What’s the difference between drain snaking and jetting?

Snaking uses a rotating cable to dislodge clogs, while jetting uses high-pressure water to thoroughly clean the entire pipe. Jetting is more powerful and used for severe or recurring issues.

Is hydro jetting safe for old pipes?

Yes, when done by a licensed professional. We assess pipe condition before jetting to avoid damage. Snaking may be better for fragile or damaged lines.

How do I know which method I need?

Our team inspects your drain system and recommends the best method based on blockage severity, location, and pipe material.

What’s the difference between drain snaking and jetting?

Snaking uses a rotating cable to break through or pull out clogs, while jetting uses high-pressure water to clean the entire inside of the pipe. Jetting is more thorough but snaking is often quicker for basic clogs.

Is hydro jetting safe for old pipes?

It depends on the condition of your pipes. We inspect the line first. Jetting is usually safe for strong pipes, but we avoid it on corroded, brittle, or root-compromised lines.

Can hydro jetting remove tree roots?

No. Hydro jetting is not recommended for root intrusion. Instead, we use mechanical root cutting or pipe replacement to safely eliminate and prevent root problems.

When should I choose snaking instead of jetting?

Snaking is best for isolated blockages in sinks, tubs, or toilets — especially if it’s the first time you’re experiencing a clog. It’s fast, effective, and budget-friendly.

Do I need a camera inspection before jetting?

Yes. We always recommend a sewer camera inspection before jetting to check for damage, blockages, or pipe weaknesses. It helps avoid unnecessary risk and ensures a safe clean-out.

Drain Jetting vs. Snaking: What’s Best for Your Clog?

At Amy’s Plumbing, we offer both snaking and high-pressure jetting services for homes and businesses across Broward County. Not sure which one your drain needs? Here's how they compare — and when we recommend each method.

What Is Drain Snaking?

Snaking (also called drain augering) uses a flexible cable with a rotating tip to physically cut through and remove obstructions. It’s ideal for:

Bathroom sink, tub, and toilet clogs
Minor or localized blockages
Soft obstructions like hair, wipes, or food particles
Clogs close to the drain opening

What Is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water (up to 4,000 PSI) to clear debris, grease, and buildup from your entire pipe system. It’s especially effective for:

Grease, sludge, and soap scum buildup
Recurring clogs in kitchen or commercial drains
Mineral scale and hardened deposits
Cleaning the entire inside diameter of pipes

⚠️ What About Tree Roots?

Hydro jetting is not ideal for removing tree roots — and it may worsen damage in old or fragile pipes. Instead, we recommend:

Mechanical root cutting with a drain auger
Sewer camera inspection to pinpoint root intrusion
Sectional pipe repair or full pipe replacement

Which One Should You Choose?

Still unsure whether to snake or jet? Our licensed plumbers can diagnose the issue and recommend the most effective, safe solution. Serving Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Tamarac, and all of Broward County.

Want to learn more? Explore our pages on drain cleaning, emergency plumbing, and Fort Lauderdale plumbing services.

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