Drain Cleaning vs. Hydro Jetting

What is the difference between drain cleaning and hydro jetting? This is a question we get a lot! Some of the confusion around this topic comes from the fact that their meanings can overlap. And yet, they do mean different things. So, let’s break it down…

The term “drain cleaning” refers to any process that a plumber uses to clean out or unclog a drain. Drain cleaning can be done either as preventative maintenance or in response to an issue like slow draining water or a complete clog. Drain cleaning can be done with normal residential plumbing tools (like a toilet, shower, or sink auger) or with professional-grade plumbing tools (like a hydro jetter or sewer rodding system).

[Please note: Some drain cleaning methods are easier and safer to do than others. If you are going to do your own plumbing to unclog your pipes, be careful before trying a method that you’re not familiar with so that you don’t get injured or cause costly damage to your plumbing.]

The term “hydro jetting” refers specifically to using a hydro jetting machine to clean out pipes with a controlled high-pressure stream of water (like a pressure washer for your pipes). Typically, homeowners and business owners won’t have their own hydro jetters. If the pipes in your home or business need to be hydrojetted, you will likely need to call a plumber to have it done.

Therefore, hydro jetting is a type of drain cleaning, but not all drain cleaning methods are hydro jetting. Hydro jetting is also more commonly used in commercial plumbing applications (for example, a car wash business having its waste tank cleaned out).

If you aren’t sure which kind of drain clean out method will be best for your plumbing problems, call a local plumber. They send someone come out to assess your issue and recommend the best course of action. If you’re in the greater Chicago area, please give us a call at 1 (800) 674-9130 and we will help with your clogged drain!

Additional resources:
Is Hydro Jetting Better than Drain Cleaning?
Roto Rooting and Hydro Jetting Differences Explained
How Do You Clean Drains that Have Mineral Build Up?
Is Sewer Line Cleaning Expensive?
How to Know if I Need Hydro Jetting for my Pipes
Who Do I Call for Sewer Jetting Services?
Do I Need Hydro Jetting or Rodding for my Clog?
Main Line Sewer Repair Costs Explained
Drain Clog Removal Tips from Plumbers
How to Deal With a Shower Drain Clog
Plumbing Clean Out Services
What's Included in Sewer and Drain Cleaning Services?
How Does Hydro Jetting Clean Drains?
Shower Drain Clog Cleaning Tips
Hydro Jet Plumbing Explained
How to Find the Best Local Drain Cleaning Company
The Drain Cleaning Process Explained
Are Drain Cleaning Services Necessary for My Clogged Pipes?
Professional Drain Clog Removal
Do I Need Urgent Roto Rooter Services for My Drain Clog?
How Do I Find a Local Drain Cleaner?
What Options Are There for DIY Clog Removal?
What to Know About Drain Cleaning
How Can I Clean My Own Drains?
Do I Need Special Drain Cleaning Tools?
Do Plumbers do Drain Cleaning?
Drain Cleaning Services