Signs your drains need jetting: when to call a professional

Blocked or slow drains can start as a minor annoyance, but can quickly escalate into serious plumbing issues if you don’t take action. Drain jetting solutions effectively restore a clear, free-flowing pipework. But do you know the early warning signs drains need jetting? It can save you time, money and hassle later on.

How to tell if drains need jetting

Early indicators of drains needing jetting are slow-draining sinks, a slow-running bath or toilets taking longer to clear. These can suggest narrowing inside the pipes due to grease, scale or foreign matter.

Another sign is unusual noises. Gurgling drain sounds point to trapped air pockets caused by partial obstructions. If you’re hearing these noises after flushing or running taps, jetting may be the answer.

Don’t ignore unpleasant sensory changes either—foul odours inside the home or outside near your drains frequently mean organic waste is building up, and high-pressure jetting is the most efficient way to clear it.

Common drain jetting indicators

Water pooling outdoors, puddles around drains, unpleasant drain smells or wet patches on floors can all indicate hidden blockages inside pipes. These symptoms may appear long before water stops draining entirely. More severe indicators include overflowing sewage systems, toilet flush problems and backflow in the plumbing, showing that waste water has nowhere else to go.

Jetting is also recommended when you notice concrete surface cracking near drainage lines, as high underground pressure from blocked pipes can affect surrounding structures. External signs of drain damage or evidence of blockage in downpipes are further reasons to act quickly.

If you’re needing frequent plumbing repairs, this can point to a deeper obstruction that jetting can remove more effectively than repeated quick fixes.

Symptoms of clogged drains

Common drain blocking signs can reveal themselves more subtly. For example, you may see discoloured water flow, mould growth near drains or intermittent changes in pressure.

Some issues originate outside the home, such as root intrusions, pipe corrosion and hidden leaks, which are common findings during CCTV surveys and require jetting as part of the solution.

During heavy weather, strong rainwater backup can expose underlying blockages in storm drains. If you’re relying on temporary or improper drainage solutions, these symptoms will continue until the pipes are professionally cleared.

When to use drain jetting

Drain jetting is suitable when pipes are blocked by grease, silt, scale, food waste, intrusive roots or mineral deposits. It’s also recommended as part of a proactive drain maintenancechecklist, especially for older systems, commercial sites or homes exposed to high usage.

If you’re considering drainage system upgrades, jetting provides a clean base before installing new components. Frequent pipe cleaning helps prevent minor issues from developing into full structural problems.

Jetting is also advised if you’re planning larger repairs, as it gives technicians a clear view during a CCTV survey of what’s happening inside the pipes.