Around 30 years ago, Hydro Jetters entered the market, and over the years, they have quickly replaced traditional cable machines, matching and often exceeding their capabilities. In today’s article, we will explore both of there strengths and weaknesses to help determine which is the best for your property.
A cable machine goes by many names; plumbing snakes or augers are just a few. These machines hold long cables inside, and as the device turns, so does the cable. The plumbing technician operating the cable machine will push the cable through the clogged line, eventually pushing through the clog. If the object in the line is hair, sanitary products, clothing (Yes, you read that right, we have pulled multiple clothing items out of drain lines!), and other debris, it is possible to remove the object and dispose of it. When this is not possible, the cable machine will break up the clog, dispursing the clog inside the drain or breaking a hole in the clog. For heavy blockages, especially in the case of F.O.G. (Fats, Oils, and Grease), cable machines tend to be less effective as they can’t get rid of F.O.G completely, and another backup is eventual.
When thinking of a jetting machine, you can imagine a power washer operating at a much higher pressure, up to 4,000 PSI pushing 25 gallons of water a minute into the drain. The plumbing technician operating the Hydro-Jetter pushes the hose through the drain like a battering ram leaving nothing behind except a like-new sewer drain line (it’s bad to the bone!). The Hydro-Jetter’s only weakness is when the clog is too packed together in p-traps and other smaller drains; eventually, the jetter will be able to cut through the clog but not before flooding out the drain onto the floor around it. In these instances, a cable machine will be used to break up the clog quickly and then the hydro jetter will be deployed to finish the job.
Hydro jetting professionals are just that professionals who have been trained to use these machines. With such force in water pressure, a lot can go wrong, including damage to weaker pipes or flooding. Not all Hydro-Jetters are made the same; smaller, cheaper hoses can not remove build-ups like more expensive thicker hoses that can handle that 4,000 PSI. Not all drains can handle the thicker hose that can push that PSI. Many factors go into how and when a Hydro-Jetter is used. We are proud to say at Versa Drain, not only do our technicians have the best training, but we also have the best jetters (you won’t find another in the state). Our hydro-Jetters are built with multiple hose sizes and equipt with various hose attachments; there is no clog that we cant demolish.
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Project Coordinator - At Versa Drain, we love to share our passion and expertise, which is why I enjoy finding time to write these articles to help you find "Your choice for the right fix."
