If you have a slow or clogged drain, you likely have questions about how to get it back up and running. Can you simply do it yourself with a snake purchased at the hardware store or do you need to bring in a professional? It’s a great question, and the answer depends upon what’s happening with your plumbing. It’s safe to say, however, that unless your clog is a recent occurrence that a quick snaking by a layman (you) takes care of, it’s in your best interests to call in a professional St. Cloud plumber.
Cleaning Your Pipes
When it comes to cleaning your pipes, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Every clogged drain comes with its own set of circumstances, and the best path forward varies from situation to situation. A professional plumber will assess the condition of your plumbing and will help you determine what’s best for your pipes.
What’s a Plumbing Snake?
A plumbing snake – also known as a plumbing auger – consists of a long metal tube that encases an inner cable and that attaches to a blade or corkscrew on one end and a crank on the other. Snakes come in models for DIYers and in professional versions that are sometimes motorized. If your clog is fairly minor, you will likely be able to safely snake it away and to get your drain running smoothly again. If it’s anything more complicated, however, you’re better off having an experienced plumber check things out.
What’s a Hydrojet?
A hydrojet is a professional plumbing device that blasts pressurized water through clogged pipes. The force of the water can power through even the toughest clogs, including stubborn tree roots.
Which Is the Preferred Method for Cleaning Your Drains?
Whether a snake or hydrojet is better for cleaning your drains depends entirely upon the particulars of your situation. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and each is the preferred method in different situations. A professional St. Cloud plumber will determine what’s best for your specific plumbing needs.
Snaking: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
Plumbing snakes have been around a while and both professionals and DIY plumbers put them to good use. Snakes are fairly gentle on your pipes, especially when used by experienced plumbers, and they are reasonably effective at breaking through clogs. Professional snakes employed by plumbing professionals provide the best results. Finally, because no harsh chemicals are used in the snaking process, it is a much more environmentally friendly option than chemical drain cleaners, which are usually only minimally effective in the first place.
Disadvantages
Snaking can be effective at drilling a hole through a clog and opening the drain back up, but it often doesn’t eliminate the blockage completely. Typically, the snaking action drills a hole through the clog but, because snakes aren’t as useful for flushing clogs entirely away, the blockage can return. Further, snakes do little to clean your pipes’ interiors, and gunk and debris will continue to collect on them.
Hydrojetting: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
Professional plumbers employ hydrojets to blast water through your pipes and power away not only blockages but also dirt and debris that’s collected on them. Hydrojetting is very effective at eliminating even the toughest clogs and at scouring pipes clean without being unnecessarily harsh in the process. Because hydrojetting is powered by pressurized water, it is also an environmentally friendly choice.
Disadvantages
Hydrojetting is highly effective for pipes that are in decent condition, but it is too powerful for pipes that are in disrepair or are damaged, old, or otherwise fragile. Further, when it comes to hydrojetting, there really isn’t a reliably safe DIY option.
Should You Go with a Snake or a Hydrojet?
Whether you should employ snaking or hydrojetting to solve your plumbing problem depends upon a variety of factors, including the integrity of your pipes and the nature of your clog. To accurately assess these factors and to determine the best path forward, confer with an experienced St. Cloud plumber today.
If Your Drains Are Running Slow, Contact an Experienced St. Cloud Plumber Today
Hydrojetting and snaking are both effective mechanisms for clearing pipes and for getting drains running smoothly again. The circumstances of your plumbing predicament will dictate which method is your best option. The plumbing professionals at Neighborhood Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electrical in St. Cloud have the experience, skill, and professional equipment to assess your plumbing needs and to effectively and efficiently take care of your problem. We’ve been serving St. Cloud residents and businesses for over 60 years, and we remain committed to stellar customer service. We’re here to help, so please contact or call us at 800-570-4328 to schedule an appointment today.