Written by JSW Plumbing | Published on June 2025
For most blocked drains, high pressure drain cleaning (hydro jetting) removes blockages more thoroughly than a drain snake, especially for grease, scale, and root intrusion. A drain snake is faster and cheaper for simple clogs close to the drain opening. This article covers how each method works, what it costs, and which situations call for which tool, with advice relevant to homes and businesses across Hornsby, Thornleigh, and the Hills District.
Understand how each method works
A drain snake, also called an electric eel or drain auger, is a long flexible cable with a cutting head on the end. A plumber feeds it into the pipe until it hits the blockage, then rotates it to break through or pull out the obstruction.
High pressure drain cleaning, or hydro jetting, uses a machine that pumps water through a hose at pressures between 3,500 and 5,000 PSI. The jet blasts debris off pipe walls and flushes it downstream, leaving the inside of the pipe close to its original condition.
The key difference is what each method leaves behind. Snaking punches a hole through a clog, but residue stays on the pipe walls. Hydro jetting removes the residue completely, which is why blockages take longer to return after jetting.
Compare the two methods side by side
| Factor | Drain Snake | High Pressure Drain Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Simple clogs, hair, small obstructions | Grease, scale, roots, recurring blockages |
| Clears pipe walls | No | Yes |
| Typical cost (AUD) | $150 to $300 | $300 to $600 |
| Time on site | 30 to 60 minutes | 60 to 90 minutes |
| Safe for older pipes | Yes, with care | Check pipe condition first |
| Removes tree roots | Partially | Yes, effectively |
| Result durability | Weeks to months | Months to years |
| Equipment needed | Portable auger | Jetting machine and water supply |
This comparison gives you a quick snapshot, but the right choice also depends on your pipe material, the age of your plumbing, and what is actually causing the blockage.
Identify which blockage type needs which method
Not every blocked drain is the same. Picking the right tool from the start saves you time and money.
- Hair and soap scum in a bathroom drain: A drain snake is usually enough. These blockages are soft and close to the surface.
- Grease buildup in a kitchen drain: High pressure drain cleaning is far more effective. Grease coats the pipe walls and snaking only pokes through it temporarily.
- Tree root intrusion: Hydro jetting cuts through roots and flushes fragments away. Snaking can break through roots but leaves pieces behind that regrow quickly.
- Toilet blockage from paper or waste: A drain snake or plunger is often all that is needed.
- Recurring slow drain: If a drain keeps blocking every few weeks, high pressure cleaning removes the underlying buildup that keeps causing the problem.
- Stormwater or sewer line blockage: These larger pipes benefit from hydro jetting, which has the force to clear longer runs and heavier debris.
If you are not sure what is causing the blockage, a CCTV drain inspection is the most accurate first step. JSW Plumbing offers camera inspections across Thornleigh and the wider Hills District to diagnose the problem before recommending a solution.
Know the local factors that influence your decision in Hornsby and the Hills District
Properties in the Hornsby, Thornleigh, and Hills District area have some specific characteristics that affect which drain clearing method works best.
Tree roots are a major issue in this region. Older leafy suburbs like Thornleigh, Waitara, and Pennant Hills have large established trees, and root intrusion into clay or earthenware sewer pipes is one of the most common causes of blocked drains JSW Plumbing sees in the area.
Many homes in the Hills District were built in the 1960s to 1980s and still have original terracotta or cast iron drainage. These older pipes can be brittle, and very high water pressure needs to be used carefully. A plumber should inspect the pipe condition before applying full jetting pressure.
Grease blockages are also common in suburbs with older kitchen plumbing where drain gradients are not ideal. High pressure drain cleaning is the preferred solution in these cases because it clears the entire pipe diameter rather than just poking through the grease.
The Hills District also includes many newer estates where PVC pipes are standard. PVC handles hydro jetting well and there is less risk of pipe damage at normal operating pressures.
