Two common methods of clearing clogged sewer and septic lines are high pressure hydro-jetting and using a mechanical plumbing snake. Traditionally, plumbers and sewer-septic professionals used plumbing snakes to clear clogs, but in recent years hydro-jetting has become an increasingly popular tool for cleaning sewer lines.
A professional plumber snake is also referred to as a cable machine, an auger, or a rooter. It is similar to those homeowner’s plumbing snakes sold at the local home improvement center, but far more powerful and sophisticated. A professional cable machine has a heavy duty flexible steel cable with cutting heads attached to the end of it.
The cable is inserted into a clogged sewer line or drain line and an electric motor spins the cable and cutting heads. The cutting heads will cut through most types of clogs including tree roots, paper, sludge, and other debris. When operated by an experienced plumber, a plumbing snake or auger is a safe and effective means to clear tough clogs in drain lines and sewer lines.
Hydro-jetting is a relatively recent innovation for drain cleaning. Instead of using a mechanical cutting head, hydro-jetting works a little like a common pressure washer and uses jets of high pressure water to cut through sewer line and drain line clogs. A hydro-jetting machine has a high pressure hose with a special spray head attached to the end of it. This end is inserted into the pipe and high pressurized water spray blasts away grease, sludge, and other debris. Hydro-jetting is even powerful enough to cut through tree roots.
Both methods work well, but depending on situation including the type, nature, and location of the clog, your plumber will choose the method that will get the best result.
