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HOW WE UNBLOCK DRAINS

Our main method for clearing blockages is high-pressure water jetting – a powerful, focused jet of water fed through the drain to break down and flush away whatever’s causing the problem, whether that’s grease, silt, tree roots or general debris. It clears blockages mechanically, without harsh chemicals, and works on domestic, commercial, agricultural and industrial systems alike.

We use jet vac tankers for larger jobs or where debris needs removing as well as flushing through, van jet packs for easier-access domestic work, and drain rodding where access is too tight for jetting equipment, see our Drain Jetting page for more on the equipment itself.

  1. Assess – We identify access points and get a sense of what’s likely causing the blockage.
  2. Jet – High-pressure water clears the obstruction and restores flow.
  3. Check – If we suspect the blockage points to a bigger issue, we can follow up with a CCTV drain survey to see exactly what’s going on and whether any repair is needed.
  4. Advise – If there’s a structural problem, a crack, collapse or root damage, we’ll explain the options and can quote for the repair directly.

For more on the jetting technique itself, including how it’s used for planned, scheduled maintenance rather than just reactive callouts, see our Drain Jetting page.

WHO WE HELP

We unblock drains for:

  • Homeowners dealing with a one-off blocked drain.
  • Commercial kitchens and hospitality sites with grease-related blockages.
  • Holiday parks and sites needing ongoing drainage support.
  • Industrial sites, including tank cleans and specialist equipment needs.
  • Highways and local authority gullies and culverts.
  • Sites wanting a routine drain clean rather than waiting for a full blockage.

DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL & PLANNED MAINTENANCE

We provide drain unblocking to domestic, commercial, agricultural and industrial clients, from a one-off blocked drain at a house, to scheduled jetting for a holiday park, restaurant or site with recurring drainage demands. We also offer service plans for clients who want jetting and drainage maintenance on a regular, set-fee basis rather than dealing with it as one-off emergencies.

We use van pack drain jetters for smaller domestic systems, and have large jet vac tanker lorries for commercial sites.

OUR EQUIPMENT & METHODS

We choose the right equipment for the job rather than using one approach for everything:

  • Jet vac tankers – combination units that jet and vacuum in one pass, ideal for gullies, culverts, silt traps and larger or more heavily blocked systems where debris needs removing as well as flushing through.
  • Van jet packs – smaller, mobile jetting units for easier-access domestic and light commercial jobs where a full tanker isn’t needed.
  • Rodding – a mechanical alternative to jetting, useful for straightforward blockages or where access is too tight for jetting equipment.

Most jobs are cleared with jetting alone, but where a blockage also needs debris removed rather than just flushed through, our jet vac tankers handle both in one visit.

WHY CHOOSE SMIP

  • Fast, reliable response – We get to blockages quickly and clear them efficiently.
  • No harsh chemicals – Jetting clears blockages mechanically, safely and without chemical drain cleaners.
  • One team for jetting and repair – If we find a bigger issue while unblocking, we can quote for survey, repair, lining or replacement, no need for a second contractor.
  • Fully insured – Covered for all work types we carry out.
  • Local coverage – Based on the Wales/England border, covering Wales, Cheshire, Shropshire and Herefordshire as standard, with further travel where required.

DRAIN UNBLOCKING FAQs

What’s the difference between drain unblocking, drain clearance and drain cleaning?

In practice, they describe the same job, clearing a drain using high-pressure water jetting. ‘Unblocking’ is usually used when there’s an active blockage, ‘”‘clearance’ and ‘cleaning’ are sometimes used for the same reactive job, or for a routine clean carried out before a blockage causes a problem. We use the same method either way.

Can I book a routine drain clean rather than waiting for a blockage?

Yes, a routine drain clean is a good way to prevent blockages building up in the first place, particularly for commercial kitchens and sites with recurring problems. Get in touch to discuss a one-off clean or a scheduled plan.

What causes drains to block?

Most commonly grease and fat build-up, silt and debris, tree root ingress, or foreign objects caught in the pipe. Older or damaged pipework can also make blockages more likely to recur in the same spot.

How do you unblock a drain?

Our main method is high-pressure water jetting, which clears blockages without excavation or chemicals. If jetting reveals a structural problem, we’ll advise on next steps.

Will unblocking my drain damage the pipes?

No, properly carried out, high-pressure jetting is safe for standard drainage pipework and is one of the least invasive ways to clear a blockage.

My drain keeps blocking in the same place, what should I do?

Recurring blockages in the same spot often point to a structural issue rather than just debris. We’d recommend a CCTV drain survey alongside unblocking to find out what’s really going on.

Do you offer emergency drain unblocking?

Yes. Get in touch and we’ll do our best to get to you quickly. Call the office team to discuss urgency and timing.

What areas do you cover?

We predominantly cover Wales, Cheshire, Shropshire & Herefordshire, and will travel further afield where required.

GOT A BLOCKED DRAIN?

Get in touch for a fast, reliable drain unblocking quote.

Call the office team
01938 578888

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