Snaking uses a rotating cable to break through or pull out a clog and is effective for most everyday blockages. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the whole inside of the pipe and is better for grease, sludge, scale and lines that keep re-clogging. Jetting is not right for fragile or broken pipe, so a camera inspection often comes first.
How drain snaking works
A drain snake (also called an auger or drain cable) is a flexible steel cable that is fed into the drain and rotated. The tip, or a cutting head on larger machines, breaks up the clog or hooks it so it can be pulled out. Hand augers are used for sinks and tubs; powered drain machines are used for main lines.
How hydro jetting works
A jetting hose with a special nozzle is fed into the line. Water exits the nozzle at high pressure, with rear-facing jets that pull the hose forward and scour the pipe walls. Grease, sludge, scale and root debris are flushed downstream.
Side-by-side comparison
| Drain snaking | Hydro jetting | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Hair, paper, soft clogs, many root blockages | Grease, sludge, scale, repeat clogs |
| What it leaves behind | Can leave buildup on pipe walls | Cleans the full pipe diameter |
| Pipe condition | Suits most pipe | Best for sound pipe; not for broken or collapsed sections |
| Access needed | Fixture, trap or cleanout | Usually a cleanout or similar access |
| Camera first? | Optional | Often recommended, especially for older lines |
Which should you choose?
- A single slow sink or tub: snaking is usually enough. See bathroom sink and shower and tub drain cleaning.
- A kitchen line that keeps clogging with grease: jetting is often the better long-term clean. See kitchen sink drain cleaning.
- A main line with roots: a cable with a root-cutting head clears them; jetting can flush the debris. Fixing the entry point stops them coming back.
- An older line you have never inspected: start with a camera inspection.
Learn more on our hydro jetting page.
Not sure which drain service you need? Describe the problem and we'll point you in the right direction.
Call (562) 245-5818Frequently asked questions
Can hydro jetting damage pipes?
It can damage pipe that is already cracked, broken or badly deteriorated. That is why a camera inspection is often done first on older lines.
Is snaking enough for a main line?
Often, yes. If the line clogs again soon after, jetting or a camera inspection may be the next step.
Related services
Hydro Jetting
High-pressure water cleaning for grease, scale and root debris in drain and sewer lines.
Learn MoreMain Sewer Line Cleaning
Clear main drain and sewer lateral blockages that back up several fixtures at once.
Learn MoreMore drain guides
- Whittier Sewer Lateral Guide: Who Is Responsible for Your Sewer Line?
- 7 Signs Your Main Sewer Line Is Clogged, Not Just One Drain
- Why Does My Drain Keep Clogging? 8 Common Causes and Fixes
- Drain or Toilet Backing Up? What to Do Right Now
This guide is general information, not legal or engineering advice. Rules and agency contacts can change; confirm details with the City of Whittier or Los Angeles County Public Works.