Drain Cleaning: When to Use a Hydro Jetter vs. Cabling (And the Pros & Cons of Each)

June 25, 2025

Drain Cleaning: When to Use a Hydro Jetter vs. Cabling

(And the Pros & Cons of Each)

Clogged drains are more than just a nuisance—they can cause major disruptions to your home or business. When traditional methods don’t cut it, it’s time to bring in the pros. But how do you know whether to use hydro jetting or cabling (also known as snaking)?



At CST Utilities, we specialize in both methods and are here to help you understand the difference—and choose the right one for the job.

What Is Cabling?

Cabling uses a flexible, metal cable with a cutting head to physically break up clogs and remove them from your drain. It’s one of the most common and time-tested solutions for clogged pipes.


Pros of Cabling:

  • Great for basic clogs like hair, grease, and paper buildup
  • Cost-effective and quick
  • Less invasive—ideal for older or fragile pipes
  • Pinpoint application—only targets the area where the blockage is


Cons of Cabling:

  • May not fully clean pipe walls
  • Can struggle with heavy grease, sludge, or tree root intrusions
  • Doesn’t prevent future buildup—more of a short-term fix

What Is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to blast away debris, grease, and buildup from your pipes. It’s like power washing your plumbing system—from the inside.


Pros of Hydro Jetting:

  • Thoroughly cleans pipe walls and removes residue
  • Excellent for removing heavy grease, sludge, and tree roots
  • Prevents future clogs by clearing buildup before it becomes a blockage
  • Eco-friendly—no chemicals involved


Cons of Hydro Jetting:

  • Typically costs more than cabling
  • Not ideal for weakened or brittle pipes
  • Requires a camera inspection first to avoid damage

So, Which One Do You Need?

Situation Best Method
Simple clog (hair, small debris) Cabling
Heavy grease buildup or recurring clogs Hydro Jetting
Older or fragile pipes Cabling
Newer or durable pipes with frequent backups Hydro Jetting

Still not sure? That’s where we come in. Our experienced technicians will inspect your system and recommend the safest, most effective solution based on your pipes and the issue at hand.

Let’s Clear Things Up—For Good.

Whether it’s a simple fix or a deep clean, CST Utilities has the tools, technology, and expertise to get your drains flowing freely again. Contact us today to schedule a service or inspection

June 9, 2025
Learn why gutters and downspouts are crucial for preventing foundation damage, roof leaks, and erosion—and discover easy tips to maintain them year-round.
May 29, 2025
In the fast-paced world of commercial kitchens, efficiency is everything. But behind the scenes, one of the biggest threats to your operations is something deceptively simple: FOG—Fats, Oils, and Grease .  Improper handling of FOG can cause major headaches, from clogged pipes and surprise shutdowns to regulatory fines and environmental issues. The good news? With the right awareness and protocols, these problems are entirely preventable.
April 21, 2025
It’s natural to crave stability. In fact, after a stretch of hard work or hitting a major milestone, a little routine can feel like a well-earned reward. But when comfort turns into complacency, that’s when businesses run into trouble. Complacency in the workplace isn’t just about coasting—it’s a quiet risk that can stall growth, erode culture, and leave companies vulnerable to disruption. And often, it creeps in unnoticed. Let’s take a closer look at what complacency really means, why it’s so dangerous, and how you can keep it from taking root in your organization.
April 14, 2025
In any workplace—whether it’s a construction site, a manufacturing plant, or an office—there’s always a push for higher productivity. Deadlines need to be met, quotas need to be hit, and efficiency is key. But what happens when the drive for productivity seems to clash with safety protocols? Too often, businesses and workers feel like they have to choose one over the other. The good news? You don’t have to.  Balancing safety and productivity isn’t just possible—it’s essential. In fact, a well-run operation proves that the two can go hand in hand. Let’s dive into how you can keep both safety and efficiency at the forefront without sacrificing either.
March 25, 2025
Waterlines aren’t something most homeowners think about—until there’s a problem. But if your home still has old galvanized or black poly (polybutylene) waterlines, it’s only a matter of time before they fail. When that happens, the result isn’t just an inconvenience; it can mean major water damage, costly repairs, and even structural issues. Replacing these outdated pipes before they break can save you money, stress, and a whole lot of cleanup.
March 13, 2025
When it comes to construction, safety should always come first. Shoring might not be the flashiest part of the job, but it plays a huge role in keeping worksites secure and preventing disasters. Whether you're digging trenches, renovating a building, or working on structural repairs, using proper shoring techniques can mean the difference between a smooth operation and a dangerous situation.
February 25, 2025
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been implementing stricter regulations aimed at reducing the number of septic sewer systems across the country. These mandates are designed to protect water quality, reduce pollution, and ensure safer wastewater management. Businesses and homeowners alike need to understand the reasons behind these regulations and what steps they can take to comply. Why Is the EPA Pushing for Septic System Reduction? Septic systems, while commonly used in rural and suburban areas, pose significant environmental risks when improperly maintained. Over time, failing systems can leach harmful contaminants, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, into groundwater and nearby water bodies, contributing to water pollution and harmful algal blooms. The EPA has identified aging and failing septic systems as a key contributor to these issues, prompting stronger efforts to phase them out in favor of more centralized wastewater treatment solutions. Key EPA Regulations and Initiatives The EPA has introduced several initiatives and regulations to encourage the transition from septic to sewer systems: Clean Water Act (CWA) Compliance: Municipalities must ensure wastewater treatment meets CWA standards, which can be difficult with high concentrations of septic systems. State-Level Incentives and Grants: Many states, in cooperation with the EPA, offer grants and financial assistance to homeowners and businesses to transition from septic to sewer connections. Nitrogen Reduction Strategies: In coastal and environmentally sensitive areas, septic systems are being targeted due to their role in nitrogen pollution. Local Ordinances and Phase-Out Programs: Many jurisdictions have implemented mandatory septic-to-sewer conversion programs, especially in high-risk areas.
February 5, 2025
When it comes to running a business, it’s easy to focus on day-to-day operations, customer satisfaction, and growth strategies. However, one area often overlooked until it’s too late is the maintenance of the business facility, especially sewer lines and floor drains. These critical components of your facility’s plumbing system play a vital role in maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient work environment. Preventive maintenance for sewer lines and floor drains is not just a good practice—it’s an investment in the longevity of your infrastructure and the success of your business. Here are some key benefits of implementing a preventive maintenance plan:
January 30, 2025
In today’s fast-paced world, the installation of utilities such as water lines, power cables, and communication infrastructure needs to be carried out with minimal disruption to everyday life. High-traffic environments, such as urban centers, highways, and bustling commercial areas, pose unique challenges for utility installation. Directional boring, also known as horizontal directional drilling (HDD), has emerged as the most efficient and effective solution for such scenarios. Here’s why:
January 17, 2025
The steady rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is reshaping the transportation landscape, bringing with it the urgent need for robust charging infrastructure. The United States is weaving a network of EV charging stations across its highways and urban centers. Ohio is working to match the pace of this electric revolution. This blog examines the growth of EV charging stations, contrasting national trends with Ohio’s efforts.
More Posts