A clogged drain in your home can be frustrating – leaving many homeowners with a “what now?” feeling. Slow draining or a complete clog can occur when there is an obstruction or build-up in your sink’s pipes.
Addressing a clogged drain can be done in a few ways, but knowing the best method for your situation is essential. Some minor clogged drains may be able to be handled on your own, but you’ll likely need to call a plumber for more severe clogs. Below, learn the difference between a drain snake and a hydro scrub jet, two commonly used methods to unclog drains.
Using a Drain Snake
A drain snake (sometimes called an auger or plumbing snake) is a tried and true method for unclogging drains. This long and thin tool resembles a hose but is made of a flexible metal cable with an auger (small spring) on one end and a handle on the other. This tool can be purchased at most hardware or home improvement stores and is generally effective for small household clogs.
To use a drain snake, you’ll need to twist until the blockage is broken up or comes out when you pull up the cable. Although the drain snake method is gentle and smart for older pipes, it's often not powerful enough for intense clogs. Another drain cleaning method may be more effective for clogs deep in a plumbing system.
Using HydroScrub® Jetting
Unlike a standard drain snake, HydroScrub Jetting uses a different method to break down clogs effectively. This method uses a thin, high-pressure hose with forceful water that can unclog a drain. The idea behind this method is to blast the clog with high pressure to break it up without causing any damage to the pipes.
Due to the forceful nature of HydroScrub Jetting, it’s generally an effective way to break down household clogs from hair, soap, oils, and other debris. HydroScrub Jetting must be performed by a professional plumbing company and should not be attempted by homeowners.
How to Decide Which Method Works Best
Homeowners often wonder which method they should try to resolve clogged drains. Ultimately, the answer depends on the severity of the clog. Older homes with weaker pipes should start trying a drain snake method, as the newer HydroScrub Jetting method could require too much pressure and may cause damage to fragile pipes. In addition, those who want to fix a clog on their own may prefer to begin with the drain snake method.
On the other hand, homes with newer plumbing systems may succeed more with a HydroScrub Jetting method. This method is generally more effective at tackling tough pipe clogs or addressing clogs that have not been resolved with other methods.
Don’t want to decide which method to use on your own? Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of San Diego County — our specialized plumbing technicians can help you determine the best route to tackle those stubborn clogs.
