Before you book
What you need to know.
- Jetting uses pressurised water to loosen and move material inside drainage pipework.
- The pipe, obstruction and access determine the method. More pressure isn't a solution to every blockage.
- Clearing a root obstruction doesn't seal the opening where roots entered.
- A recurring blockage needs a decision about its cause after flow is restored.
On this page
What water jetting does inside a drain.
A drain jetter sends water through a hose and a nozzle selected for the work. The directed jets act on material inside the pipe and help move it through the drainage system. This can be useful for deposits and obstructions that restrict the pipe's usable opening.
The result depends on more than pressure. Pipe diameter, access, nozzle choice, the obstruction and the condition of the pipe all influence how the work proceeds. Scott & Sons also offers electric eel clearing, so the assessment can consider an alternative method when it better suits the job.
Match the clearing method to the material.
A drain can contain several materials together. Grease can hold other waste, roots can catch paper, and stormwater silt can collect behind a restricted outlet. Effective clearing needs to address what is actually limiting flow rather than assuming every blockage is the same.
Jetting can't restore a collapsed pipe to its original shape. If damaged pipework blocks access or there are signs the line can't safely be cleared, further investigation or a repair becomes the priority.
Scroll sideways to read every column.
| Drain condition | Why clearing may help | What also needs attention |
|---|---|---|
| Grease and accumulated waste | Loosens deposits restricting flow | How material enters the drain and whether build-up remains |
| Roots inside the line | Works on accessible root obstruction with a suitable method | The opening or damaged joint allowing root entry |
| Silt in stormwater pipework | Moves accessible sediment and debris | Where sediment enters and whether the outlet works |
| Material ahead of a CCTV inspection | Improves access and visibility | The underlying pipe condition once exposed |
| Collapsed or severely displaced pipe | Clearing may be limited or unsuitable | Assessment of access and structural repair |
Jetting, electric eel and CCTV have different roles.
An electric eel works mechanically through an obstruction using a cable and attachment. Jetting uses directed water to work on material. Neither method alone provides a complete picture of the pipe's structural condition.
CCTV can show the accessible interior after visibility is established. It can help explain why a blockage returned or support a repair quote. Inspection isn't automatically necessary for every simple blockage, but it becomes useful where the cause remains uncertain or repeated visits only give short-lived relief.
How a jetting visit should be planned.
The starting point is a suitable drainage opening and a clear understanding of the affected line. Tell the plumber about earlier repairs, unknown pipe runs and recurring problem locations. Existing plans or footage can help with preparation.
The work needs room for equipment and a safe working area. Mention narrow driveways, stairs, shared access, locked yards or trading hours before attendance. For strata, identify the contact who can arrange access and advise affected occupants.
Assess the drain and access
Identify the affected line, history and practical limits before clearing.
Agree the method and scope
Confirm the proposed work and how additional inspection or repair will be authorised.
Clear suitable obstructions
Use the approach matched to the pipe and material, with further assessment if progress is restricted.
Check the result
Confirm drainage performance and explain whether any unresolved condition needs attention.
What restored flow does and doesn't tell you.
Water running away again shows that the immediate restriction has been relieved. It doesn't prove that every joint is intact or that roots won't return. A broken section can drain adequately for a while after accumulated waste is removed.
For a drain that has blocked repeatedly, ask what was found and whether a camera view is needed. If the cause is a structural opening or misalignment, compare a repair with continued maintenance. Where the cause is material being discharged, prevention should focus on that source.
Prepare the property and compare the full price.
The price depends on access, time required, obstruction, pipe condition and any inspection included. A routine accessible line and a long restricted run can involve different work. Confirm whether the quote covers a clear only or also camera investigation and locating.
Keep children, pets and bystanders away from the work area. Don't open inspection points yourself. Tell the plumber if drain chemicals have been used, even if they seemed to have no effect. For an active sewage overflow, stop using affected fixtures and call directly.
For planned maintenance, keep a record of what was cleared and how the drain behaved afterwards. That history helps decide whether the maintenance interval makes sense or whether the underlying problem needs a more permanent solution.