You'll probably never operate this equipment yourself, but knowing roughly what it does helps you understand what you're paying for when a crew shows up.
Using the wrong machine for the job doesn't just fail to solve the problem, it can damage pipes or cables. Matching equipment to pipe size and clog type is what separates a clean fix from a repeat service call.
How do I know which equipment my problem needs?
That's part of what a professional assessment is for, often starting with a camera inspection to see exactly what's happening in the line.
Is water jetting better than cable cleaning?
Each solves different problems, jetting handles grease and sludge well, cable machines handle roots and solid blockages better.
You don't need to know how to operate this equipment, but understanding the basics helps you ask better questions and trust the diagnosis.
American Water Works Association