A clogged drain is a lot like a traffic jam during rush hour. Everything should be moving freely, but instead, there is a bottleneck that slows the whole system down. Just like cars piling up behind a stalled vehicle, water begins to back up behind whatever is blocking the line. At first, the delay may be minor, but given time, the problem grows until nothing gets through at all.
When that happens, homeowners call in the professionals. Two main solutions exist for clearing blockages: hydro jetting and traditional drain snaking. Both methods can get the water moving again, but they work in different ways. Knowing how each one performs and which situation it suits best can make all the difference in how long your pipes stay clear.
How Traditional Drain Snaking Works
Drain snaking has been a go-to tool for decades. A plumber feeds a long, flexible cable with a corkscrew-like tip into the drain. As the cable moves through the pipe, it pushes through the blockage or grabs onto it so it can be pulled out.
This method works well for simple clogs, like a wad of hair in the shower or a chunk of food in the kitchen sink. It’s quick and effective at restoring drainage. The drawback is that snaking usually leaves residue on the pipe walls. That leftover buildup can collect more debris over time, which often leads to the clog coming back.
How Hydro Jetting Works
Hydro jetting uses the power of water to do the heavy lifting. A special nozzle is placed into the drain, and pressurized water blasts through the line. The stream is strong enough to cut through grease, clear away soap scum, and even deal with tree roots that have grown into the pipe.
Unlike snaking, hydro jetting does more than poke a hole in the clog. It cleans the pipe from end to end, washing away years of buildup. This leaves the inside of the line smoother and less likely to catch debris in the future.
Hydro Jetting vs. Drain Snaking: Comparing the Two Methods
Both hydro jetting and snaking have their place, but they shine in different situations.
- Speed of results: Snaking is often the fastest way to clear a small clog. Hydro jetting takes more setup but delivers a more thorough clean.
- Level of cleaning: Snaking focuses on breaking through blockages. Hydro jetting removes the clog and the residue around it.
- Types of clogs: Snaking is best for simple blockages like hair or food scraps. Hydro jetting can handle grease, scale, and even tree roots.
- Longevity: Since hydro jetting scrubs the entire pipe, results tend to last longer than with snaking.
How Long Does a Hydro Jetting Service Take?
A hydro jetting service typically takes between one and three hours, depending on the situation. Because hydro jetting does more than punch a hole through a clog, the process takes longer. It uses high-pressure water to wash away grease, scale, and debris that coat the walls of your pipes, so the cleaning is more thorough than a simple blockage removal.
The timing depends on several factors:
- Severity of the clog: A heavy grease blockage or roots in the line will take longer to clear.
- Length of the pipe: Main sewer lines and longer drain runs require more time than short bathroom or kitchen lines.
- Accessibility: If there is a clean-out that is easy to reach, the job goes faster than one where the plumber has to create an access point.
- Inspection process: Hydro jetting is often paired with a drain inspection to confirm the blockage is fully cleared, which extends the visit but provides confidence in the results.
Hydro jetting may take more time, but because it delivers a more complete clean, it often reduces the need for repeat service in the future.
How Long Does a Snaking Service Take?
Snaking is generally quicker, often completed within thirty minutes to an hour. The process involves feeding a cable into the drain until it reaches the clog, then using the tip to either break the blockage apart or pull it back out. It’s a faster option for simple problems and is often used as the first step when homeowners need immediate relief.
The timing is influenced by several factors:
- Location of the clog: A blockage near the drain opening is faster to handle than one deep in the system.
- Type of clog: Hair and paper clear easily, while tougher materials take longer.
- Size of the pipe: Narrow or winding pipes can be more challenging to navigate.
- Severity of buildup: Hardened debris may require multiple attempts to fully clear.
- Access points: Easy-to-reach drains speed up the process, while difficult access slows it down.
When comparing hydro jetting vs. drain snaking, snaking is often faster but doesn’t clean the pipe walls as thoroughly. For recurring clogs or long-term reliability, hydro jetting may be worth the extra time.
Why Inspections Are Important
Before choosing a method, it helps to know exactly what is blocking your drain. A drain camera inspection in Toronto provides a clear picture of the problem. With a camera, plumbers can see the condition of your pipes and identify the best way to treat the clog safely.
This step removes the guesswork. It ensures that you don’t waste time on a method that will not solve the issue completely.
Signs You Need Professional Drain Help
Not every clog can be handled with a plunger or store-bought tool. If you notice repeated backups, multiple drains running slowly at the same time, or foul odors coming from your sinks and tubs, it is time to call in experts.
Priority Plumbing & Drains offers clogged drain repair in Toronto that addresses the root cause of the problem. With professional equipment and experience, our team can safely restore your plumbing system to full function.
Which Option Should You Choose?
The best method depends on the nature of the clog and the condition of your plumbing. For quick, surface-level blockages, snaking is often enough. For severe, recurring, or messy problems, hydro jetting is usually the smarter choice because it delivers a more complete clean.
The good news is you don’t need to make the decision on your own. With the help of an inspection and an experienced plumber, you can move forward with confidence knowing the right solution is being applied.
Get Your Drains Flowing Again
Both hydro jetting and snaking are proven methods that can get water flowing again, each with its own advantages. The key is choosing the option that truly solves your problem rather than providing a temporary patch.
Priority Plumbing & Drains is proud to help Toronto homeowners with honest recommendations, reliable service, and proven results. Our team has the tools and experience to clear your drains and keep them that way. Contact us today to schedule your drain service and take control of your home’s plumbing once again!