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

Traditional Rooter Machines

The cable machine, often called a plumbing snake, was designed to clear pipes by cutting through obstructions.

A rooter is designed with a metal head fitted with spinning blades. When pushed into the pipe, the blades work to slice through roots and debris, removing debris. Though this technique works well for cutting roots and dislodging items like rust and trash, it also has limitations. The force of the spinning blades can be difficult to control, and can sometimes lead to pipe damage.

Using Rooters Yourself: A Warning

Various plumbing snakes and augers are readily available for homeowners who want to clear clogs themselves. But beware—misusing them can lead to serious issues. 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 sewer cameras before attempting any solutions.

Hydro Jetting in Moody, Alabama

Hydro-jetters are designed to employ high-pressure water to flush debris and blockages in pipes. They are equipped with powerful hoses with specialized spray nozzles. Compared to rooters, hydro-jetters use water to clean pipes rather than physical force.

A hydro-jetter’s settings can be adjusted for pressure and flow rate, providing precise control. Operators can adjust these settings for anything from gentle rinsing to intense cleaning. Generally 30-50% more efficient, these machines are excellent at cleaning. In addition, they are eco-friendly—using only water to clear out pipes.

Why Choose Hydro Jetting?

Hydro-jetting is done through a cleanout, or an access point for technicians to work on the line. Water jets are used to blast away 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 that allow for complete, thorough cleaning of pipe interiors. Based on the clog type, nozzle types and pressure settings are selected to efficiently clear the problem.

Rooters vs. Hydro-Jetting: The Key Differences

Hydro-jetting is widely seen as more effective than rooters in most cases. Whereas rooters rely on physical 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.

When to Choose a Rooter

While hydro-jetting often provides the best results, there are scenarios where a snake works fine. Rooters offer a more budget-friendly option and can tackle single blockages. In cases of minor blockages, like toys or large wads of paper, a rooter can clear the issue easily. However, because of its cutting design, rooters may not perform well on grease-coated or root-damaged pipes.

In cases where pipe walls are coated in grease, 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 Moody, Alabama, Moody 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.