If your drains clog or slow down after being snaked, hydro jetting may be the better long term solution. It restores proper flow without digging up your property in most cases.
How Hydro Jetting Works: The Mechanics Explained
The process starts with a specialised jetting machine. It sends water through a reinforced hose that is fed into the drain through an existing cleanout.
At the end of the hose is a specially designed nozzle. It sprays water in several directions at once.
- Forward facing jets break through stubborn blockages.
- Side facing jets scrub the pipe walls.
- Rear facing jets pull the hose deeper into the pipe while flushing debris away.
The pressure depends on the condition of the plumbing system. Most residential drains are cleaned between 1,500 and 2,500 PSI. Larger lines, like commercial grease lines and sewer mains, need at least 3,000 PSI.
An experienced plumber at Lew Plumbing adjusts the pressure after checking the pipe material, age, and condition. There is never one pressure setting for every job.
What Hydro Jetting Removes That Snaking Cannot
One of the biggest advantages of hydro jetting is what it removes.
- It clears thick grease that coats kitchen drain walls.
- Breaks away the mineral scale that slowly narrows older pipes.
- Washes out years of sludge and organic waste.
- Removes loose tree roots and sediment that collect inside ageing sewer lines.
A drain snake cannot achieve the same result. It usually cuts a narrow path through the blockage so water can flow again. narrow path through the blockage so water can flow again.
Hydro Jetting vs. Drain Snaking: What’s the Real Difference?
Many homeowners assume every blocked drain needs the same treatment. That is not always true.
The table below breaks down the difference.
| Drain Snaking | Hydro Jetting |
| Opens a path through the clog | Cleans the entire pipe wall |
| Best for isolated blockages | Best for recurring drain problems |
| Does not remove grease coating | Removes grease completely |
| Cuts through roots temporarily | Clears root debris more thoroughly |
| Lower upfront cost | Better long-term value |
| Often needs repeating sooner | Results usually last much longer |
Neither method is always better.
The right choice depends on your plumbing system and the condition of your pipes.
When Snaking Is the Right Call
Drain snaking is often enough when the blockage is simple.
Examples include:
- Hair blocking a bathroom drain
- Paper causing a toilet clog
- A first-time blockage with no history of recurring problems
It is also the safer option when a pipe is fragile or its condition is still unknown.
When Hydro Jetting Is the Right Call
Hydro jetting becomes the better choice when the blockage keeps returning.
It is commonly recommended if:
- The same drain has clogged more than once within a year.
- Kitchen sinks have been clogged with grease
- Multiple fixtures drain slowly at the same time.
- A camera inspection shows scale, grease, or tree roots.
- An older home has never had professional drain cleaning.
Many Vancouver homes fall into this category because older sewer lines naturally collect more buildup over time.
Signs You Need Hydro Jetting Over Snaking
These signs usually point to buildup along the pipe walls rather than a single blockage.
Recurring Clogs in the Same Line
If the same sink, shower, or floor drain keeps clogging, there is usually a deeper issue.
Many homeowners call for drain snaking several times each year. Each visit restores flow for a while. Then the problem returns.
That happens because the original buildup remains inside the pipe and only hydro jetting can deal with it.
Whole-House Slow Drainage
When every fixture slows down together, the issue is often inside the main sewer line.
You may notice:
- The kitchen sink draining slowly
- Showers taking longer to empty
- Laundry water backing up
- Gurgling sounds from nearby drains
These symptoms often suggest that the main drain has narrowed because of grease, scale, or root buildup. Taking sewage and drainage services always helps you avoid bigger issues.
Kitchen Drain Backing Up Repeatedly
Kitchen drains handle more grease than any other drain in the house. A drain snake cannot remove the grease coating itself.
Hydro jetting washes the pipe wall clean, allowing water to flow more freely again.
Older Home with No Drain Cleaning History
Many homes across Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, and North Vancouver were built decades ago. Some have never had a professional drain cleaning.
A camera inspection followed by hydro jetting can help restore drainage before a serious backup occurs.
Slow Drains After Tree Root Cutting
Tree roots are a common cause of sewer line problems across Metro Vancouver. Hydro jetting flushes away root fragments, giving the drain a cleaner surface and helping it stay clear for longer.
Is Hydro Jetting Safe for My Pipes?
Yes, hydro jetting is safe when performed by a licensed plumber after a camera inspection.
Modern PVC, ABS, copper, cast iron, clay, and concrete pipes can all be suitable for hydro jetting if they are structurally sound. The plumber adjusts the pressure to match the pipe material and its condition.
Hydro jetting is not recommended for pipes that have:
- Major cracks
- Collapsed sections
- Severe corrosion
- Offset joints
- Large pipe bellies
In these situations, cleaning will not solve the real problem. The damaged section needs repair first.
