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Blocked drains don’t just disrupt your day—they can damage your property and cost you more the longer they’re left untreated. But with so many DIY solutions out there (plungers, bicarb and vinegar, drain rods), how do you know when it’s time to call in the pros—and when you might be able to handle it yourself?
In this blog, we’ll break down:
• The difference between drain jetting and DIY fixes
• When it’s safe to try it yourself (and when it’s not)
• Why drain jetting is the gold standard for stubborn or repeat blockages
• How homeowners in Plymouth, Saltash, and Torpoint are using drain jetting to avoid repeat callouts
Whether you’ve just Googled:
“Should I use a jet washer on my blocked drain?” or “Is DIY drain unblocking safe?”
—we’ve got you covered.
What Is Drain Jetting?
Drain jetting is a professional service that uses high-pressure water jets to clear drains. It doesn’t just push blockages along—it strips grease, roots, scale, and debris from the walls of your pipes. Think of it as a power wash for your drainage system.
At Drainblock Services, we use industry-grade jetting equipment that delivers up to 4,000 PSI through flexible hoses, designed to navigate bends and clear tough blockages deep in your system.
What Drain Jetting Removes:
• Grease & fat build-up
• Limescale
• Mud and silt from outside drains
• Tree roots (in combination with mechanical cutting)
• Cement or construction debris from new builds
DIY Drain Unblocking – When It Works
We’re not here to knock DIY solutions—they’re often your first line of defence, especially when the blockage is minor or surface-level.
DIY Tools That Sometimes Work:
• Boiling water (for greasy sinks)
• Bicarb + vinegar (great for slow drains with mild build-up)
• Plunger (useful for toilets and kitchen sinks)
• Drain rods (limited range, but effective in short pipe runs)
• Hand augers (for hair clogs in bathroom drains)
Good for:
• Kitchens where oil has recently gone down the sink
• Bathroom sinks and tubs clogged with hair and soap
• External drains with surface leaf build-up
When DIY Isn’t Enough (And Might Make It Worse)
We’ve seen dozens of Plymouth residents pour everything under the kitchen sink into their drains, only to end up with a much bigger issue. Here’s when DIY fails:
Warning Signs You Need Jetting:
• Water backing up into multiple rooms
• Outside drains overflowing in rain
• Strong smells coming from plugholes
• You’ve used a plunger or chemicals with no success
• Blockage keeps coming back every few weeks
• Rods or augers hit a wall or can’t reach the clog
These signs usually mean there’s a deep blockage, collapsed pipe, or root intrusion—and that’s where jetting outperforms every DIY option.
Drain Jetting vs. DIY: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | DIY Unblocking | Drain Jetting (Pro Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Surface clogs, hair, grease | Deep blockages, roots, limescale |
| Reach | Short range | Full pipe length, around bends |
| Tools Needed | Plunger, rods, soda/vinegar | High-pressure jetting unit |
| Success Rate | Low–Moderate | Very High |
| Cost | Low (initially) | Moderate—but long-term savings |
| Long-Term Effectiveness | Temporary | Clears the full pipe for lasting results |
| Safety | Depends on chemical use | Safe for most modern plumbing systems |
Where Jetting Makes a Difference in Plymouth
We’ve delivered jetting solutions across every corner of the South West. Here’s where we see the biggest wins:
• Tavistock & Yelverton: Roots from mature trees regularly break into clay pipes
• Efford & Estover: Grease-heavy kitchen lines from large family households
• Saltash & Torpoint: Silt build-up in garden and driveway drains from flood-prone areas
• Plymstock & Plympton: Shower and bathroom drains that repeatedly clog with soap and hair
In many cases, these homes had tried multiple DIY options first. Jetting was the only solution that worked—and lasted.
Is Drain Jetting Worth the Cost?
If your drain clogs once a year, DIY might save you some cash. But if you’re dealing with repeat problems, or if the issue escalates to an emergency, the costs add up fast.
One jetting session can:
• Restore full pipe flow
• Prevent future callouts
• Avoid water damage or sanitation risks
• Reveal hidden issues via CCTV (when combined with a survey)
We offer flat-rate jetting in Plymouth, and we never upcharge for local jobs—even in hard-to-reach areas like Mannamead, Whitleigh, or Lipson.
How Often Should You Jet Your Drains?
Most domestic properties only need drain jetting once every 12–24 months—especially if:
• You cook frequently
• You live in an older home
• Your property is surrounded by trees
• You’ve had issues before
Landlords in Plymouth: Booking jetting between tenants helps prevent deposit disputes and maintenance issues.
FAQs – Answering Plymouth’s Most Searched Drain Questions
You can, but domestic models lack the power and hose length to be truly effective. Improper use can also cause pipe damage.
Full pipe jet, camera check (on request), and expert advice on prevention. You only pay for the work—no upsells.
Yes—we’re available day and night for emergencies across Plymouth, Saltash, Tavistock and more.
Most residential jobs are complete within 60–90 minutes.
When You’re Done Unblocking and Ready to Fix It For Good…
At Drainblock Services, we’ve helped hundreds of local residents ditch the plunger and experience the relief of a truly clear, free-flowing drainage system.
- No callout charges
- Same day bookings
- Jetting, CCTV & repair bundles
- Honest advice, even if you don’t need us (yet)
Get drains flowing again—without the drama
Drain Unblocking