Hydro Jetting vs Drain Snaking – What Works Best for Stubborn Clogs in GTA Homes?

Clogged drains are a headache no homeowner wants to deal with—but they happen. From kitchen sinks stuffed with grease to sewer lines choked by tree roots, drainage problems can strike without warning. If you're living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), you're likely familiar with the struggles caused by older plumbing systems, weather changes, and dense tree-lined neighbourhoods.

So, when those slow drains or recurring backups become unbearable, the question pops up: Should I go with drain snaking or hydro jetting?

At Anta Plumbing, we’ve been helping GTA homeowners clear out stubborn drain issues for over 15 years. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about these two powerful drain cleaning methods—so you can choose the best one for your home and budget.

What is Drain Snaking?

Drain snaking, also known as drain augering, is one of the most common methods used to clear basic clogs in residential plumbing.

How It Works:

A drain snake is a long, flexible metal cable with a corkscrew-like tip. It's fed into the drain and rotated to break apart or hook onto the blockage. There are manual snakes for small drains and motorized snakes for larger pipes or tougher clogs.

What It's Best For:

• Hair clogs in bathroom drains

• Minor kitchen sink blockages

• Toilet paper buildup

• Shower drains

Pros:

• Cost-effective

• Quick fix for small blockages

• Less wear on older pipes

• Easy to perform regularly

Cons:

• Doesn’t clean pipe walls

• Can miss stubborn grease or mineral buildup

• Not ideal for tree roots or compact debris

If your clog is mild or happens close to the drain opening, snaking might do the trick. Learn more about our professional drain snaking services in Toronto for quick and affordable solutions.

What is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting is a high-powered drain cleaning solution that uses pressurized water to obliterate clogs and scrub the inner walls of your pipes.

How It Works:

A special hose fitted with a jetting nozzle is inserted into your drain. It blasts water at pressures up to 4,000 PSI, cutting through everything from grease and soap scum to hardened scale and even tree roots.

What It's Best For:

• Kitchen grease buildup

• Tree root infiltration

• Sludge and sediment

• Commercial drains

• Sewer line cleaning

Pros:

• Cleans entire pipe wall, not just the blockage

• Eco-friendly (no chemicals)

• Prevents future clogs by removing residue

• Works well for major blockages

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost

• Can damage fragile or old pipes if not used properly

• Requires camera inspection before use

Hydro jetting is the go-to method for deep, heavy-duty cleaning—especially in properties with older pipes and long drain lines. See how hydro jetting services in Toronto can restore your pipes to like-new condition.

Hydro Jetting vs Drain Snaking – A Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Drain Snaking	Hydro Jetting
Best For	Minor clogs (hair, soap, paper)	Major clogs (grease, roots, sludge)
Cleaning Depth	Only breaks through blockage	Cleans entire pipe interior
Cost Range	$150 - $300	$300 - $700
Safety for Old Pipes	Safer, low-pressure	Risky if pipes are brittle
Time to Complete	30-60 minutes	1-2 hours
Camera Inspection Needed?	Optional	Highly recommended
Preventative Benefit	Low	High (removes buildup)

If you're looking for a simple solution and have a minor clog, snaking could save the day. But if your problem keeps coming back, or you're dealing with stubborn grease or roots, hydro jetting is worth the investment.

When Should You Use Each Method?

Still unsure which to choose? Let’s break it down based on real-world scenarios we see every day across Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, and beyond.

Use Drain Snaking If:

• Water drains slowly, but isn't fully blocked

• You recently dropped hair or small items down the drain

• You're on a tight budget and want a quick fix

Use Hydro Jetting If:

• You've had repeated backups in the same drain

• Grease is clogging your kitchen lines

• You suspect tree roots are entering your sewer line

• You want a long-term solution with preventive impact

Pro Tip:

Before any hydro jetting, we always recommend a CCTV camera inspection. This ensures your pipes are strong enough to handle the pressure and pinpoints the exact cause of the clog. Book a detailed drain camera inspection in Toronto before you proceed.

Pricing & Plumbing Advice for Toronto Homeowners

Cost matters—but so does getting the right fix the first time. Here's what you can expect:

Typical Pricing in the GTA:

• Drain Snaking: $150 to $300

• Hydro Jetting: $300 to $700 (based on pipe length & complexity)

Add-Ons:

• CCTV Camera Inspection: $150 - $250 (free with some jetting packages)

• Emergency Callouts: May include after-hours surcharge

Plumbing Tips:

• Don’t use chemical drain cleaners—they corrode pipes over time

• If you have frequent clogs, consider annual hydro jetting as maintenance

• Always get a quote from a licensed plumber (like Anta Plumbing!) before starting

For urgent problems, our 24/7 emergency plumbing services in Toronto are just a call away.

Why Choose Anta Plumbing for Drain Services in the GTA?

We’re more than just your neighbourhood plumbers—we’re drain specialists with:

• Over 15 years of local experience

• Fully licensed and insured technicians

• WSIB and liability coverage (condo approved)

• Latest hydro jetting and snaking equipment

• Free plumbing inspections with service calls

• Clean, respectful, 24/7 emergency teams

Whether you live in Toronto, Oakville, or anywhere in the GTA, we arrive fast, do the job right, and leave your home spotless. Discover more about our expert drain cleaning services available across the GTA.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between hydro jetting and drain snaking doesn’t have to be a gamble. It all comes down to:

• The type and severity of your clog

• Your plumbing system’s age and material

• Whether this is a one-time problem or a recurring nuisance

When in doubt, give us a call. At Anta Plumbing, we’ll assess the situation, explain your options, and recommend the best (and safest) solution for your home.

📞 Call to Action

Don’t let a stubborn clog slow you down. Call Anta Plumbing today at 416-231-3331 or book your drain service online. We’ll clear your pipes, protect your plumbing, and get your drains flowing freely again.