People often ask us which is better, rodding or hydro jetting. The short answer is that it depends on what’s in the pipe. They do different jobs, and picking the wrong one means paying for a cleaning that doesn’t last.
Rodding: cut through it
Rodding sends a powered cable with a cutting head down the line, usually from the cleanout. The head chews through whatever is blocking the pipe, including roots, and water starts moving again. It’s quick, it works well on a first-time clog, and it’s often all a line needs. Here’s more on our sewer rodding service.
Hydro jetting: wash it out
Jetting uses high-pressure water from a special nozzle. Instead of punching a hole through the clog, it scours the whole inside of the pipe. That makes it the better tool for grease, scale and the fine root hairs that a cable tends to leave behind. If the same drain has been rodded twice this year and it’s slowing down again, jetting is worth a look. We cover it on the hydro jetting page.
Picking one
A sudden backup in a line that’s never had trouble is usually a rodding job. A kitchen line that clogs every few months, or a main line coated in grease, leans toward jetting. Roots can go either way, but they tend to get cut first with a cable and then cleaned up afterward. If the pipe is cracked, collapsed or knocked out of line, neither one fixes it, because the pipe itself needs repair.
Why we like to see the pipe first
If nobody knows what’s causing the problem, guessing is expensive. A camera inspection shows the blockage, the pipe material and any damage, which tells us whether a cable or a jet is the right call. Sometimes it also shows that cleaning won’t help at all and a repair is the honest answer.
Questions people ask
Is jetting always the better choice? No. For a simple, first-time clog a cable is often the right tool and costs less. Jetting earns its price when the buildup keeps coming back.
Can either one damage old pipe? A careful technician picks the method and the pressure to fit the pipe. If you know your line is old or has been repaired before, tell us up front so we can plan around it.
Can I do this myself? A hand auger is fine for a bathroom sink. A main line is different. It’s deeper, longer, and the equipment takes training to use safely.
If you’re staring at a drain right now and wondering which one you need, call (773) 588-1200 and tell us what’s happening. We’ll point you the right way.