Drains clog, is a part of life. Sometimes it’s just hair or grease in the trap; other times it’s a stubborn buildup or something deeper in the line. When that happens, homeowners have a few real options: the snake (auger), hydro-jetting, enzyme treatments, and a few other tools and techniques. Choosing the right one depends on what’s clogging the line, how old the pipes are, and whether you want a short-term or more thorough fix.
This blog will take you through the most common methods, how they work, what they are good at, when they are not a great fit, and when to call the pros at JC Enriquez Plumbing.
1) Drain Snaking (Augering): Quick & Simple
A drain snake is a long, flexible metal wire with a head that bores or hooks through whatever’s stuck. It’s been the plumber’s go-to for decades because it’s fast and works well for many common clogs.
A plumber feeds the snake into the drain to break up or remove hair, soap, and small debris. It’s ideal for bathroom sinks, tubs, and many kitchen clogs. Snaking is usually less aggressive than hydro-jetting, so it’s a good first step, especially when pipes are older or fragile.
However, a snake may leave residue on pipe walls (grease and scale), so the clog can return if the line isn’t fully cleaned. DIY snakes exist, but don’t always reach deep clogs and can push a blockage further down if misused.
If snaking doesn’t fully clear the problem, our team at JC Enriquez Plumbing can inspect the line and recommend the next best step. Call us now to get your problem resolved.
2) Hydro-Jetting: Deep Cleaning With High Pressure
Hydro-jetting uses a high-pressure water stream to blast away grease, scale, roots, and nearly everything clinging to the inside of a pipe. It’s the “deep clean” for drains. A specialized hose with a nozzle shoots powerful water jets that strip buildup and push debris down the sewer.
Hydro-jetting is extremely effective for recurring clogs and heavy grease or mineral deposits because it cleans the entire pipe interior rather than just making a hole through the obstruction. It’s quicker to reduce the chance of repeat clogs, but it’s more aggressive and must be used with care. Old, brittle, or cracked pipes may not tolerate the pressure.
Trained technicians usually inspect the line first (often with a camera) to confirm the pipe can handle jetting. Our team of trained professionals at JC Enriquez Plumbing runs a camera first and, when appropriate, hydro-jets lines safely to restore full flow.
3) Enzyme (Biological) Cleaners: Slow, Gentle, & Eco-friendly
Enzyme or bacterial drain cleaners use natural enzymes to eat organic matter. They’re not instant like chemical cleaners, but gentler on pipes and septic systems.
Enzymatic products introduce bacteria or enzymes that digest hair, food waste, and grease over time. They are best for preventive maintenance or minor organic buildups, not for solid blockages or tree-root intrusions. The upside is they’re safe for plumbing, won’t harm septic systems, and can help control odors. The downside: they work slowly and aren’t a fix for severe or mechanical clogs.
Enzyme treatments can be part of a maintenance plan for restaurants or busy kitchens, but serious blockages will usually need mechanical cleaning.
If you want a gentler maintenance option, call us and get professional drain maintenance that keeps your drains flowing freely.
4) Chemical Drain Cleaners: Fast but risky
Chemical cleaners promise fast results, but they come with tradeoffs. They can eat through organic clogs quickly sometimes, but they can also damage pipes and create safety risks.
Harsh drain chemicals (lye, sulfuric acid, etc.) generate heat and strong reactions that dissolve organic matter. They work in a pinch, but repeated use can corrode metal pipes, damage rubber seals, and harm septic systems. Residual chemicals also create hazards if a chemical cleaner fails and a plumber needs to work on the line. For these reasons, many pros recommend avoiding strong chemicals or using them only as a last resort, short-term measure.
Rather than risk pipe damage, let our experienced technicians at JC Enriquez Plumbing evaluate the clog and use safer, long-term solutions.
5) Camera Inspection: See before you act
A camera inspection lets a plumber look directly into the line and see what’s causing the problem. It’s a smart step before choosing a cleanup method.
Push-camera or drain cameras identify root intrusion, collapsed pipe sections, misaligned joints, grease buildup, and other issues. That information guides the proper treatment, whether snaking, jetting, repairing, or replacing. A camera can also confirm a good clean after service. While camera inspections add to the upfront cost, they often save money by preventing wrong fixes.
We recommend camera checks for recurring drain clogs. JC Enriquez Plumbing can inspect and show you the problem so you know what fix is needed.
Choosing the Right Drain Cleaning Method
Let’s look at a quick comparison of the most common drain cleaning techniques, what they are best for, and their pros and cons:
| Method | How It Works | Best For | Pros | Cons | When to Call JC Enriquez Plumbing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snaking (Augering) | A flexible metal cable breaks up or hooks onto blockages in the pipe. | Hair clogs, soap buildup, and minor blockages. | Quick and affordable; suitable for older pipes. | May leave residue; clogs can return if buildup isn’t fully cleared. | When simple DIY snaking doesn’t fix slow or repeated clogs. |
| Hydro Jetting | High-pressure water jets blast away grease, debris, and buildup. | Grease, sludge, roots, heavy buildup. | Cleans pipe walls thoroughly; prevents repeat clogs. | Not suitable for weak or damaged pipes; higher cost. | When you want a deep, long-lasting clean for tough or recurring clogs. |
| Enzyme (Biological) Cleaners | Natural enzymes break down organic material slowly over time. | Regular maintenance; organic buildup. | Eco-friendly; safe for pipes and septic systems. | Works slowly; not for solid or severe clogs. | When you want gentle, ongoing drain care to prevent buildup. |
| Chemical Cleaners | Harsh chemicals dissolve clogs chemically. | Quick fix for minor organic clogs. | Fast and easy to use. | Can damage pipes, seals, and septic systems; a safety risk. | When you need immediate relief but want pros to inspect damage later. |
| Camera Inspection | A small camera inspects inside pipes for clogs, cracks, or buildup. | Diagnosing recurring or hidden issues. | Finds exact problem; prevents unnecessary repairs. | Adds cost; not a cleaning method itself. | When clogs keep returning or you suspect deeper line issues. |
Still confused about what to do? Call JC Enriquez Plumbing for expert consultation and get the best solution for your drains in the long run.
When to Choose Which Drain Cleaning Method
The correct drain cleaning method depends on the clog type, pipe age, and whether you want a fast fix or a long-term clean:
- Single fixture hair/soap clogs: try snaking first.
- Grease, mineral scale, or recurring clogs: hydro-jetting is often best.
- Mild organic buildup or preventive care: enzyme treatments.
- Unknown source or repeated problems: camera inspection before deciding.
- Old, fragile pipes: be cautious with hydro-jetting; opt for gentler methods or repairs.
Not sure which drain cleaning method fits your situation? Our team can assess the line and recommend the safest, most cost-effective drain cleaning option.
Drain clogs range from a simple hair buildup to serious sewer-line troubles. Snaking, hydro-jetting, enzyme cleaners, and camera inspections each have their place. The smartest approach is usually to inspect first, pick the least invasive effective method, and consider preventive drain maintenance to avoid repeats.
If you are dealing with a stubborn clog or recurring backups in San Antonio, contact JC Enriquez Plumbing. Our team can run a camera inspection, explain the best method for your pipes, and perform a safe, long-lasting clean so you don’t have to return to the same problem.