When it counts as an emergency
- A drain that is fully blocked and backing up
- Grease blocking a business kitchen drain during opening hours
- Silt or debris filling an outside drain after heavy rain
Drain Jetting: what the job involves
Drain jetting cleans the inside of a pipe with a high-pressure jet of water. A hose with a special nozzle travels up the drain and scours the pipe walls. It shifts grease, silt, scale and roots that rods tend to leave behind. As a result, the pipe runs closer to its full size again.
The engineer sets the pressure to suit your pipes. For example, old clay drains need a gentler setting than modern plastic ones. Many engineers run a camera first, because it shows whether the pipe is sound enough to jet. The Water Jetting Association publishes a code of practice for this kind of work.
Jetting suits drains that block again and again, and busy kitchens that build up grease. It also helps before a camera survey, since a clean pipe gives a clearer picture. However, it cannot fix a cracked or collapsed pipe. In that case, the engineer explains the repair options instead.
What to do while you wait
- Stop pouring fat or oil down any sink
- Keep the area around your manhole clear so the jetter hose can reach
- Tell us if the drain has blocked before, and how often
How the request works
- 1
Send your request
Use the form with your postcode and a short note about the problem. Photos help if you can add them later. - 2
A local engineer contacts you
We pass your request to an engineer who covers your area. They call or email you to agree a time. - 3
Check the pipe
The engineer checks the pipe type and, where needed, runs a camera first. They then pick the right nozzle and pressure. - 4
Jet and verify
They jet the pipe from the manhole up the run. Finally, they test the flow and show you the result.
Typical drain jetting costs
UK price guides put domestic drain jetting at about £70 to £175 (MyJobQuote and Fantastic Services, 2026). Long runs, heavy grease or commercial drains cost more. A camera check before or after adds to the price. These are typical ranges, and you can ask your engineer for a price first.
Drain Jetting services we cover
Drain Jetting: frequently asked questions
Is drain jetting safe for old pipes?
Yes, as long as the engineer sets the pressure to suit the pipe. Older clay pipes need a gentler setting than modern plastic ones. Many engineers run a camera first, because it shows whether the pipe is sound.
How often do drains need jetting?
Most homes only need jetting when a drain starts to run slowly. However, busy kitchens and homes with trees near the drains may need it every year. Your engineer can suggest a sensible gap after the first clean.
How much does drain jetting cost?
UK price guides put domestic drain jetting at about £70 to £175 (MyJobQuote and Fantastic Services, 2026). Long runs or heavy grease cost more. These are typical ranges, and you can ask your engineer for a price first.
How do I request help?
Fill in the short form on any page with your postcode and a note about the problem. We pass your request to a local engineer, who contacts you to agree a time. Because we have no phone line, the form is the fastest way to reach us.
Can I send a request at night or at the weekend?
Yes, the form stays open 24/7, including bank holidays. Mark your request as urgent if water is still escaping. The engineer then knows to treat it as an emergency.
Is the quote free?
Yes, the quote request is free and there is no obligation to go ahead. You can ask the engineer to talk you through the likely cost before they start. However, if the job changes once they can see it, they tell you before doing more.
Further reading
Not sure if you need jetting or rods? Read drain jetting vs drain rods for a simple comparison. Our guide on preventing kitchen drain blockages explains how to keep grease out of the pipe. For a quick clear of a single blockage, see drain unblocking.
Helpful guides
Drain Services
Drain Jetting vs Drain Rods: Which Method Is Best?
Rods or jetting? We compare both methods, what the Water Jetting Association's code of practice covers, and why professionals reach for high-pressure water first. Drain MaintenanceHow to Prevent Blocked Kitchen Drains: A Complete Guide
Kitchen drains block more than any other in the house. Learn the daily habits that prevent it, what Thames Water's 100-tonne fatberg tells us, and when to call a professional.Related services
Drain Jetting by town
Drain Jetting in WolverhamptonDrain Jetting in WalsallDrain Jetting in DudleyDrain Jetting in BilstonDrain Jetting in WednesfieldDrain Jetting in WillenhallDrain Jetting in TettenhallDrain Jetting in CodsallDrain Jetting in Cannock