Hydro jetting vs electric eel: which clears a drain better?
Updated October 2026
An electric eel punches a hole through the blockage and is fine for a one-off. Hydro jetting scours the whole pipe wall, so it's the better choice for roots and grease that keep coming back.
| Option | Typical Sydney cost | Block Drains |
|---|---|---|
| Hydro jetting a blocked drain | $300–$650 | $449 |
| Tree root cutting in a drain | $400–$1,500 | Fixed quote |
How an electric eel works
A rotating steel cable with a cutting head is fed down the pipe. It's fast and cheap, but it leaves root and grease residue on the pipe walls, so blockages often return.
How hydro jetting works
A hose with a rear-facing nozzle fires water at up to 4,000 PSI. It pulls itself along the pipe and scours the full circumference, cutting roots and flushing debris out.
Which to choose
- One-off blockage from a foreign object: either works.
- Roots, grease or a drain that keeps blocking: jetting, followed by a camera check.
Not sure which applies to you?
A camera inspection shows exactly what's wrong before you commit to anything.
More guides
- Pipe relining vs dig and replace: cost compared
- Is a CCTV drain inspection worth it?
- Blocked drain in a rental: landlord or tenant pays?