What Is Drain Jetting and Why Does It Work

Engineer lowering a high-pressure drain jetting hose into a manhole

Anyone who has dealt with a blocked drain knows how annoying it can be. Water that will not go away and nasty smells soon get in the way of everyday life. Jetting is one of the most reliable ways to shift a stubborn blockage, so what is drain jetting, and what makes it so effective? This article explains it in plain terms.

What Is Drain Jetting?

Drain jetting clears blocked pipes using water at very high pressure. Specialist equipment sends a powerful stream along the pipe, washing out debris and grease and even cutting through tree roots. It is one of the main techniques professional drainage engineers rely on.

Compared with traditional drain rods, jetting reaches further along the pipe and copes with tougher blockages. It is widely regarded as one of the quickest and most effective ways to get water flowing normally again.

How Does Drain Jetting Work?

The drain jetting process is simple but powerful. An engineer guides a flexible hose along the affected pipe. The hose is connected to a pump that pressurises the water, which leaves through a nozzle as a concentrated jet strong enough to break up the blockage and flush it away.

Different nozzles suit different jobs, so jetting can tackle many kinds of problem, such as:

  • Built-up fat and grease
  • Soap scum
  • Small objects stuck in the pipe
  • Tree roots that have found their way into the drains

Jetting does more than remove the blockage. It also scours the inside of the pipe clean, which helps stop new build-ups forming.

Why Drain Jetting Beats Other Methods

There are good reasons to choose jetting over options such as drain rods or chemical cleaners.

It Reaches Further

Rods often cannot get to the source of the problem, particularly in long pipe runs with bends. A jetting hose can travel much deeper, so even distant blockages are cleared completely.

It Cleans the Whole Pipe

Chemical cleaners can leave residue behind, but jetting washes the full inside surface of the pipe. Water flows more freely afterwards and fresh build-ups are less likely.

It Is Kind to Your Pipes

Over time, harsh chemicals can eat away at pipework and cause damage. Jetting uses nothing but water, so it is safe for your drains and better for the environment.

It Handles the Toughest Blockages

Whether it is hardened grease or invading roots, jetting copes with all sorts of obstructions. The force of the water breaks up blockages that other methods simply cannot shift.

All of this makes jetting a dependable choice for homeowners and drainage professionals alike.

Why Use Professionals for Drain Jetting?

Jetting is extremely effective, but it is not something to try yourself. Trained engineers have the right equipment and know how to use it safely and efficiently.

Specialist Equipment

Professional jetting units are built to deal with the most difficult blockages, so the work is done quickly and thoroughly. Our own jetters work at 3,000 to 4,000 psi.

Accurate Diagnosis

With a drain camera, an engineer can see exactly where the blockage is and what is causing it, so the jetting is aimed in the right place.

Less Risk of Damage

Jetting without the right knowledge or kit can damage pipes and leave you facing a bigger repair. A professional carries out the work safely and protects your drainage system.

Choosing a local drainage company means you can trust the problem will be sorted without creating new ones.

How to Stop Blockages Returning After Jetting

Once jetting has cleared your drains, a little care keeps them that way and helps prevent future clogs.

Get Rid of Waste Properly

Never pour fat or oil down the sink, because it sets hard inside the pipes. Put food scraps and other waste in the bin instead.

Fit Drain Covers

Covers are an inexpensive, simple way to keep hair, leaves and debris out of your pipes, and they work well on sinks and outside drains.

Book Regular Maintenance

A yearly inspection by a drainage engineer can pick up problems early, and regular upkeep prevents a lot of blockages altogether.

Stick to these habits and your pipes should stay clear, with your drains running smoothly for longer.

Call Jet Plumb for Professional Drain Jetting

If you have a blocked drain, Jet Plumb can help. Our experienced engineers use high-pressure jetting to clear even the most stubborn blockages, whether it is a blocked sink, an outside drain or a problem that keeps coming back.

Homeowners, landlords and businesses in Stroud and across Gloucestershire can call Jet Plumb on 01453 827124 for a free, no-obligation quote.