Hydro Jetting vs Rooters in Henagar, AL - What’s the Difference?

Snakes

Rooters, or cable machines (also known as snakes), came about in the 1930s as a solution for cutting and clearing entire sewer pipes.

A rooter is equipped with a metal head fitted with spinning blades. When pushed into the pipe, the rotating head spin to cut through roots and debris, removing debris. While this method is effective for removing tree roots, rust, and other waste, it also has limitations. It can be hard to manage the strength of these machines, and can sometimes lead to pipe damage.

DIY Use: Proceed with Caution

Various plumbing snakes and augers are available on the market for DIY drain unclogging. But beware—using these tools improperly can lead to serious pipe damage. If you're noticing signs of clogging such as slow draining, backups, foul smells, or flooding, it’s smart to have the line inspected professionally with a sewer camera inspection before taking further action.

Hydro Jetting in Henagar, AL

High-pressure jetters work by employ high-pressure water to flush debris and blockages in pipes. They are equipped with high-pressure hoses fitted with multiple types of spray heads. Compared to rooters, hydro-jetters use water to clean pipes rather than physical force.

Hydro-jetters come with customizable settings for pressure and flow rate, allowing for flexibility. This allows them to be as forceful or as gentle as needed. Studies show hydro-jetting to be 30-50% more efficient, they clean better than traditional methods. In addition, they are eco-friendly—using only water to clear out pipes.

How Hydro Jetting Works

Hydro-jetting is done through a cleanout, or an access point for technicians to work on the line. High-pressure jets shoot water obstructions, grease, and roots that cling to the walls of pipes. With enough pressure, water jets can dissolve grease, solid waste, and other deposits. Many jetters have 360-degree spinning nozzles enabling for complete, thorough cleaning of the inner pipe walls. Depending on the severity of the clog, nozzle types and pressure settings are selected to target specific issues.

Rooters vs. Hydro-Jetting: The Key Differences

Hydro-jetting is widely seen as more effective than rooters in most cases. While snakes work by cutting, jetters deliver a thorough clean by blasting away blockages. A significant benefit of jetting is its adjustability. The nozzles can be customized to fit different pipe sizes and settings. From sludge to tree roots, hydro-jetting can be adapted to suit the task.

Situations Where Rooters are Appropriate

While hydro-jetting often provides the best results, there are scenarios where a snake works fine. Rooters are affordable and can tackle single blockages. In cases of minor blockages, caused by toys or debris, a rooter often suffices. However, because of its cutting design, rooters tends to struggle with grease and roots.

For grease or root-related issues, hydro-jetting will clear the pipe far more thoroughly. By removing all debris with pressurized water, hydro-jetting is ideal for a complete pipe clean-out.

For residents of Henagar, Alabama, Henagar Plumbing Services specializes in both hydro-jetting and rooter services to provide you with the best clog-clearing options.

Give us a call now at (888) 860-0649 to request a free in-home estimate.