Clogged and slow-moving drains are a common household issue. Over time, pipe interiors gradually develop buildups of biofilm, soap scum, grease and other drain waste. Blocked and slow-moving drains are both smelly and rife with harmful pathogens. Plumbers use multiple methods to remove solid and semisolid obstructions and to clear out in-pipe accumulations. Drain augers and hydro jetting are two distinctly different methods for drain cleaning. Read on to learn the pros and cons of each.
The Benefits of Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure jets of hot water to scour pipe interiors and is typically used during plumbing cleanouts. It’s forceful enough to remove hard water buildups of dissolved minerals, like calcium and magnesium. When necessary, hydro jetting can even break up knotted tree roots that have encroached upon underground sewer lines.
Unlike other clog removal methods, hydro jetting actually cleans drains and pipe interiors. When these treatments are done, both wastewater and solid waste have more room to move through.
The Drawbacks of Hydro Jetting
Though highly effective for both clog removal and drain cleaning, hydro jetting can prove harmful to aging pipes. If your pipes are nearing the end of their lifespan, a single hydro jetting treatment could create leaks where none existed before. Thus, before using this method, plumbers carefully consider both the age and integrity of all affected plumbing components.
The Benefits of Drain Augers
While hydro jetting can clear plumbing systems to the end of residential sewer lines, drain augers offer a quick and easy, single-drain or single-fixture solution to clogs. Plumbers insert drain augers into the drains of blocked or slow-moving sinks, tubs or shower pans. Then these units are either electronically or manually uncoiled until they reach pipe obstructions.
Drain augers can pierce semisolid materials. This creates room for wastewater to exit and may even allow plumbers to extract the offending blockages. Clog removal with a drain auger is cheaper than having your pipes hydro jetted. Using a drain auger is often also a reasonable alternative to high-pressure drain treatments when aging pipes are in poor condition.
The Drawbacks of Drain Augers
Even when used correctly, drain augers have the potential to scratch porcelain and other fixture materials and gouge pipes. Much like hydro jetting, these tools are effective, but they aren’t foolproof.
When homeowners use drain augers to clear drain blockages on their own, they can turn minor plumbing issues into major plumbing repairs. Extending a drain auger without first identifying the nature and location of a clog could force hard, non-degradable items deeper into pipes.
Drain augers and hydro jetting are both fast-acting and effective when used correctly and in the right conditions. However, for serious clogs, it’s best to have a seasoned plumber locate and diagnose your blockage before choosing and leveraging any drain-cleaning method. For top-notch drain cleaning services in Yuma, AZ, contact PHD Plumbing to request a quote or schedule an appointment.