Hydro Jetting vs. Traditional Drain Cleaning: What’s the Difference?
Thompson Family Plumbing is your go-to choice for residential plumbing repair and installation throughout Lake Havasu City, AZ and Hesperia, CA.


Clogged drains can turn your daily routine into a frustrating nightmare, leaving you wondering which cleaning method will solve the problem effectively. When faced with stubborn blockages, you have two primary options: modern hydro jetting or traditional cleaning techniques.
Understanding the differences between these approaches can help you make the right choice for your plumbing needs. In this guide, Thompson Family Plumbing & Drain will explain hydro jetting versus traditional drain cleaning to help you understand which method works best for your situation.
Understanding Traditional Drain Cleaning Methods
Traditional drain cleaning has been the go-to solution for decades, relying on proven mechanical techniques to address pipe blockage removal. These time-tested methods include several approaches that homeowners and plumbers have used successfully for years:
- Mechanical snaking: A flexible metal coil is inserted into pipes to break apart clogs and works well for minor blockages.
- Chemical drain cleaners: Harsh chemicals dissolve obstructions but can corrode pipes over time, especially in older systems.
- Plunging: This creates pressure changes to dislodge minor clogs in accessible drain openings.
The main advantage of traditional methods lies in their simplicity and lower upfront costs. However, these techniques typically address only the immediate blockage rather than providing comprehensive pipe cleaning, which can lead to recurring problems.
The Power of High-Pressure Hydro Jetting
When comparing hydro jetting versus traditional drain cleaning methods, hydro jetting stands out as a modern approach to sewer line maintenance. It uses high-pressure water streams to blast through even the toughest obstructions. This advanced technique offers several distinct advantages over traditional cleaning methods:
- Comprehensive cleaning: Removes debris from the entire diameter of the pipe rather than just punching holes through blockages
- Environmental safety: Uses only water without harmful chemicals that could damage pipes or the environment
- Long-term prevention: Eliminates buildup from pipe walls that contributes to future blockages
- Versatility: Effectively handles tough obstructions like tree roots, grease buildup, and mineral deposits
Hydro Jetting vs. Traditional Drain Cleaning: What To Choose?
Traditional techniques often provide temporary fixes that require repeated treatments as clogs return. Mechanical snaking may push debris further into the system rather than remove it completely.
Hydro jetting offers superior drain cleaning efficiency by addressing the root cause of blockages. The high-pressure water removes not just the immediate obstruction but also the buildup that contributes to recurring problems.
When comparing drain cleaning efficiency and long-term results, hydro jetting wins, as you’ll likely need fewer cleaning sessions over time.
Thompson Family Plumbing & Drain: Your Drainage Solution Experts
Understanding the hydro jetting versus traditional drain cleaning debate helps you choose the most effective method for your plumbing needs. At Thompson Family Plumbing & Drain, we specialize in traditional and modern drain cleaning techniques to provide the best solution for every situation. Our experienced technicians can assess your plumbing system and recommend the most appropriate method for optimal results.
Are you struggling to decide between hydro jetting and traditional drain cleaning? Contact Thompson Family Plumbing & Drain at (855) 390-0457 for expert drain cleaning services that restore your plumbing system’s optimal performance.

Devynn Thompson
What Our Valued Customers Are Saying
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“Always go above and beyond for their customers”
Once again Thompson Family Plumbing came in and took care of us as if we were their family. They always go above and beyond for their customers and make you feel like you are important to them. I can’t thank them enough for coming in and taking care of the issues that I had with my home as quickly as they did. Absolutely the best plumbing company around. Thank you, John and Devynn for everything.
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“Price was more than reasonable, especially last minute”
What a great local family company. Had a little issue today (Saturday). Gave them a call. The lady said she would have someone here between 3 & 5. It was at 1 when I called. 3:00 on the nose Don was here. Don was very friendly and had the broken pipe fixed in no time at all. The price was more than reasonable, especially last minute on a Saturday.
-Andy S.
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“Fantastic job of analyzing the situation and making all the necessary repairs”
Thank you Thompson Family Plumbing for your quick and professional service. Don did a fantastic job of analyzing the situation and making all the necessary repairs. Clients were happy with the professionalism and knowledge that Don possessed in getting the job done. Ashley went out of her way to ensure that an appointment was made asap for the clients.
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Plumbing technician Dean Taylor came over last week to set up a line so I could get a dishwasher installed. I didn’t have the proper setup but he took care of it in no time! Now the installers will have no problem doing it. He was very knowledgeable and professional. I will definitely have him come back for other plumbing jobs. From start to finish everyone I spoke to was very helpful! Their customer service is outstanding!
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Great experience with TFP! They were super professional and friendly, exactly on time, fixed the issue, AND were inexpensive. I received a text when to expect them with a picture of my two technicians (Dean & Kade) AND their license numbers included in the text. This gave me great peace of mind as I am a woman that lives alone. I highly recommend Thompson Family Plumbing!
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I cannot say enough good things about this amazing company. We found them through reading other people’s reviews on Yelp. They have helped us with a plumbing issue and installing a new hot water heater. They are prompt, reasonable, and incredibly helpful. John’s integrity and honesty along with the rest of the crew would make it a pleasure to recommend to anyone and everyone.
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