Water Jets (Hydro Jet) vs. Cable Machines 

The plumbing industry has evolved significantly over the years and has certainly made some serious advances in its drain cleaning practices. Two of the most commonly used tools for cleaning drains are vacuums and traditional cord machines, but which is better or when should you use which type?

Water Jets (Hydro Jet) vs. Cable Machines Plumbing Materials: Which is Better for Clearing Clogs?

Cable Machines

If your goal is to chop down tree roots or salvage objects, traditional cable machines do a great job. Use a larger gauge cable that has the torque needed to cut through tree roots. To recover debris such as rags, children’s toys, broken cords, etc., first select the size of your drain line to find the right cording machine for the job. From hair, soap and scale in small lines to tree roots, cuts and gravel in large drain lines, a cable machine is still generally required. However, when it comes to greasing plugs, cables struggle and a more powerful tool may be required.

Cable Machines Pros

• Cheaper drain cleaning solution
• Extends the life of your pipes

Cable Machines is the most affordable Drain Cleaning Solution

If budget is your number one priority, Cable Machines will get your plumbing system working again for less than waterjet.

Cable Machines extends the Life of your Pipes

Cable machines, like any form of drain cleaning, extend the life of your pipes by clearing clogs and eliminating the possibility of damage from debris.

Disadvantages of cable machines

• Less effective at cleaning pipes
• Must be performed more frequently than Water Jets

Cable machines are less effective at cleaning pipes

• Less effective at cleaning pipes
• Must be performed more frequently than Water Jets

Cable machines need to be done more often than waterjet

Because cable machines don’t clean your pipes like a Water Jets, drainage problems are more likely to return sooner than if your pipes were Water Jetted.

Water Jets

Water jets are ideal for cleaning grease-clogged pipes, as well as blowing sand out of bloated pipes and melting chunks of ice. These nozzles use a high-pressure jet of water to remove and flush away grease from the pipe walls. Squeezing the nozzle moves the hose along the line for wall-to-wall cleaning.

It is recommended to use a gas nozzle instead of electric nozzles which can blow circuit breakers. You get twice the pressure and flow with gas than with electric jets, and it gives you the power to cut through stubborn clogs and pull hose through longer lines. Gas nozzles can also be used in buildings and confined spaces where exhaust fumes can be dangerous while keeping the nozzles safe outdoors.

Pros of the Water Jet

The Water Jet Clears Everything

• There is really no obstacle that the water jet cannot overcome. It slides easily and removes the most stubborn blockages.

The Water Jet does more than just Punch Holes in the Mud

• There’s nothing wrong with using a coiled tubing on a clogged drain. It’s a proven way to break down barriers. However, a plumber’s snake can only poke holes in the clogs large enough for the sewage to flow again. You cannot clean the inside of your pipes like the hydrojet. The Water jet removes everything. Then your pipes are as clean as sewage pipes can get.

The Water Jet is Non-Invasive

• Water jets are a non-invasive procedure. No digging is required to reach the clogged pipe. Access is easy via cleaning.

Water Jet is Safe

• The water jet unclogs clogs and makes your drains sparkling clean with nothing more than high-pressure water. No chemicals required. No chemicals used.

Water Jet is Environmentally Friendly

• Since it is only pressurized water, the Water jet is a green technology that does not pollute the environment.

Water Jet can Break Small Tree Roots

• Tree roots are one of the main causes of sewer bursts. They work their way in and if not removed while they are small they will continue to grow and eventually destroy the pipe. The jet of water easily breaks the roots of small trees before they can do any serious damage.

Cons of the Water Jet

When it comes to easily breaking through and overcoming obstacles, nothing beats the water jet. However, there are still a few downsides to consider.

Water Jets can Damage Fragile and Older Pipes

• Unfortunately, sewer pipes don’t last forever, and the older they get, the more likely they are to crack and break. This means that pipes of a certain age and condition should not be water jetted as 4000 PSI pressurized water could seriously damage them. When that happens, you have an even bigger problem.
• The only way to determine if a pipe should not be water jetted is to first conduct a CCTV video inspection.

Unlike the snake, the water jet is not a DIY project

• Sorry, that’s a plumbing job you can’t do yourself. Only experienced waterjet professionals have the equipment and training to water blast your pipes without damaging them.
• All professional sewer repair companies conduct CCTV video inspection before wet cleaning. They do this for a number of reasons. First they need to make sure that the pipe is clogged and not collapsed. Second, they need to make sure the pipe is in good condition and strong enough to handle the high pressure water. Never hire a plumber who does not conduct a video inspection in front of the hydrojet.

The Water Jet uses a Lot of Water

• We said earlier that waterjet is a green technology and that is certainly true. It uses no harsh chemicals, just water. The problem is that it uses a lot of water. That means it’s probably not the best solution for clearing clogs during a drought.

When should you use the Water Jet?

• A plunger is usually the first thing you need to reach for when you have a clogged drain. If that doesn’t work, try the snake. It’s generally very effective for removing occasional clogs caused by things like groceries and toilet paper. If that doesn’t work, call a pro and get them out, do a CCTV video inspection, then water jet the line. Water jet works great on stubborn clogs that don’t respond to other methods.

However, you should consider…

Flush your drains regularly with water

• Some landowners are water jetting their sewers as part of a planned maintenance program. This is because while some old pipes have

Choose The Right Tool

If you decide to do the job yourself and compare water purifiers to cord machines, choosing the right option will reduce your maintenance costs from using the wrong tool at the wrong time, making your job easier and saving you money.

However, most people are better off leaving the job to professionals. Giving your local plumbing company the right information will help them choose the right tool for your particular clog. Professional installers can choose the right tool for the job and clear the line faster.

When you need drain cleaning service in the Roanoke, Salem, VA area, Wisler Plumbing & Air has the knowledge and experience to solve all of your plumbing problems.