger, is a long metal cable with a corkscrew on one end. Your plumber will insert the snake into the drain and hand-crank it until it moves down the pipe and reaches the clog. Once the snake reaches the clog, the plumber will reverse the cranking to break up the blockage and pull it out of the pipe. 

Plumbing snakes are available in both straight and J shapes, which are ideal for unclogging sinks and toilets, respectively. This method works best for simple clogs, since the auger can only clear blockages that are about the same size as the cable. 

Snaking is a DIY-friendly approach to resolving clogs, though you may feel more comfortable letting a professional handle stubborn blockages.

Line Jetting

Line jetting, or hydrojetting, uses a hose that emits a highly pressurized stream of water to unclog drains. This method is particularly effective for clearing out large or stubborn clogs that build up in sewer systems. At 3,000 to 8,000 psi, the water jet is powerful enough to break through dirt, debris, hair, grease, mineral deposits, and tree roots.

Although line jetting is effective, it’s not suitable for all projects. The intense pressure can harm older, damaged, or sensitive pipes and create a bigger problem than the one you started with. The plumber will use a small camera to assess the pipe’s condition before inserting the line, minimizing the risk of damage. 

Since line jetting requires specialized, high-powered equipment, it should always be left to a professional.

The next time you have clogged drains, get in touch with American Rooter in Watertown, CT. Since 1980, this plumbing contractor has provided drain cleaning, snaking, water jetting, repairs, pipe lining, and smoke testing to customers throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island. Call (888) 863-4638 to report clogged drains and book a repair appointment. Visit them online to learn more about their 24-hour emergency services.