If you’ve ever dealt with a slow drain or a backed-up pipe, you know how frustrating plumbing problems can be. I’ve seen it all—clogged sinks, toilets that won’t flush, and sewer lines backing up. When it comes to fixing these problems, you’ve got options. Two of the most common ways we clean drains are hydro-jetting and traditional drain cleaning. But which one is better?
At Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air, we’ve been helping home- and business owners in Montgomery, Auburn-Opelika, AL, and Columbus, GA since 1908. That’s over 100 years of trusted service! So let me break it down in simple terms to help you make the right choice for your home or business.
What Is Traditional Drain Cleaning?
Traditional drain cleaning usually involves a plumbing snake, also known as a drain auger. This tool is a long metal cable with a corkscrew tip. It’s designed to break up and remove blockages inside your pipes.
We feed the snake into your drain and twist it to grab or break apart the clog. It’s great for common problems like hair in the shower drain, food stuck in the kitchen sink, or minor blockages in your toilet.
Pros of Traditional Drain Cleaning
- Quick and simple – It doesn’t take long to use a drain snake.
- Affordable – This method is usually cheaper than hydro-jetting.
- Good for small clogs – Works well for minor backups in sinks, tubs, and toilets.
Cons of Traditional Drain Cleaning
- May not remove all buildup – It can leave behind grease, sludge, and other residue.
- Clogs may come back – Because it doesn’t fully clean the pipe walls, blockages can return sooner.
- Not always effective for tough clogs – Tree roots or heavy buildup might be too much for a standard snake.
What Is Hydro-Jetting?
Hydro-jetting is a newer and more powerful method. It uses high-pressure water jets to clean the inside of your pipes. A hose with a special nozzle is inserted into your drain, blasting water at up to 4,000 PSI (pounds per square inch). That’s strong enough to cut through grease, soap scum, tree roots, and more.
Hydro-jetting doesn’t just break apart clogs—it washes your entire pipe clean.
Pros of Hydro-Jetting
- Thorough cleaning – It scrubs the entire inside of the pipe, not just the clog.
- Prevents future clogs – By removing all buildup, it keeps your drains flowing longer.
- Eco-friendly – No harsh chemicals are used—just water!
- Great for commercial plumbing – Business owners love it for keeping pipes clean and avoiding downtime.
Cons of Hydro-Jetting
- More expensive upfront – It costs more than a simple drain snake.
- Not for fragile pipes – Older or damaged pipes might not handle the pressure.
- Requires professional equipment – You’ll need a licensed plumber with the right tools.
Which One Should You Choose?
The right method depends on your specific situation. That’s why we always start with a camera inspection before recommending any service.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Situation | Best Method |
| Minor kitchen or bathroom clog | Traditional Drain Cleaning |
| Grease buildup or slow drains throughout the house | Hydro-Jetting |
| Recurring clogs in the same drain | Hydro-Jetting |
| Older home with fragile pipes | Traditional Drain Cleaning (with caution) |
| Tree roots in the sewer line | Hydro-Jetting |
| Routine plumbing maintenance for a business | Hydro-Jetting |
If you’re not sure, don’t worry—that’s what we’re here for. At Dixie, we’ll take a close look and let you know what’s best based on your pipes, your budget, and your needs.
Why Choose Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air?
We’re a family-oriented company that’s been serving this area for over a century. That’s right—since 1908! Our team is trained, experienced, and committed to doing the job right the first time. Whether you need help at your home or your business, we’re always just a phone call away.
We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” plumbing. We listen to your concerns, check out the issue, and explain your options clearly before we begin. We also make sure to treat your home or business with respect, just like we’d want someone to treat ours.
What Our Customers Say
We’ve helped thousands of property owners across Montgomery, Auburn-Opelika, and Columbus—and we’re proud of our reputation. Our customers trust us because we show up on time, explain things in plain language, and don’t try to upsell services you don’t need.
Check out our reviews and you’ll see what our satisfied customers have to say about our quick, efficient, and value-rated service. Whether you’re experiencing a minor clog or a major tree-root issue, just call Dixie and it’s done!
Let’s Fix That Drain Today
So, hydro-jetting vs. traditional drain cleaning—which is better? The answer depends on what’s going on in your pipes. Traditional drain cleaning is great for quick fixes and smaller problems. Hydro-jetting is the best choice for a deep clean and long-lasting results.
No matter which method you need, Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air has the experience, tools, and customer care to get the job done right. Whether you’re in Montgomery or Auburn-Opelika, AL or Columbus, GA or the surrounding areas, we’re ready to help.
Call Today for Reliable Drain Cleaning Services
Don’t wait for that clog to get worse. Call Dixie now to schedule an inspection. We’ll figure out if hydro-jetting or traditional drain cleaning is best for you—and we’ll get your pipes flowing like new again. That’s the Dixie Difference—done right, every time!
