Hydro Jetters vs Rooters – What’s the difference?
Rooting vs Hydro Jetting: What’s the Difference and Which One Does Your Drain Actually Need?
If your drains are making weird gurgling sounds, your sink is slower than your grandma’s dial-up internet, or your toilet bubbles like a swamp monster… chances are, you’ve got a clog situation. And not just the “poke it with a plunger” kind of clog. Nope—we’re talking serious backup, maybe even tree roots crashing the party.
Enter two heavyweights in the world of professional drain cleaning: Rooting vs Hydro Jetting. These aren’t new action movie titles, but actual real-life plumbing solutions. And if you’re wondering which one is best for your pipes (or if you just like saying the word “jetting”), keep reading. We’re breaking down the differences, when to use each, and throwing in a few laughs along the way.
Rooting vs Hydro Jetting
Let’s discuss Rooting first:
Great question! Rooting is kind of the OG of drain clearing. It’s been around since the 1930s (seriously!) and involves a machine with a long, flexible cable that spins a sharp blade or cutter head to chop through whatever’s clogging your pipes.
Grease? Gunk? Tree roots? Rooting chews through it all like your dog attacking a new chew toy.
Can Rooter Clear Roots?
Yes! That’s one of its strong suits. If you’ve got tree roots snaking their way into your sewer lines (which is unfortunately common, especially in older homes), Rooting can cut them out and clear the path.
That said, think of Rooting as a temporary solution when it comes to roots. It’ll chop them out, but like bad exes, they tend to come back if you don’t deal with the bigger issue (cracks in the pipe, root-prone landscaping, etc.).
And What Is Hydro Jetting?
So now, we’ve talked about why it is the flashier method! This process exposes your pipes to high pressure water from 3000 to 8000 PSI to destroy concentration, tree roots, wipe out debris, and leave your pipes spotless. Talk about giving your plumbing system a luxury spa treatment… with fire hose power.
Hydro Jetting can keep all types of grease, sludge, tree roots, mineral build-ups, and other nastiness that builds up over time at bay. It not only addresses clogs, but also performs proper cleaning. In essence, not only does it perform the job of a rooter, but it also washes away years of dirt and grime buildup along the walls of the sewer, giving your sewer system a new lease on life!
So, when comparing Rooting vs Hydro Jetting, think of it like this:
- Rooting: Cuts through blockages like a weed whacker.
- Hydro Jetting: Unclogs, cleans and pressure washes everything until your pipes look brand new.
Is Hydro Jetting Bad for Pipes?
Great question- and the answer is no, mostly.
Hydro jetting is safe with most modern plumbing systems, especially if your pipes are in good condition. However, if your pipes are very old and fragile or already damaged, the high pressure can make the situation worse.
Hence, before “jetting away” like cleansing a dirty car on a Saturday, reputable plumbers first go for a sewer camera inspection to discern cracks or weak spots.
So, Hydro Jetting is definitely not bad for the pipes, but it has to be used wisely.
Rooting vs Hydro Jetting: The Showdown
Let’s break this down in a way even your toddler could understand (minus the plumbing lingo).
Feature | Rooting | Hydro Jetting |
Method | Spinning blades cut through clogs | High-pressure water blasts debris |
Good for Roots? | Yes (cuts them) | Sort of (flushes small ones) |
Good for Grease & Sludge? | Meh | Yes, it’s amazing |
Cleans Pipe Walls? | Not really | Absolutely! |
Safe for Old Pipes? | Usually yes | Only with caution |
Long-Term Cleanliness? | Temporary fix | Deep clean, longer-lasting |
So Which One Do You Need?
Here’s the deal:
- If you’ve got roots growing in your sewer line, Rooting might be your first step, especially for fragile, old pipes.
- If you’ve got greasy sludge buildup, tree roots, frequent clogs, etc. then Hydro Jetting is your best friend.
- Sometimes, it’s not a one-or-the-other situation. Some plumbers start with Rooting to cut through the mess, then follow up with Hydro Jetting for a complete clean. However, in essence, Hydro Jetting has almost replaced rooting as it can do all the work of the rooter but can also do a much deeper level of cleaning at the same time.
Yep—this is plumbing, not a boxing match. You can root for both.
Final Thoughts: Pick Your Pipe Fighter Wisely
When it comes to Rooting vs Hydro Jetting, it’s all about what your pipes need. Got tree roots playing landlord in your sewer lines? Start slicing with Rooting. Tired of grease and grime returning like bad leftovers? Get Hydro Jetting in there and wash it all away.
Remember to call in the pros, though—this isn’t exactly a DIY job unless you moonlight as a licensed plumber in your spare time.
So, next time you’re dealing with a backup, don’t panic. Just ask yourself: “Is this a job for blades or for water cannons?” And maybe take a moment to thank your plumbing for putting up with everything you’ve flushed down it (we see you, expired spaghetti and questionable chicken bones).
Just remember, Hydro jetting has almost replaced rooting. While it may be a tad more expensive, hydro jetting can do a much better and far more long lasting job than rooters can. So, if you’re looking to get rid of tree roots, sludge, grime and other blockages – all in one go, then hydro jetting will provide you a thorough and permanent solution. If you’re looking for a professional hydro jetting solution and live in the counties of Box Elder, Cache, Davis, Salt Lake, Weber, Southern Idaho or South-West Wyoming, then get in touch with us right away.