When a drain is clogged or slow, you have two main professional options: standard drain snaking (also called drain cleaning) or hydro jetting. Both are effective, but they work differently and are suited for different situations. Here's how to know which one your Jefferson City or Columbia home needs.
Standard Drain Cleaning (Snaking)
A drain snake — also called an auger — is a long, flexible cable that's inserted into the drain and rotated to break up or pull out the clog. It's the most common first-line treatment for blocked drains.
Best for:
- Hair and soap clogs in bathroom drains
- Food debris in kitchen sinks
- Minor toilet clogs
- Single-fixture blockages
- Older or more fragile pipes
Snaking is fast, affordable, and effective for most routine clogs. It typically costs $100–$250 for a standard drain.
Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting uses a high-pressure stream of water (up to 4,000 PSI) to blast through blockages and scour the inside of pipes clean. It doesn't just punch through the clog — it removes the buildup from pipe walls entirely.
Best for:
- Grease buildup in kitchen lines
- Tree root intrusions (common in Mid-Missouri)
- Recurring clogs that keep coming back
- Main sewer line blockages
- Mineral scale from hard water
- Commercial properties with heavy use
Why Tree Roots Are a Major Issue in Mid-Missouri
Jefferson City and Columbia's mature tree canopy is beautiful, but those tree roots are constantly seeking water — and your sewer lines are a prime target. Missouri's clay soils hold moisture poorly, making roots aggressively pursue pipe joints. If you have recurring slow drains or backups, tree root intrusion is a likely culprit that requires hydro jetting or sewer line repair.
Our Recommendation
We typically start with a camera inspection to see exactly what's causing the blockage before recommending a treatment. This saves you money by ensuring you get the right solution the first time.