Why Camera Inspection Comes First Always
A drain camera inspection is a way to understand what is happening inside your pipes.
The camera travels through the drain and records the condition of the entire line. This allows the plumber to see exactly what is causing the problem before choosing the right solution.
A camera inspection helps identify:
- Pipe material
- Pipe diameter
- Cracks or broken joints
- Tree root intrusion
- Grease buildup
- Mineral scale
- The exact blockage location
Without this information, using high-pressure water could make an existing structural problem worse.
Metro Vancouver-Specific Reasons Hydro Jetting Is More Common Here
Some plumbing issues are more common in Metro Vancouver than in other parts of British Columbia.
Aging Clay Sewer Lines
Many homes across Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, and North Vancouver still have original clay sewer laterals.
Clay pipes have rough interior surfaces that naturally collect grease, scale, and roots more easily than modern plastic pipes.
If the pipe is still structurally sound, regular hydro jetting can help keep it flowing for years before replacement becomes necessary.
Tree-Root Intrusion
Metro Vancouver has many mature trees. Their roots naturally seek moisture and often find tiny openings in older sewer pipes.
Hydro jetting removes loose root material more thoroughly than snaking. However, roots can still return if the entry point remains open.
For properties with recurring root problems, periodic maintenance is often the most practical solution.
BC’s Wet Season and Sewer Surcharge
Heavy rainfall between autumn and spring increases pressure on local sewer systems.
A drain that works during summer may struggle during the wet season if buildup has already reduced its capacity.
Cleaning the line before winter can lower the risk of backups during periods of heavy rain.
Hydro Jetting for Strata and Multi Unit Buildings in Vancouver
Strata buildings have different plumbing needs than detached homes. If one resident notices slow drainage, the problem may already be affecting several units.
Common issues include:
- Shared kitchen drain buildup
- Horizontal collector line blockages
- Water backing into lower units
- Sediment in perimeter drains
Many strata corporations now schedule routine hydro jetting as preventive maintenance.
Regular cleaning reduces emergency plumbing calls and helps avoid costly disruptions for residents. costly disruptions for residents.
What to Expect During a Hydro Jetting Service
Knowing what happens during the appointment can help you feel more prepared.
Most residential hydro jetting jobs take between 1.5 and 2.5 hours from start to finish.
The process usually follows these steps.
Initial Assessment: The plumber asks about your drainage problems and identifies the affected line. They also locate the nearest cleanout.
Camera Inspection: A CCTV camera checks the condition of the pipe and confirms what is causing the blockage.
Equipment Setup: The correct hose, nozzle, and pressure settings are selected for your plumbing system.
Hydro Jetting: High pressure water removes grease, sludge, scale, roots, and debris from the pipe walls.
Final Inspection: The line is inspected again to confirm it has been cleaned properly. Many plumbers will show you the before and after footage.
Recommendations: If the inspection finds damaged sections, the plumber explains what should be repaired now and what can simply be monitored.
When Hydro Jetting Is Not the Answer
If the camera inspection reveals structural problems, another solution may be needed instead.
Hydro jetting is usually not recommended when the pipe has:
- A collapse
- Severe corrosion
- A large belly
- Major joint separation
In these cases, repair or replacement is often the better investment.
When to Call Lew Plumbing
At Lew Plumbing, every hydro jetting service starts with a camera inspection. We show you what is happening inside the pipe before recommending any work. If hydro jetting is the right solution, we’ll explain why. If your pipe needs repair instead, we’ll tell you that too.
We provide professional hydro jetting and CCTV drain inspections for residential, commercial, and strata properties across Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, and West Vancouver. Our goal is simple: solve the problem properly, not temporarily.
You can call us to book your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hydro jetting and drain snaking?
Drain snaking creates an opening through a blockage. Hydro jetting cleans the entire inside surface of the pipe using high pressure water.
How long do hydro jetting results last?
That depends on the cause of the blockage. Many residential drain lines stay clear for several years after cleaning. Properties with recurring tree root problems may need maintenance more often.
Can hydro jetting damage old pipes?
Not if the pipe has been inspected first. A licensed plumber adjusts the pressure according to the pipe’s material and condition. Damaged pipes are repaired instead of cleaned.
Can I do hydro jetting myself?
Attempting hydro jetting without proper equipment or experience can lead to expensive damage.
Does hydro jetting completely remove tree roots?
Hydro jetting removes root debris from inside the pipe much more effectively than snaking.
However, it does not seal the opening where the roots entered. Regular inspections may still be needed if roots continue to grow back.
How do I know if I need hydro jetting?
If the same drain has been cleared several times but keeps clogging, hydro jetting may be the better solution.
