How to Tell If You Need a Drain Jetting or CCTV Survey

If your drains keep backing up, smell awful, or just aren’t flowing like they should — it’s time to look deeper.
But how do you know if it’s a simple blockage or something that needs proper investigation?

At EPM, we offer both high-pressure drain jetting and CCTV drain surveys across Exeter and surrounding areas — and we get asked all the time which one’s needed.

Here’s how to tell.

When Drain Jetting Is the Right Call

Jetting is all about clearing. It uses high-pressure water to break up and flush away:

• Fat and grease build-up

• Soap and scale residue

• Mud, leaves or silt

• Tree roots (in early stages)

• Wipes, nappies, or foreign objects

If the water isn’t flowing and you suspect a physical blockage, jetting is your go-to. It’s fast, effective, and usually sorts most everyday drain issues.

Signs jetting might be enough:

• Slow-draining sinks, toilets or gullies

• Smells coming from one area only

• You’ve had the same issue before in the same spot

• It happened suddenly — not gradually over weeks or months

• Rods couldn’t clear it fully

When You Might Need a CCTV Drain Survey

A survey is about diagnosing.
We feed a small camera through your drain system and record what’s happening below ground.

This helps us spot:

• Cracks or collapsed pipes

• Root ingress

• Displaced joints or misaligned pipework

• Poor drainage layout

• Repeated problem points

You’ll usually need a survey if:

• The blockage keeps coming back

• Jetting hasn’t fixed it

• There’s water pooling or damp in unusual areas

• You’re buying or selling a property

• There’s uncertainty over responsibility (especially in shared drains)

Can You Do Both?

Absolutely — and often we do.
If we’re called to a site where the blockage is severe or the system is poorly laid out, we’ll jet to clear it then survey to confirm everything’s structurally sound.

It’s especially important when:

• You're investing in repairs

• You’re managing a commercial or rental property

• The drains haven’t been maintained in years

What’s the Cost?

Typical costs in Exeter and surrounding areas:

• Drain jetting: £150-300 for most domestic jobs

• CCTV survey with report: £150–£250 depending on system size

• Combo packages available if you need both — we always estimate up front

Final Word from EPM

If your drains are slow, smelly or unpredictable — don’t wait for a total backup.
We’ll help you figure out quickly whether jetting or a CCTV survey is right — no pressure, no guesswork, and no mess left behind.