Drain Snaking vs. Hydro Jetting: Which is Better?
If you’ve ever dealt with a slow or clogged drain, you know how frustrating it can be. The water pools, the sink or tub starts to smell, and nothing seems to go down. When that happens, two popular solutions often come up: drain snaking and hydro jetting. But which one is the right fit for your home?
At New Canadian Drain & Plumbing, we proudly specialize in drain snaking, a safe, effective, and time-tested technique that’s especially well-suited to Toronto’s charming older homes. While hydro jetting has its place, it’s not always the ideal solution, and here’s why.
What Is Drain Snaking?
Drain snaking, also called mechanical augering, is one of the oldest and most reliable methods for clearing clogged drains. It involves feeding a long, flexible metal cable down into the pipe. At the end of that cable is a coil or cutter designed to either break up the clog or latch onto it so it can be pulled out.
Depending on the severity and type of blockage, we use different tools and attachments to get your pipes flowing again quickly and safely.
Why Homeowners Love Drain Snaking:
- Gentle on Pipes: Especially important in older homes with fragile plumbing
- Affordable: It gets the job done without breaking the bank
- Versatile: Works for everything from hair clogs to kitchen grease
- Quick and Clean: No big setup, no pressure damage—just results
Drain snaking is typically the first go-to method when a clog isn’t caused by serious buildup or structural pipe damage. It’s simple, effective, and doesn’t involve anything more intense than what your pipes can handle.
What About Hydro Jetting?
Hydro jetting might sound high-tech (and it is). This process uses a blast of water at pressures of up to 4,000 PSI to clear out debris, sludge, grease, and buildup from inside your pipes. It’s a powerful tool, but that power can come at a cost, especially if your pipes aren’t in perfect shape.
When Hydro Jetting Might Be Used:
- In commercial kitchens where grease buildup is constant
- For newer residential properties with PVC piping
- As preventative maintenance in large buildings with heavy plumbing use
But here’s the catch, most Toronto homes, especially the older ones, aren’t built to handle that kind of pressure.
Potential Risks of Hydro Jetting:
- May damage older or corroded pipes
- Can cause leaks or even bursts in clay or cast iron lines
- Generally more expensive than drain snaking
- Overkill for small or localized clogs
In the wrong hands, or even the right hands under the wrong conditions, hydro jetting can do more harm than good.
Why We Recommend Drain Snaking in Toronto
From The Annex to High Park, many of Toronto’s most beloved neighborhoods are full of character, and old plumbing. These beautiful homes weren’t built with high-pressure water blasting in mind. That’s why our team at New Canadian Drain and Plumbing uses the approach that respects your home’s integrity while solving your plumbing issues.
Whether it’s a slow-draining sink or a stubborn toilet backup, drain snaking offers a safe, affordable fix without the risks of hydro jetting.
Ideal situations for drain snaking include:
- Hair and soap clogs in bathrooms
- Food buildup in kitchen sinks
- Grease and fat deposits
- Early-stage root intrusion
- General debris and gunk
And when in doubt, we always start with a video camera inspection so you know exactly what’s going on before we take action.
Accurate Diagnosis Matters
Not all clogs are created equal. Sometimes it’s just a bit of hair; other times, it’s tree roots or collapsed piping. Our team takes the guesswork out of the equation. We’ll take a look with a specialized camera, explain what we see, and walk you through your options.
Often, that option is drain snaking, because it’s simple, it works, and it doesn’t put your home at risk.
Toronto’s Trusted Drain Clearing Experts
At New Canadian Drain & Plumbing, top rated plumber company in Toronto, we know what works and what lasts. Drain snaking gets the job done right, safely, quickly, and affordably.
We’ve seen it all, and we’re ready to help you clear that drain, avoid bigger issues, and get back to your day.
Book Your Drain Snaking Appointment Today
If you’re dealing with a clogged drain, don’t wait for it to get worse. Let the pros at New Canadian Drain & Plumbing take care of it with a method that’s proven, gentle, and effective.
Contact us today to schedule your service or ask about a video inspection. We proudly serve Toronto and the entire GTA with honest pricing and expert service – no pressure, no surprises.