How drain jetting works

Drain jetting uses pressurised water to clear a pipe. A hose carries water to a nozzle, and the nozzle sprays jets inside the drain. The jets break the blockage into small pieces and wash them away.

The method has four simple steps:

A hose with a jet nozzle goes into the drain.
Water is pumped through the hose at high pressure.
The jets break up the blockage and scour the pipe walls.
The debris flushes down the drain system.

The hose is flexible, so it can follow bends in the pipe. This makes jetting suitable for many layouts, whereas rigid rods struggle. Our article on how drain jetting can benefit you goes into more detail.

Benefits of jetting

Jetting clears large blockages in sewer pipes, sinks and toilets. It also cleans the pipe at the same time. Because the water scours the walls, it removes fat, grease and silt that would otherwise cause the next blockage.

Cleaner pipes also flow better. In addition, jetting can clear light roots that have entered through cracks. Heavy root damage may still need a repair, so a camera check is useful. For the common causes of blockages, see common causes of blocked drains.

A plunger or rod often moves a blockage without removing the layer around it. Jetting therefore gives a longer-lasting result. You can read clearing your blockage with drain jetting for a walkthrough.

When you need high-pressure cleaning

Jetting suits several jobs. It removes debris and sludge, breaks up grease and shifts hard scale. It also cuts back small roots. Older drains may need it more often, since old pipes have rougher walls.

Watch for the warning signs. Slow drains, smells and gurgling all suggest build-up, as we explain in how to know when your drain needs cleaning. For a routine, see how often drains should be cleaned and how can I keep my drain clear of blockage.

More serious signs need quick action. If sewage is rising in a lower room, read about a sewer backup in a basement. If you are not sure whether you need work, check do you need drain clearance.

What affects the cost

Several things set the price of unblocking and jetting. The size and type of blockage matter most. A small blockage may clear with rods, while a bigger one needs jetting. Access also counts, because a hard-to-reach chamber takes longer.

Therefore no honest price can be given without knowing the job. Read how much it costs to unblock a drain for the full list. We agree a fixed price before work starts, with no call-out fee. We also offer 24/7 emergency call-out for urgent jobs.

Other ways to clear a drain

Jetting is not the only method. For simple blockages, home steps may be enough, although they have limits. Our guide on what can I do to clear a blocked drain shows where to stop.

If you are unsure who must pay for a blocked pipe, read who is responsible for blocked sewage. Responsibility depends on where the pipe runs, so check before you book.

Get jetting in North London

We offer drain clearance and wider blocked drains help. Our area includes drain unblocking in Potters Bar, drain unblocking in Southgate and drain unblocking in Enfield. Send the online enquiry form to ask about a job.