If your sinks or toilets keep backing up, you’re not alone. Amarillo homeowners often deal with hard water buildup and aging pipes that make clogs more common. Typically, two techniques, hydro-jetting and snaking, solve stubborn clogs. This informational guide from Frank’s Repair Plumbing, a trusted Texas Panhandle plumbing company, will explain the difference between hydro-jetting vs. snaking and help you determine which situation is best for your plumbing needs.
Understanding the Two Drain-Cleaning Methods
Before diving into which drain cleaning method is best for your home, it’s important to understand how each technique works and what it is designed to accomplish. Both remove clogs but use different methods. Snaking a drain is a mechanical approach that breaks through blockages, while hydro-jetting is a high-pressure water cleaning method that clears both clogs and buildup. In short, snaking clears the obstruction while hydro-jetting cleans the pipe.
Snaking (drain auger)
Snaking, also called drain augering, is the most traditional method for removing drain clogs. A plumber will feed a long and flexible metal cable with a corkscrew tip. As the cable rotates, it will break through the blockages or snag on them to pull them out. Snaking is best for minor clogs from hair buildup and paper blockages.
Homeowners sometimes ask if they can snake drains themselves. Small handheld augers work for simple clogs, but improper use can push the clog deeper or damage pipes. For anything beyond a small tub or shower drain, it’s best to call Frank’s Repair Plumbing to get the job done right. Snaking is cost-effective and gentle on older pipes, but it won’t remove years of buildup
Hydro-jetting
Instead of breaking through or grabbing the blockage, hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water (up to 5,000 PSI normally) to blast away obstructions. There are also specialized nozzles that blast water in all directions and thoroughly clean your pipes. Hydro-jetting is best for removing grease buildup, mineral deposits, tree roots, and other old residue.
Many homeowners wonder if hydro-jetting is safe for PVC pipes, and it is, because PVC can handle high pressure without corrosion. For older pipes, though, safety depends on condition. Let’s look at when each method is best.
When To Choose Snaking a Drain Line
If we’re dealing with a small clog in a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or toilet, snaking is usually the quickest way to bust through it. Snaking a drain line is good for clogs caused by hair or paper products that get stuck in it. Snaking is quite cost-effective because it requires less specialized equipment and is usually completed quickly.
Snaking is also a lot safer for older pipes. If your home has aging pipes that might be fragile or have cracks, snaking poses less risk of causing additional damage. Snaking is quick and safe for minor clogs. Hydro-jetting is better for severe or recurring buildup.
Frank’s will often start with snaking before escalating to hydro-jetting if the clog persists.
When Hydro-Jetting Is the Better Option
Hydro-jetting is best for major blockages or repeat clogs, or when snaking fails. It’s an excellent technique for buildup caused by grease, soap, minerals, or tree roots. This works well in Amarillo homes with hard water and aging sewer lines, where scale buildup is common.
Hydro jetting is the technique that works the best on tree root invasions within your piping system. It won’t remove large tree roots, but it can cut through smaller tree root build-ups. For severe tree root scenarios, we combine hydro-jetting with other techniques.
Is Hydro-Jetting Safe for Old Pipes?
It’s a common question from Amarillo homeowners. Hydro-jetting old pipes is safe when the lines are structurally sound, but corroded or cracked pipes can be damaged by high pressure. Before hydro-jetting, Frank’s plumbers use a high-definition camera to inspect the line and make sure your system can handle the cleaning safely and effectively.
PVC Pipes: Ideal for Hydro Jetting
PVC pipes are durable, corrosion-resistant, and perfect for hydro-jetting. Their smooth surface allows water to flow freely and withstands high pressure without damage.
Cast-Iron Pipes: Handle With Care
Many Texas Panhandle homes still have cast-iron sewer lines that are 50–70 years old. Because cast iron corrodes from the inside out, severely rusted or weakened pipes may not withstand hydro-jetting. Our team always inspects these lines before applying high pressure.
Clay Pipes: Inspect Before Cleaning
Clay pipes are common in older neighborhoods but are more brittle than PVC or cast iron. If cracks or joint separations exist, hydro jetting can worsen the damage. We’ll assess the pipe’s condition first and choose the safest cleaning method for your system.
Not sure what kind of pipes you have? The experts at Frank’s can inspect your system and recommend the safest, most effective solution for your home.
Why Is Professional Hydro-Jetting in Amarillo & the Texas Panhandle Worth It?
Amarillo and other areas in the Texas Panhandle face significant piping challenges because of hard water mineral buildup. Texas has some of the hardest water in the United States, with high concentrations of lime, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals accumulate over time and become blockages within a drain or main sewer line and can cause backups.
From these minerals, scale buildup can also occur, creating a barrier for flowing water. A four-inch pipe can be reduced to a two-inch pipe, and snaking will not remove layers of buildup. For these problems, a plumber will use hydro-jetting. Tree roots are also quite common around older home piping systems that may have cracks. Tree roots seek out water sources and will invade a pipe through any small hole.
Due to hard water, aging infrastructure, and seasonal backups, hydro-jetting is more effective for tougher jobs in the Texas Panhandle. Frank’s Repair Plumbing understands the unique drain challenges in Amarillo homes, from cast-iron lines in older neighborhoods to high-mineral water in rural areas.
Leave Hydro-Jetting to the Pros
It’s important to leave hydro-jetting to the professionals. The equipment is quite expensive, and using the wrong nozzle or applying too much pressure can damage a pipe beyond repair, and then you have a full-on plumbing emergency.
Our professional plumbers at Frank’s have the training to adjust water pressure appropriately for your specific pipe material and condition. We know which nozzles to use for different types of blockages and can navigate the equipment through your plumbing system without causing damage. Professional hydro-jetting not only clears the clog but also helps prevent future backups.
Call Frank’s Repair Plumbing for Hydro-Jetting and Drain Cleaning in Amarillo
Snaking is quick and safe for minor clogs, and hydro-jetting is better for severe or recurring buildup. We recommend scheduling hydro-jetting every 1–2 years to keep your pipes clear and your home protected. Don’t wait for a backup, and call Frank’s Repair Plumbing to schedule hydro-jetting or join our Maintenance Diamond Club for preventive service year-round.
