When it comes to clearing blocked drains, there are two main methods: traditional drain rods and modern high-pressure water jetting. Each has its place, but understanding the differences can help you choose the right solution for your problem.
Traditional Drain Rods
Drain rods have been used for over a century. They consist of flexible rods that screw together, with various attachments for breaking up blockages.
How They Work
The rods are inserted into the drain and pushed towards the blockage. By rotating and pushing, the operator attempts to break up or dislodge whatever is causing the problem.
Advantages of Drain Rods
- **Low cost**: Rods are inexpensive and widely available
- **Simple operation**: Basic training is sufficient
- **No power needed**: Can be used anywhere
- **Good for simple blockages**: Effective against loose debris and minor buildup
Limitations of Drain Rods
- **Limited reach**: Typically effective up to about 15 metres
- **Can't remove all debris**: May push material further into the pipe
- **Risk of damage**: Inexperienced users can crack pipes
- **Time-consuming**: Clearing tough blockages takes considerable effort
- **Incomplete cleaning**: Doesn't clean pipe walls
High-Pressure Water Jetting
Professional drain jetting uses specialised equipment to blast water through pipes at extremely high pressure (up to 4,000 PSI or more).
How It Works
A flexible hose with a specialised nozzle is inserted into the drain. Water is pumped through at high pressure, with jets pointing both forward (to cut through blockages) and backward (to pull the hose through and flush debris back towards the access point).
Advantages of Jetting
- **Complete blockage removal**: Breaks up and removes all debris
- **Cleans pipe walls**: Removes grease, scale, and buildup
- **Long reach**: Can clear pipes over 100 metres away
- **Fast and efficient**: Most blockages cleared in minutes
- **Preventative**: Regular jetting prevents future blockages
- **Safe for pipes**: When used correctly, won't damage modern pipes
Limitations of Jetting
- **Requires professional equipment**: Not a DIY solution
- **Water supply needed**: Requires access to significant water volume
- **Higher cost**: More expensive than basic rodding
- **Not suitable for damaged pipes**: Can worsen existing cracks
When to Use Each Method
Use Drain Rods For:
- Simple, accessible blockages
- Blockages you can see from the access point
- Situations where professional help isn't immediately available
- Very minor slow drainage
Use Professional Jetting For:
- Stubborn or recurring blockages
- Fat and grease buildup
- Tree root ingress
- Complete blockages
- Preventative maintenance
- Commercial properties
- Any blockage that rods can't clear
Why Professionals Prefer Jetting
At Blocked Drains Manchester, we use high-pressure jetting as our primary clearing method because:
- **It's more effective**: Jetting clears blockages that rods simply can't
- **It's faster**: What might take hours with rods takes minutes with jetting
- **It's thorough**: The pipes are cleaned, not just unblocked
- **It lasts longer**: Clean pipes are less likely to block again soon
- **It's diagnostic**: Water flow patterns help identify other issues
The Professional Approach
When you call us for a blocked drain in Manchester, we typically:
- Assess the problem and access points
- Use CCTV to locate and identify the blockage (if needed)
- Select the appropriate jetting nozzle for the situation
- Clear the blockage with high-pressure water
- Verify the pipe is clear with another camera inspection
- Provide advice on preventing future blockages
Cost Comparison
While DIY drain rods might seem cheaper initially, consider:
- Rods may not solve the problem, requiring professional help anyway
- Incomplete clearing leads to recurring blockages
- Pipe damage from improper rodding can cost thousands to repair
- Professional jetting provides a lasting solution
For reliable drain clearing across Manchester, call Blocked Drains Manchester on 0333 880 2296.