There are two main ways to clear a blocked drain: drain rods and high-pressure water jetting. Each has its place, although they suit different jobs. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right fix for your problem.
Traditional drain rods
People have used drain rods for a very long time. They are flexible rods that screw together, with different heads for breaking up a blockage. You push them towards the blockage, then turn and push while the head breaks it up or moves it.
Advantages of drain rods
- Low cost, since the rods are cheap and widely sold
- Simple to use, as basic training is enough
- No power needed, so they work almost anywhere
- Good for loose debris and minor build-up
Limitations of drain rods
- Limited reach along a long pipe
- Can push material further along the pipe
- Can crack an older pipe if used with force
- Slow for tough blockages
- Do not clean the pipe walls
High-pressure water jetting
Jetting uses a pump to drive water through a hose at high pressure. The hose has a nozzle with jets that point forward and backward. The forward jets cut into the blockage, while the rear jets pull the hose along and flush debris back to the access point.
Advantages of jetting
- Clears loose debris as well as the main blockage
- Cleans grease and scale from the pipe walls
- Reaches further along a long run than rods
- Can help prevent repeat blockages
- Can be used on many sound modern pipes
Limitations of jetting
- Needs specialist equipment, so it is not a DIY job
- Needs a good water supply
- Costs more than basic rodding
- Can make existing cracks worse in a damaged pipe
When to use each method
Rods suit simple, accessible blockages, such as a loose blockage near the access point. They also suit very minor slow drainage. Jetting, in contrast, suits stubborn or repeat blockages, grease build-up, tree roots, complete blockages and commercial kitchens.
A good rule is to try rods only for a simple blockage you can reach. If the rods will not clear it, stop, because pushing harder can move the blockage or damage the pipe. It may be time to ask for help.
What a jetting job usually involves
While every job differs, a typical one follows a pattern. The engineer assesses the problem and the access points first. If the cause is unclear, the engineer may use a camera to find the blockage.
Next, the engineer picks a nozzle to suit the pipe and clears the blockage with water. A good engineer then explains what the job found and how to avoid a repeat. Ask what the engineer plans to do before work starts.
Cost comparison
UK cost guides put basic drain unblocking at about £80 to £150. MyJobQuote and Book A Builder both give that range. For high-pressure jetting, MyJobQuote gives £70 to £175, while Book A Builder gives £120 to £250.
Rods may look cheaper at first. However, if they do not solve the problem, you may pay twice. Forcing rods into an old pipe can also cause damage, and repairs cost more than clearing. These are guide figures, so the engineer's written quote is what counts.
If a blockage keeps returning, a CCTV drain survey can show whether the pipe needs drain repairs. Damaged pipes need care, since jetting can make cracks worse.
This site passes requests on to a drainage engineer. To ask about drain clearing in Dundee, request a quote online. Since the engineer sets the price and arrival time, agree both first.
Nearby, see drain jetting in Broughty Ferry, drain jetting in Monifieth or drain jetting in Carnoustie. For every service in one town, open drain help in Monifieth.
