Different drains are made from various materials, each with its own maintenance needs. But how can you tell if your drain is blocked, and once you’ve identified the issue, how do you decide between drain jetting or drain rodding?
What is Drain Jetting?
Drain jetting involves using a high-pressure stream of water, delivered through a hose, to remove dirt, clogs, limescale, and even tree roots from inside your drains. This method is typically used after the cause of the blockage has been identified, often with the help of CCTV imaging. In an earlier blog post, we broke down the benefits of water jetting for drain unblocking that highlights why jetting can save your drains from the most stubborn blockages.
What is Drain Rodding?
Drain rodding, in contrast, uses a long, flexible metal rod to break up clogs and push them out of the drains. This technique is especially useful when drains have overflowed, or when CCTV cameras cannot be used due to the blockage. One advantage of rodding over jetting is that it doesn’t require specialised equipment, such as a van with a water supply, which might be difficult to access in certain locations.
The difference between drain jetting and rodding is that the use of a rod will not clean the pipes as thoroughly as a jet will. If your goal is to clean your drains rather than just unblock them, regular jetting can make your drains less prone to future blockages. However, the age and fragility of the drain should be considered, as high-pressure jetting might cause damage to older or more delicate pipes. Ultimately, the decision to use jetting or rodding should be made by a drainage professional, based on the specific circumstances.
For sewer blockages, there are a few reasons to opt for jetting over rodding. Blockages in sewers can be caused by the accumulation of fats, grease, and sludge more so than hard objects. Drain efficiency can be maximised in sewers by keeping the pipes as clear as possible with regular high pressure drain cleaning. On the other hand, rodding in sewers could potentially create more of a mess, which could be problematic if the sewer system needs to be cleaned quickly.
At the end of the day, a lot of domestic residents or companies looking for commercial drain jetting are not privy to the inner workings of their drain system, and the only way to truly know whether to opt for jetting or rodding is for trained operatives liker Grey-Water Drainage Solutions to offer their expert advice. If you suspect your drains may be blocked and need advice or a callout, contact us today and we can get your drains flowing again.
