There are two main ways to clear a blocked drain. One is the traditional drain rod, and the other is high-pressure water jetting. Each has its place. Knowing the difference matters because it helps you pick the right fix.
Traditional Drain Rods
Drain rods have been in use for over a century, while jetting is the newer method. They are flexible rods that screw together, with a range of attachments for breaking up blockages. The operator pushes them towards the blockage, then rotates and pushes to break it up.
Advantages of Drain Rods
- Low cost, because rods are cheap and widely available.
- Simple to use, so basic training is enough.
- No power needed, so you can use them anywhere.
- Good for simple blockages such as loose debris and minor build-up.
Limitations of Drain Rods
- Limited reach, so they cannot get far along a long run.
- They can push material further into the pipe instead of removing it.
- Inexperienced users can crack a pipe.
- Tough blockages take a lot of effort.
- They do not clean the pipe walls.
High-Pressure Water Jetting
Professional jetting uses specialist kit to send water through the pipe at very high pressure. A flexible hose with a special nozzle goes into the drain. Jets point forward to cut through the blockage, while others point backward to pull the hose along and flush debris out.
Advantages of Jetting
- It removes the whole blockage, not just a channel through it.
- It cleans the pipe walls of grease, scale and build-up.
- It reaches much further than rods.
- It is usually quick, since the hose does the work.
- Regular jetting helps prevent future blockages.
- Used correctly, it is safe for modern pipes.
Limitations of Jetting
- It needs professional equipment, so it is not a DIY job.
- It needs access to a good supply of water.
- It costs more than basic rodding.
- It is not suitable for damaged pipes, because it can worsen existing cracks.
When to Use Each Method
Rods suit simple, accessible blockages that you can see from the access point. They also suit very minor slow drainage, or times when professional help is not at hand. For example, our five fixes for a blocked kitchen sink show what to try first with a sink.
Professional jetting suits stubborn or recurring blockages, because it cleans the pipe wall. It also suits grease build-up, tree root ingress and complete blockages. Commercial sites and regular maintenance are good uses too, as is any blockage that rods cannot clear.
Why Professionals Prefer Jetting
At Banbury Plumbing, we often choose jetting because it works well. The main reasons are below:
- It is more effective, because it clears blockages that rods cannot.
- It is thorough, because the pipes are cleaned and not just unblocked.
- It lasts longer, since clean pipes are less likely to block again soon.
- It helps with diagnosis, as water flow patterns can show other issues.
For the outdoor version of this advice, read outside drain unblocking tips. It shows how a gully differs from a pipe run, although the methods are the same.
The Professional Approach
When you ask us about a blocked drain, the usual steps are as follows. Each visit differs, however, depending on the pipe.
- Assess the problem and the access points.
- Use CCTV to find and identify the blockage, if needed.
- Choose the right jetting nozzle for the situation.
- Clear the blockage with high-pressure water.
- Check the pipe is clear with another camera inspection.
- Give advice on preventing future blockages.
Our drain jetting service page explains the equipment in more detail. It also shows which jobs suit jetting, while others need a different tool.
Rods or Jetting: The Cost Question
Rods can look cheaper at first, but consider the full picture. They may not solve the problem, so you end up calling a professional anyway. Incomplete clearing also leads to repeat blockages.
Pipe damage from poor rodding can be costly to put right. Professional jetting, however, is more likely to give a lasting fix. If you suspect damage is behind repeat blockages, a CCTV drain survey can show whether drain repairs are needed first. Our guide to what a survey costs explains the factors.
Related Guides
Spotting a problem early saves effort, because small blockages are easier to clear. Read the signs that a drain is blocking. Grease is the main cause in kitchens, as described in preventing blocked kitchen drains. If waste is already backing up, follow our advice on dealing with a drain emergency.
Where We Jet Drains
Jetting is a core part of our work. See our pages on drain jetting in Banbury, drain jetting in Bicester and high-pressure jetting in Brackley. We also cover drain cleaning in Daventry.
Request a quote online and we will pass your request to a local engineer. Meanwhile, the guides above help you prepare.
