Hydro Jetting vs. Snaking

Which Drain Cleaning Method Is Right for You?

Got a stubborn clog or slow drain that just won’t stay clear? There are two main ways to deal with it: snaking and hydro jetting.

At UPR, we use both — but knowing when to use which can mean the difference between a short-term fix and a full-blown pipe rescue.

Here’s a breakdown of how each works and when to use them.

 What Is Snaking?

Also called drain augering, snaking uses a flexible metal cable with a rotating head that breaks through clogs and pushes debris out of the way.

Best for:

• Hair, soap, or small debris

• Localized clogs near sinks or tubs

• Quick fixes in accessible lines

Pros:

• Fast and effective for soft clogs

• Minimal equipment

• Low cost

• Safe for older pipes when done correctly

Cons:

• Doesn’t fully clean pipe walls

• Might miss deeper or larger blockages

• Can leave buildup behind that re-clogs later

 What Is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting uses a high-pressure water stream (up to 5,000 PSI) to blast away grease, sludge, roots, and buildup from inside the pipes.

Best for:

• Grease-heavy kitchen lines

• Tree root invasions

• Full sewer or main drain line cleaning

• Preventive maintenance

Pros:

• Thorough cleaning of pipe walls

• Removes years of buildup

• Environmentally friendly (just water!)

• Prevents future clogs

Cons:

• Not ideal for very old or damaged pipes

• Higher cost than snaking

• Requires camera inspection first to check for cracks or breaks

 So Which One Should You Use?

Still unsure? We’ll inspect your lines with a drain camera and tell you exactly what’s going on — no guessing.

 UPR’s Approach

We don’t just clear your drain — we figure out why it clogged in the first place. That’s why every job starts with a proper inspection and ends with a lasting solution.

Call 647-833-6743
Book a Drain Cleaning Assessment
Serving Toronto & the GTA — Clean. Smart. Reliable.