High-Pressure Jetting vs. Traditional Drain Cleaning: Which One to Choose?

Clogged drains are more than just a nuisance—they can slow down your daily routine, create foul odors, and even lead to costly plumbing repairs. Whether you're a homeowner dealing with a backed-up kitchen sink or a business facing frequent grease buildup in your drains, choosing the right drain cleaning method is essential.

As a plumbing company in Commerce City CO, we often get asked: "Is high-pressure jetting better than traditional drain cleaning?" The short answer? It depends on your situation. Let’s explore how both methods work, their advantages, and which one is best for your needs.

What Is High-Pressure Jetting?

High-pressure jetting, also called hydro jetting, is a powerful method that uses a specialized hose and nozzle to blast water at high pressure through your pipes. The force of the water cuts through grease, sludge, mineral buildup, and even tree roots, flushing your pipes completely clean.

Benefits of High-Pressure Jetting:

• Thorough Pipe Cleaning – Unlike traditional drain cleaning, which only removes part of the clog, hydro jetting scrubs the entire pipe interior, preventing future blockages.
• Ideal for Tough Clogs – This method works exceptionally well for clearing grease buildup, invasive tree roots, and hardened mineral deposits.
• Eco-Friendly Option – Since it only uses water (no chemicals), it's safe for the environment and won’t damage your pipes.
• Prevents Recurring Issues – Because it removes all debris, your drains stay clear much longer than with traditional methods.

What Is Traditional Drain Cleaning?

Traditional drain cleaning refers to using a drain snake (auger) or plunger to dislodge or pull out clogs. This method is best for minor blockages and routine maintenance.

Benefits of Traditional Drain Cleaning:

• Quick and Budget-Friendly – Snaking is often enough for small clogs and is usually cheaper than jetting.
• Safe for Older Pipes – If your pipes are fragile or corroded, high-pressure jetting may be too aggressive, making snaking the safer option.
• Effective for Minor Clogs – Snakes and plungers work well for clearing food scraps, hair, and soap buildup in residential drains.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you're unsure which method is right for you, consider these key factors:

• Type of Clog: Traditional drain cleaning is great for minor clogs caused by food scraps, hair, and soap scum. High-pressure jetting is better for grease buildup, tree roots, and hard mineral deposits.
• Effectiveness: Snaking removes part of the clog, allowing water to flow again, but it doesn’t clean the entire pipe. Jetting completely flushes out all buildup, providing longer-lasting results.
• Pipe Condition: Older or fragile pipes may not handle the intense pressure of hydro jetting, making traditional snaking the safer choice.
• Environmental Impact: High-pressure jetting uses only water, making it an eco-friendly alternative to chemical drain cleaners.
• Cost Considerations: Traditional drain cleaning is cheaper upfront but may require more frequent service. Jetting has a higher initial cost but keeps pipes cleaner for longer, reducing long-term maintenance needs.

Case Study: How High-Pressure Jetting Saved a Local Business

A Commerce City restaurant was experiencing frequent drain backups in their kitchen due to grease buildup. Despite using traditional snaking every month, the problem kept coming back, leading to costly service calls and downtime.

After assessing the issue, we recommended high-pressure jetting to remove the built-up grease and debris once and for all. Within hours, the restaurant’s pipes were fully cleared, restoring proper drainage. Since switching to high-pressure jetting every six months, they haven’t had a single backup—saving money and preventing future headaches.

Schedule Your Drain Cleaning with Fast Trak Plumbing and Drain

If you're dealing with frequent drain clogs or want to prevent major plumbing issues, Fast Trak Plumbing and Drain, a trusted Colorado plumbing contractor, is here to help. Whether you need quick snaking for a minor clog or a deep clean with high-pressure jetting, our experts will recommend the best solution for your plumbing system.

Contact us today to schedule your drain cleaning service!