How Can I Tell If My Blocked Drain Needs More Than Just Jetting?

Blocked Drains

Blocked drains are a nuisance that no homeowner or business on the South Coast wants to deal with. From foul odours in the kitchen to water backing up in the bathroom, it’s a problem that can quickly turn from inconvenient to disruptive.

One of the most common solutions people think of is jetting. Drain jetting, often performed using a porta reel, is an effective way of clearing out blockages caused by grease, food, hair, or general waste. But what if jetting isn’t enough? How do you know when your blocked drains in Bournemouth, Southampton, Poole, Guildford, or elsewhere need a more advanced solution?

This guide from Pro Drainage Group (Prodrain/Prodrains) will explain exactly that — helping you recognise when jetting will do the trick, and when you need professional drainage services such as a CCTV drain survey in Swindon, relining, or even excavation.

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What Is Jetting — and When Does It Work?

Drain jetting involves blasting water at high pressure into your pipes to clear debris and blockages. A porta reel is a specialised piece of equipment that allows engineers to guide the jetting hose deep into the drain. This makes it excellent for:

Clearing out grease and fat build-up in kitchen pipes
Removing soap scum and hair from bathroom drains
Washing away silt and leaves from outdoor drains
Quickly unblocking simple, non-structural blockages

If your drains have been working fine up until recently and the blockage is a one-off, jetting is often enough to get things flowing again.

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Signs That Jetting May Not Be Enough

While jetting is a powerful and effective tool, it isn’t a magic solution for every drainage problem. Some blocked drains in Bournemouth, Southampton, Poole, or Guildford require more detailed attention. Here are the red flags to watch for:

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Recurring Blockages

If you’ve had your drain jetted but the problem returns within weeks or months, it’s a sign of a deeper issue. Repeated blockages often mean there’s a structural problem, such as cracked or collapsed pipes.

Slow Drainage Despite Jetting

After jetting, water should flow freely. If sinks, toilets, or showers are still draining slowly, there may be damage or intrusion (like tree roots) preventing water from passing.

Persistent Bad Odours

Foul smells coming from your drains can indicate waste is trapped in areas jetting cannot reach. In some cases, broken pipes underground can allow sewage to leak out, causing smells around your property.

Flooding or Overflowing

If water continues to back up even after jetting, your drains may be blocked further down or structurally damaged.

What Services Go Beyond Jetting?

When jetting doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time to consider advanced drainage solutions. At Pro Drainage Group, we offer a range of professional services across the South Coast and surrounding towns to tackle even the most stubborn drainage issues.

1. CCTV Drain Surveys

If your drain is blocked in Bournemouth, Southampton, Poole, Guildford, or even further afield like Swindon, a CCTV drain survey is the gold standard for diagnosis. Using high-definition cameras, engineers can see exactly what’s causing the blockage. This helps determine whether jetting will work, or if repair or replacement is needed.

2. Drain Relining

If a drain is cracked but not fully collapsed, relining may be the best solution. This process involves inserting a resin lining into the pipe, which hardens and essentially creates a new pipe within the old one. It’s less invasive than excavation and can prevent recurring blockages.

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Why Professional Assessment Matters

Trying to solve persistent drainage problems without professional help can be frustrating and costly. DIY jetting machines available to hire don’t compare to the power of professional porta reels, and they can’t diagnose hidden issues.

Choosing a blocked drain company like Pro Drainage Group (Prodrain/Prodrains) ensures:

Proper diagnosis using CCTV technology
Tailored solutions for your exact problem
Prevention of long-term damage to your property
Peace of mind knowing your drainage system is safe and functional

Whether it’s blocked drains in Southampton, blocked drains Poole, or blocked drains Guildford, our engineers have seen it all and can quickly recommend the best course of action.

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How do I know if my blocked drain in Bournemouth needs more than jetting?

If your blocked drain in Bournemouth keeps coming back after jetting, drains slowly even after treatment, or produces strong smells, it likely requires a CCTV survey to check for structural issues.

Is jetting safe for all types of drains?

Generally yes, but older or fragile pipes may suffer damage if jetting is done incorrectly. That’s why using a professional team with proper equipment like a porta reel is essential.

How often should septic tanks in Andover be emptied?

Most septic tanks need emptying every 12–18 months. If left too long, blockages and overflows can occur, requiring more than a simple emptying.

What’s the difference between jetting and a CCTV drain survey in Swindon or other areas?

Jetting clears blockages, while a CCTV drain survey diagnoses the cause of blockages. The two often go hand in hand, but if problems persist, the survey is crucial.

Final Thoughts

While drain jetting is a highly effective solution for many blockages, it isn’t always enough. Recognising the signs of a deeper issue is key to preventing ongoing problems. If you notice recurring blockages, bad odours, or drainage that doesn’t improve after jetting, it’s time to call in the experts.

At Pro Drainage Group (Prodrain/Prodrains), we’re more than just a blocked drain company. We provide comprehensive drainage services across the South Coast, including blocked drains in Bournemouth, Southampton, Poole, Guildford, and Swindon, as well as septic tank emptying in Andover.

Don’t let a blocked drain disrupt your home or business. Contact Pro Drainage Group today for fast, reliable, and professional drainage solutions.

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