When drain problems strike, many businesses face the choice between two common methods: snaking (also known as drain “snaking” or “plumbing auguring”) or hydro jetting. Which one is right for your situation? 

Keep reading to learn more about how each method works, their pros and cons, and when you need professional hydro jetting in Nashville, TN.

What is Snaking?

Snaking is one of the oldest and most widely used ways to clear drains. It involves inserting a flexible metal cable (the “snake”) down the drain until it reaches the clog, then using the tip to break up or pull out the blockage.

Pros of snaking:

  • Quick and simple — It’s often the fastest solution for minor blockages, especially if they’re near the drain opening.
  • Low cost — Compared to more intensive methods, snaking tends to be cheaper.
  • Good for small blockages — Hair, soap scum, or small debris often respond well to snaking.

Cons of snaking:

  • Limited reach and power — A snake may not get through deep or stubborn clogs, especially if roots, grease, or thick build-up are involved.
  • May not completely clean the pipe — Snaking clears a path, but it doesn’t scrub away residue clinging to the walls of the pipe. Over time, residue can accumulate again.
  • Potential re-clogs — Because snaking doesn’t flush out the build-up, clogs may return sooner than you’d like.

What is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting is a more powerful method that uses high-pressure water to clear out clogs and clean the insides of pipes. A specialized machine pushes a strong stream of water through the drain, blasting away build-up, sludge, grease, tree roots, and other obstructions.

Because of its strength, hydro jetting can often fully clean the pipe from bottom to top — not just clear a path, but scrub the walls clean.

When hydro jetting is especially useful:

  • Severely clogged sewage or main lines
  • Long-standing build-up of grease, sludge, or mineral deposits
  • Tree-root intrusion in underground sewer lines
  • Commercial kitchens or facilities that deal with grease and heavy use

Why Hydro Jetting Often Makes More Sense 

For businesses with heavy plumbing use — think restaurants, office buildings, apartment buildings, or even busy family households — hydro jetting can be the smarter, more long-term investment. Because it flushes the entire pipe system clean, you’re not just solving a one-time problem, but potentially preventing future ones.

In food service settings, where grease, food waste, or frequent drainage is common, snaking might only offer a temporary reprieve. Hydro jetting can help keep systems clean and efficient, reducing the risk of recurring clogs or costly sewer backups.

When Snaking Still Makes Sense

Despite the power of hydro jetting in Nashville, TN, snaking still has a place:

  • If the clog is minor and near the drain (hair, soap, small debris)
  • If you just need a quick, simple fix without major expense
  • If the pipe system is older or fragile 

What To Do Before Choosing a Method

Before you jump to whichever method sounds best, consider the following:

  1. Assess the severity of the clog. Is water slowly draining, or is the line completely backed up? Is the clog isolated to one fixture, or multiple drains?
  2. Consider the history of the line. Has the plumbing been repeatedly serviced? Are there past issues with grease, roots, or persistent slow drainage?
  3. Check pipe condition/age. Older pipes or those prone to damage may not handle hydro-jetting’s pressure well.
  4. Think long-term. If your drains tend to clog frequently or if you’re managing a commercial facility, the cost of hydro-jetting can pay off down the line.

Often, a professional inspection is the best starting point — what seems like a simple clog may hide deeper buildup or structural issues.

Why Professional Hydro Jetting Matters — Not DIY

Hydro-jetting isn’t like plunging a toilet. It requires specialized equipment and training. The pressure must be calibrated correctly; the plumber needs to know pipe types and locations; and safety precautions must be taken to prevent damage.

That’s why many professional plumbing services offer hydro-jetting as part of their commercial plumbing solutions. When you trust the pros, you get:

  • Expertise to assess whether hydro-jetting is appropriate
  • Safe, code-compliant operation
  • Proper equipment that ensures a thorough clean without harming your pipes
  • Peace of mind — less likelihood of re-clogs or surprises

Especially in busy or commercial settings, that reliability can make all the difference.

Jarrett Companies for Hydro Jetting in Nashville, TN

When you want a professional, reliable solution backed by experience, Jarrett Companies stands out. As a full-service construction and utilities firm, we bring decades of expertise. Our staff covers plumbing & HVAC, site work, electrical, and more. 

If you’re in Middle Tennessee and dealing with stubborn clogs, slow drainage, or suspect pipe build-up, contact us at Jarrett Companies for a trusted, local solution.