Blocked drain? Sometimes plungers, rods and shop-bought chemicals just don’t cut it. That’s where drain jetting comes in — and it’s one of the most effective ways we clear stubborn blockages across Exeter and Devon.

Here’s what actually happens during a jetting service, and when it’s the right tool for the job.

What Is Drain Jetting?

Drain jetting uses high-pressure water to blast through blockages in your pipework. A flexible hose feeds into the drain and sprays water at pressures of up to 4000 psi, breaking up:

• Fat, oil and grease deposits (FOG)

• Food and soap scum

• Hair, paper, and organic waste

• Sludge and scale

• Tree roots and garden debris (to a degree)

It doesn’t just poke a hole in the problem — it cleans the full bore of the pipe, pushing waste away and leaving the pipe clear and flowing.

What Happens During a Jetting Visit?

Here’s how we handle it at EPM:

1. Initial inspection – We’ll identify the affected area and check if jetting is the right solution (sometimes we use CCTV to confirm).

2. Access points opened – Wherever we can (manholes, gulleys, rodding eyes).

3. Jetting starts – We feed the hose in gradually, adjusting the pressure based on the pipe type and blockage severity.

4. Multiple passes – We often do several sweeps to ensure a thorough clean.

5. Final checks – Flow tests, water checks and (if needed) camera confirmation.

⏱ Most jobs are done within 1–2 hours, with no digging required.

When Jetting Is the Right Call

It’s ideal for:

• Fully blocked external drains

• Repeated slow-draining sinks or showers

• Smelly gullies or waste pipes

• Commercial kitchens or multi-occupancy buildings with regular build-up

Jetting is not recommended if your pipework is damaged, cracked or misaligned — we’ll always assess this first.

What Does It Cost?

Standard residential jetting starts from around £150, depending on access and pipe layout.

Complex or commercial jobs may cost more, especially if multiple access points are needed or roots are involved.

We’ll always give a clear quote before work begins.

Final Thought from EPM

Jetting isn’t just for emergencies — it can also be part of preventative drain maintenance, especially if you’ve had repeat issues.

At EPM, we now offer drainage services across Exeter and surrounding areas — and our goal is to fix the issue properly, not just “poke and hope.”