Review the costs of high pressure drain cleaning vs drain snaking in Sydney
| Service | Estimated Cost (AUD inc. GST) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drain snake (electric eel) – residential | $150 to $300 | Single blockage, standard access |
| High pressure drain cleaning – residential | $300 to $600 | Full pipe run, single location |
| CCTV drain inspection | $250 to $450 | Often bundled with jetting |
| High pressure cleaning – commercial | $500 to $1,200+ | Larger pipes, longer runs |
| Root cutting with hydro jet | $400 to $700 | Depends on extent of root growth |
| After-hours call-out | Additional $100 to $200 | Applies to both methods |
These are typical Sydney metro rates as of mid-2025. Actual costs depend on access, pipe depth, blockage severity, and travel. JSW Plumbing provides upfront quotes before starting any work.
While drain snaking is cheaper upfront, it may cost more in the long run if the blockage keeps returning. A single hydro jet treatment that lasts two years is often better value than three snake jobs in the same period.
Avoid common mistakes when dealing with a blocked drain
Many homeowners try to clear blocked drains themselves before calling a plumber. Some DIY attempts make the problem worse or harder to fix.
- Using chemical drain cleaners repeatedly: These products can corrode older pipes and rarely solve the root cause of a blockage. They are not effective against root intrusion or solid scale buildup.
- Hiring the cheapest option without inspecting first: Snaking a drain that has root intrusion only delays the real fix. A camera inspection first saves money overall.
- Ignoring slow drains until they overflow: A slow drain is a warning sign. Addressing it early with high pressure cleaning prevents the emergency call-out cost.
- Assuming one method suits every pipe: Old terracotta pipes need gentler treatment than modern PVC. Always let a licensed plumber assess the pipe before jetting.
- Not asking about the cause: Clearing the blockage without understanding why it formed means it will likely come back. Ask your plumber what caused it and how to prevent recurrence.
FAQs on high pressure drain cleaning vs drain snake
Is high pressure drain cleaning safe for old pipes?
Hydro jetting is generally safe for most pipe materials, including PVC, copper, and cast iron, when used at the correct pressure. Older terracotta or earthenware pipes need a camera inspection first to check for cracks or fractures before full jetting pressure is applied.
How often should I get my drains hydro jetted?
For most residential properties, a high pressure drain clean every two to three years is sufficient to prevent buildup. Homes with large trees nearby or older grease-prone kitchen plumbing may benefit from annual treatments.
Can I rent a drain snake and do it myself?
Consumer-grade drain snakes are available at hire shops in the Hills District, but they are less powerful than professional electric eels. DIY snaking can work for minor surface clogs, but for anything deeper or more stubborn, a licensed plumber with the right equipment will get a faster and more lasting result.
Will hydro jetting damage my garden or lawn?
No. Hydro jetting is done entirely within the pipe system through an access point such as a cleanout or inspection opening. Water and debris are flushed to the sewer, so there is no surface mess or impact on your garden.
What is a drain snake called in Australia?
In Australia, a drain snake is most commonly called an electric eel or drain eel. It refers to the same motorised auger tool used to break up and extract blockages from household drain pipes.
How do I know if I need jetting or just a snake?
If the drain has blocked for the first time and the cause is likely hair or a simple obstruction, a snake is often enough. If the drain keeps blocking, drains slowly between blockages, or you have trees near your pipes, high pressure drain cleaning is the more thorough and lasting solution.
Wrap up and next steps
Both drain snaking and high pressure drain cleaning have their place, and the right choice comes down to what is blocking your pipe and how often the problem is happening. Snaking is a practical first response for simple clogs, but hydro jetting is the stronger long-term solution for grease, roots, and recurring blockages.
If you are dealing with a blocked drain in Thornleigh, Hornsby, or anywhere in the Hills District, JSW Plumbing can diagnose the cause and recommend the most cost-effective fix. Contact JSW Plumbing today to book a drain inspection or get an upfront quote for high pressure drain cleaning or electric eel service.