From what plumbers usually explain, the big difference is how the clog is handled. Snaking can be useful, but it mostly just breaks through the blockage and leaves residue on the pipe walls. That’s why clogs often come back. Hydro jetting works differently — it uses high-pressure water to fully clean the inside of the pipe, not just the problem spot. Many people ask is hydro jetting better than snaking for your pipes when dealing with repeat clogs, and in a lot of cases the answer is yes. It removes grease, soap scum, and buildup that snakes can’t reach. That said, pipe age matters, so a quick inspection is smart before choosing.