If you have found yourself with clogged pipes – whether from tree roots, grease build-up, or mineral build-up – there are a couple solutions you can choose from to handle the problem: hydro-jetting or traditional drain cleaning.
Hydro-jetting is the process of using high pressure water to help clean or clear debris and remove anything clogged in the pipes. Traditional drain cleaning often consists of using a drain snake to loosen up blockage or using certain chemicals to break things down. Each has its benefits depending on your specific needs. Understanding the pros and cons of each method can help you determine which is better for your situation.
Hydro-Jetting
Also known as sewer jetting or hot jetting, hydro-jetting has been a tried and true method for cleaning pipes and sewer lines since the early 1900s. The high pressure can be beneficial for targeting the problem in a highly efficient manner.
Pros:
- Powerful: Hydro-jetting is able to get to the problem quickly and deal with it quickly. Using pressure from the water can remove some of the toughest of problems with ease. This can sometimes be a better solution than traditional methods, which might struggle with large obstructions.
- Environmental-Friendly: Through simply using the pressure of water, hydro-jetting can be an excellent option for avoiding harsh chemicals. It does no harm to the environment and is a sustainable solution to pipe problems.
- Cost and Time Efficient: Though the upfront cost may be a bit more expensive than traditional drain cleaning methods, hydro-jetting can clean your sewer lines in a way that lasts longer and removes build up, which can cause problems in the future. Its effects are meant to make a lasting impact, saving you money that would otherwise be spent dealing with future issues with drainage.
Cons:
- Too Strong: Powerful pressure is hydro-jetting’s specialty, but that means that it can run the risk of breaking old or weak pipes. If you are dealing with pipes that are not very durable, then hydro-jetting can possibly break them, which can lead to more problems. Knowing the status of your pipes, as well as their specific needs, will help them not get ruined.
- Expensive: Though hydro-jetting is cost-efficient in the long run, it can also be expensive, depending on what you’re able to spend. If you are looking for a simple solution for a minor problem, then going with a traditional drainage cleaning would be a better option.
Traditional Drain Cleaning
The traditional methods are a fast and simple solution to deal with any blockage in your pipes, often using things like drain snakes or chemicals.
Pros:
- Simple: They are traditional for a reason; most people have at one point rolled their sleeves back to deal with a difficult drainage problem. Traditional methods are easy enough that most anyone can use household ingredients or grab a couple of supplies from the store and work on the plumbing themselves.
- Cheap: Most of the solutions (chemicals, drain snakes, plungers, etc.) are very cheap and are a cost-effective way to deal with a simple problem. Though it won’t be able to attack multiple issues at once, if there is a hair clog or mildew build up in the drains, then these methods can solve the issue at little to no cost.
Cons:
- Time-Consuming: Though the process is usually easy in and of itself, it can take a time-consuming effort to actually solve the issue. You may be able to identify the cause of the blockage as being clogged debris, but you might not be able to pinpoint where the blockage is or how bad it is. This can lead to unnecessary time trying to deal with it before you start seeing results.
- Can Cause Damage: If you aren’t very familiar with your pipes’ needs, or the effects of your at-home supplies, trying to deal with the problem yourself may sometimes cause more harm than good. Some tools may scratch or damage the inside of the pipes, and though hydro-jetting uses just water, traditional cleaning methods often use harsh chemicals that are very toxic.
At Drain X in Utah, we specialize in identifying the issue and addressing any pipe-cleaning needs that you may have. We have the right tools and are ready to tackle anything, whether your situation requires hydro-jetting or more traditional methods. Our professionals deal with the work so you don’t have to. Reach out today.
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