Drain Jetting – Practical Guide
Neutral guidance on when to use high-pressure water jetting, how it works, safety, costs, and how it fits with surveys and repairs.
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What is drain jetting?
High-pressure water jetting uses specialised nozzles to cut through fats, silt, roots, and debris inside pipework, restoring flow without excavation. It's more effective than chemical cleaners for persistent blockages and is commonly used before CCTV surveys or lining work to ensure visibility and proper adhesion.
When jetting is appropriate
- Stubborn or recurring blockages
- Heavy grease or scale buildup
- Post-root cutting to clear debris
- Preparing drains for CCTV survey or lining
- Maintenance cleaning for commercial kitchens
How it works
- High-pressure water (up to 4000 PSI for some systems)
- Forward-cutting and reverse-pulling nozzles
- Debris flushed downstream to accessible chambers
- Minimal disruption—uses existing access points
Safety & limitations
- Safe for most domestic pipes when done correctly
- Fragile or collapsed pipes may require gentler methods
- Proper pressure/nozzle selection is critical
- CCTV survey recommended before jetting fragile systems
Typical costs
- Basic domestic jetting: £120–£250
- Emergency/out-of-hours: premium rates apply
- Combined with CCTV survey: often bundled pricing
- Commercial/heavy scale: quote based on scope
Jetting vs chemical cleaners
- Jetting: physically removes blockages, effective for deep clogs, environmentally safer
- Chemicals: limited reach, can damage pipes/seals, environmental concerns
For persistent or recurring issues, jetting is generally the better choice.
Related:
Drain Descaling ·
CCTV Surveys