What to Expect From a Drain Jetting Service
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:
Initial inspection – We’ll identify the affected area and check if jetting is the right solution (sometimes we use CCTV to confirm).
Access points opened – Wherever we can (manholes, gulleys, rodding eyes).
Jetting starts – We feed the hose in gradually, adjusting the pressure based on the pipe type and blockage severity.
Multiple passes – We often do several sweeps to ensure a thorough clean.
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.”
