Drain jetting vs rodding — which do you need?

Drain rodding uses rigid fibreglass rods screwed together and pushed into the drain to physically break up or push blockages. It's effective for solid blockages (roots, accumulated debris) in large-diameter underground drains.

High-pressure jetting (water jetting) uses a hose delivering water at 80–120 bar pressure to cut through grease, scale, and root intrusions while flushing debris downstream. It's more thorough than rodding and leaves the pipe clean.

For above-ground blockages (under sinks, in waste pipes): a plunger, U-bend clean, or drain snake are almost always sufficient. Save rodding and jetting for underground drains.

For underground blocked drains: rodding is cheaper (£60–£120) and usually sufficient for straightforward solid blockages. Jetting is more expensive (£100–£300) but recommended for heavily grease-lined pipes or root intrusion.

Signs you need professional drain clearance rather than DIY: multiple fixtures blocking simultaneously, gurgling sounds from other drains when one is used, sewage smells in the garden, or drain cover lifting.

CCTV drain survey (£200–£400) is worth considering if blockages recur or if you are buying a property. It shows the exact condition of the pipes and identifies root infiltration, pipe collapse, or misalignment.

Check who is responsible: if the blocked drain is inside your property boundary, it is your responsibility. If it's a shared drain or in the road, it is the water company's responsibility (report to them, not a private company).