How High-Pressure Drain Jetting Works

Is High Pressure Drain Jetting the Right Solution for Your Blockage?

If you’re frustrated by drains that back up, are slow to drain, or smell like rotten eggs, you may be thinking about giving high pressure drain jetting a try. This specialist drain clearance technique uses water under huge pressure to scour the inside of pipes, efficiently removing blockages like grease build-up, food waste, or tree roots.

Drain jetting is a thorough approach for a number of drain issues. But how do you know if it’s suitable for your pipes and the problem you’re facing? Keep reading as we explain how high pressure drain jetting works and when to use it.

At Drainflow, we’ve spent over two decades solving drainage problems residentially and commercially, and drain jetting is a major part of what we do. In this blog we’ll explain exactly how it works and the types of situations where it is most successful, so you can be sure your drains get the right care from our engineers.

The Drain Jetting Process: What Our Experts Do

High pressure drain jetting isn’t just about brute force – it’s also about applying the right technology and expertise. When a Drainflow engineer arrives, they’re bringing years of experience and the right equipment for the job. Here’s how they put it to work, often resolving issues in 1-3 hours (dependent on the blockage):

  • Initial Assessment – First, our engineer will identify the problem and the point of access to the affected drain (like a manhole). Sometimes, we’ll recommend a quick CCTV drain survey first in order to pinpoint the exact nature and location of the blockage, so we can be sure the drain jetting is targeted effectively.
  • Equipment Ready – We set up our van-mounted jetting unit. The drain jetting machine is connected to a long, flexible high-pressure hose. Importantly, we select the correct nozzle attachment – different nozzles create different spray patterns designed for specific tasks, like descaling pipes or cutting through stubborn obstructions.
  • Controlled Cleaning – The hose is inserted into the drain, and the engineer starts the high-pressure drain jetting (between 3,000-8,000 PSI). They control the pressure and movement, ensuring the jets dislodge the blockage material without damaging the pipe itself. The water jets scour the pipe walls, removing built-up residue.
  • Systematic Clearance – The hose is carefully fed further into the pipe, cleaning as it goes. We make sure that the entire affected length is cleaned in order to prevent issues recurring. You might hear the machine working, but the whole process is contained within the pipes.
  • Verification – Once we’ve completed the process, we check the drain is clear and functioning properly. Our engineer will explain what they found, and the work carried out before packing up the equipment.

Should You Ask for Drain Jetting? When Is It The Right Solution (And When Isn’t It?)

Now you know what high pressure drain jetting is, but how do you know if it’s what your drains need? At Drainflow, we’re used to offering guidance to our customers on this issue, so here’s what we advise:

Should You Ask for Drain Jetting? When Is It The Right Solution (And When Isn’t It?)

Good Reasons to Consider Drain Jetting:

  • You want a thorough clean, not just a temporary fix – If you’re fed up of slow drains coming back soon after using DIY drain unblockers, jetting offers a more total pipe wall clean.
  • The blockage is likely to be grease, fat or sludge – Drain jetting is very good at emulsifying and washing away greasy buildups found in kitchen waste pipes.
  • You suspect limescale is narrowing your pipes – If you live in a hard water area, high pressure drain jetting can restore the pipe’s original diameter by removing limescale.
  • You need drains cleared before a survey or repair – Jetting prepares your pipes for a clear camera view or ensures a good surface for lining.
  • Tree roots are causing problems – We can trim intrusive tree roots using specialised drain jetting nozzles.

When We Might Recommend an Alternative:

  • If your pipes are old and fragile – Our engineers can assess this – sometimes lower pressure or a different method is safer for delicate, older clay pipes, for example.
  • If we suspect a structural defect (like a collapse) – Pumping high-pressure water into a broken pipe is a bad idea. A CCTV drain survey is usually the first step here to understand the exact problem.
  • If the blockage is a solid, immovable object – While jetting shifts most things, very large or solid objects might need physical removal.

Ultimately, our experienced Drainflow team will always advise you on the best course of action, and whether a CCTV survey is needed, once they’ve assessed the situation.

Your Next Step for Clearer Drains

So, now you know how effective high pressure drain jetting can be. While it solves many drainage problems, though, always check first that it’s the right solution for your pipes and the specific blockage you’re facing. Asking for guidance from drain clearance professionals, like the team at Drainflow, removes the guesswork and guarantees that the job is done safely and effectively.

Experiencing Drain Problems? Let Drainflow Help

For friendly advice and expert drain jetting services in Beds, Bucks and Herts, talk to Drainflow. With 20 years of experience, we’re happy to talk through the drainage issues you’re having and provide a no-obligation quote. Call our friendly team today on 01525 718500

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