A clogged drain is more than just a nuisance; it slows down your entire day. Whether it’s a kitchen sink that won’t drain after dinner or a basement floor drain backing up during a storm, you need a solution fast.
At Right Away Sewer & Drain Cleaning, we know Minneapolis and St. Paul plumbing inside and out. We’ve seen everything from stubborn grease clogs to the invasive tree roots that love our local sewer lines. When you call us, we don’t just guess–we help you choose the right tool for the job.
Two of the most common methods we use are Hydro-Jetting and Traditional Snaking. But which one is right for you? Let’s break it down so you can make the best decision for your home and wallet.
Traditional Snaking: The “Right Away” Fix for Simple Clogs
What is Snaking?
Think of snaking (or cabling) as the “first responder” for drain issues. We use a flexible metal cable with a specialized head to reach into your drain and break up or retrieve a blockage.
When is it the right choice?
Snaking is fast, practical, and cost-effective. It is the go-to solution for:
- Simple clogs: Hair in the shower drain or food particles in the kitchen sink.
- Immediate relief: When you need water flowing now.
- Retrieving objects: Like that toy the toddler flushed.
The Limitation: While snaking punches a hole through the clog to get water moving, it doesn’t always clean the walls of the pipe. If you find yourself snaking the same drain over and over, you might have a bigger issue that requires a deeper clean.
A Note on Chemical Cleaners: Just Don’t Do It
It’s tempting to grab a bottle of chemical drain cleaner from the hardware store, but as your local plumbing experts, we strongly advise against it.
Here is the truth: those harsh chemicals generate heat and corrosion. In the older homes common around Minneapolis and St. Paul, these chemicals can eat through cast iron pipes or soften PVC, leading to leaks that are much more expensive to fix than a simple clog. Furthermore, the EPA warns that improper use of harsh chemicals can contaminate local water systems. You can read more about protecting your water and pipes on the EPA’s groundwater safety guide.
Skip the bottle and call the professionals. We keep your pipes safe while getting the job done.
Hydro-Jetting: The Deep Clean Your Pipes Need
How Hydro-Jetting Works
If snaking is like poking a hole in the blockage, hydro- jetting is like taking your pipes to the car wash. We use a high-pressure stream of water to blast away years of buildup.
Why choose Hydro-Jetting?
Hydro-jetting doesn’t just clear the clog; it restores your pipes to a “like- new” condition.
- Total Clean: It scours grease, mineral deposits, and sludge off the pipe walls.
- Root Removal: The high water pressure cuts through tree roots that have invaded your sewer line–a very common issue in the Twin Cities metro.
- Prevention: By removing the residue, it prevents clogs from forming again anytime soon.
If you own a restaurant or commercial business in the metro area, we highly recommend scheduled hydro-jetting to keep grease traps and lines clear of food waste.
Hydro-Jetting vs. Snaking: The Breakdown
Not sure which one you need? Here is how they compare:
Effectiveness
- Snaking: Best for opening a flow path quickly. It’s a tactical strike against a specific blockage.
- Hydro-Jetting: Best for long-term flow and maintenance. It removes the blockage and the residue that caused it.
Cost vs. Value
- Snaking: Lower upfront cost. It’s perfect for one-time, minor issues.
- Hydro-Jetting: Higher initial investment, but it saves money in the long run. By thoroughly cleaning the pipe, you reduce the need for emergency calls down the road.
Pro-Tip: If you have old, fragile pipes, we will assess them first. Our technicians are trained to adjust pressure settings to clean effectively without causing damage.
Which Method is Right for You?
Assess Your Situation
- Is it a slow drain in the bathroom? A snake is likely all you need.
- Is it a recurring main line backup? You likely have roots or heavy sludge, and hydro-jetting is the superior solution.
We often recommend a camera inspection first. This lets us see exactly what is happening underground so we can recommend the most practical solution. We don’t believe in upselling you services you don’t need–we believe in fixing it right.
Seasonal Advice for Twin Cities Locals
Minnesota weather is tough on plumbing. In the spring, we see root growth. In the winter, grease solidifies faster in cold pipes.
- Don’t pour grease down the drain.
- Use drain screens.
- Schedule a cleanout before winter hits.
Ready to Get the Flow Back?
Whether you need a quick snake to clear a shower drain or a full hydro-jetting service to restore your sewer line, Right Away Sewer & Drain Cleaning is here for you. We are family-owned, dependable, and ready to help 24/7.
Don’t let a clogged drain ruin your day.
Contact us today to schedule service or request a quote online.