What’s the Difference Between Hydro Jetting vs. Traditional Drain Cleaning?

Keeping drains clear and fully functional is critical for any commercial property near Atlanta. From restaurants and healthcare facilities to multi-family housing and office buildings, commercial plumbing systems work harder in high-traffic environments. When drains clog, property managers have two primary options: traditional drain cleaning or hydro jetting.

Understanding the difference helps you choose the most effective and cost-efficient method for your property.

What is Traditional Drain Cleaning

Traditional drain cleaning methods typically involve mechanical tools such as drain snakes or augers. These devices break apart or push through clogs to restore flow.

Benefits of traditional drain cleaning:

  • Effective for minor clogs and simple blockages

  • Less expensive upfront

  • Quick solution for smaller issues

Limitations of traditional drain cleaning:

  • Only creates a hole through the clog, leaving buildup behind

  • Clogs often return quickly in commercial kitchens and restrooms

  • Less effective for grease, scale, or root intrusion

What is Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting is a more advanced process that uses high-pressure water streams to thoroughly clean the inside of pipes. Instead of simply breaking through a clog, hydro jetting removes grease, scale, roots, and other buildup along the entire pipe wall.

Benefits of hydro jetting:

  • Provides a deep, long-lasting clean

  • Removes all types of buildup, including grease and mineral deposits

  • Reduces the chance of repeat clogs

  • Environmentally friendly since it uses only water, no harsh chemicals

When hydro jetting is best:

  • Restaurants and food service kitchens with frequent grease buildup

  • Healthcare facilities where sanitation and reliability are critical

  • Older buildings in Atlanta with aging plumbing systems that collect scale and debris

  • Multi-family housing or office complexes with recurring drain problems

Cost Considerations

While hydro jetting typically costs more upfront than traditional drain cleaning, it saves money in the long run by reducing emergency calls and preventing recurring clogs. For high-traffic commercial properties in areas like Downtown Atlanta, Buckhead, Midtown, Sandy Springs, Roswell, and Decatur, hydro jetting is often the most cost-effective choice over time.

Service Coverage Across Metro Atlanta

Peter Plumber provides Atlanta hydro jetting and commercial drain cleaning throughout Metro Atlanta and greater Georgia, including, but not limited to, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Peachtree Corners, Norcross, Duluth, Suwanee, Snellville, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Loganville, Chamblee, Tucker, and Virginia-Highland.

View our full list of service areas here

Need Help Deciding?

For commercial properties, keeping drains clean is about more than convenience. It is about protecting tenants, avoiding health code violations, and preventing costly plumbing emergencies. Traditional drain cleaning works for minor issues, but hydro jetting offers the most reliable solution for restaurants, healthcare facilities, and older buildings in Metro Atlanta.

Contact Peter Plumber today to discuss what’s best for your business and schedule Atlanta hydro jetting or commercial drain cleaning services and keep your property’s plumbing running at peak performance.

Next
Next

Avoid Kitchen Nightmares with Grease Trap Maintenance