As a homeowner in the Twin Cities, you rely on your plumbing system every day. But when things go wrong with your sewer line, it can quickly turn into a major headache. From slow drains to nasty backups, sewer line problems can disrupt your life and even damage your property.
At Right Away Sewer & Drain Cleaning, we understand the unique challenges of Minneapolis and St. Paul plumbing–from the freezing winters to the tree-lined streets that love to invade old pipes. In this post, we’ll walk you through the solutions we use to get your home flowing smoothly again: Traditional Snaking and Hydro-Jetting.
Common Drain Cleaning Methods
When your drains start acting up, we don’t just guess at the solution. We use the right tool for the job. Generally, that comes down to two options:
- Snaking: Using a cable to punch a hole through a clog.
- Hydro-Jetting: Using high-pressure water to scrub the pipes clean.
Traditional Snaking: The Practical Quick Fix
Traditional drain cleaning, or snaking, is a tried-and-true method. It involves using a flexible metal cable–often called an auger–to reach into your pipes and break up obstructions.
The Upside: Cost-Effective and Fast
Snaking is the “first responder” of plumbing. It is generally less expensive than hydro-jetting, making it a great option for immediate relief on a budget.
- Best for: Simple clogs like hair in a bathroom sink, food scraps, or retrieving objects (like a flushed toy).
- Convenience: It’s quick, efficient, and typically requires less equipment setup.
The Downside: It Can Be a Temporary Solution
While snaking clears the path, it doesn’t always clean the walls of the pipe. If your clog is caused by heavy grease buildup or extensive tree roots, snaking might only punch a small hole in the blockage, meaning the problem could return quickly. For a more permanent solution, you might need a deeper clean from our drain cleaning services.
Hydro-Jetting: The Deep Clean
Hydro-jetting is a more advanced method that uses high-pressure water (up to 4,000 PSI) to scour the inside of your pipes. Think of it as a power washer for your sewer line.
The Process
We insert a high-pressure hose with a specialized nozzle into the drain. As the nozzle moves through the pipe, it blasts water in multiple directions, cutting through sludge, grease, and even tree roots.
The Upside: A Total Reset for Your Pipes
- Thorough Cleaning: It removes 100% of the buildup, not just the immediate blockage.
- Eco-Friendly: It uses pure water–no harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes or the environment.
- Preventative: By removing the residue that catches debris, it stops future clogs before they start.
The Downside: Higher Upfront Investment
Because it requires specialized equipment and trained professionals, hydro- jetting costs more than snaking. However, it often saves money in the long run by preventing repeat service calls.
Which Method is Right for Your Home?
Choosing between snaking and hydro-jetting depends on the severity of your issue and the condition of your pipes.
When to Choose Snaking
If you have a minor, one-time clog in a sink or tub, snaking is likely all you need. It is fast, effective, and gets your water draining again right away.
When to Choose Hydro-Jetting
If you are dealing with recurring backups, bad odors, or you know you have tree roots (a common issue in Minneapolis), hydro-jetting is the better choice. It is also excellent for commercial businesses like restaurants that deal with grease buildup.
Important Note: Before we hydro-jet, we often recommend a camera inspection. This allows us to see the age and material of your pipes. While hydro-jetting is safe for most systems, we want to ensure older, fragile pipes are treated with care to avoid damage.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
Sewer backups can be a health hazard. The EPA warns that improper management of sanitary sewer systems can lead to overflows that endanger public health and the environment. You can read more about the causes and risks of sewer overflows on the EPA’s official website.
If you are noticing gurgling sounds, slow drains, or water pooling in your basement, don’t wait for a disaster. Contact Right Away Sewer & Drain Cleaning today. Whether you need a quick snake or a full sewer repair, our family-owned team is ready to help 24/7.
Ready to clear your drains for good? Contact us today to schedule your service.
