How High Pressure Jetting Works: Explained by Aquablast Drains in Bath

Serving Bath and the South West, Aquablast Drain Services brings expert high-pressure jetting solutions — here’s how the technology works, why it outperforms alternatives, and when you should call the pros.

Introduction

Blocked drains, sluggish sewage lines, root intrusions, and grease buildup are among the most frustrating plumbing problems for homeowners and businesses alike. At Aquablast Drain Services Ltd, we tackle precisely these challenges using high pressure jetting — one of the most effective, environmentally friendly, and long-lasting drain-cleaning technologies available.

In this article, we demystify high pressure jetting: how the process works, the benefits, safety considerations, and why Aquablast is the right choice to carry it out in Bath (and across the South West).

Drainage Experts Aquablast have a large team of engineers on-call 24/7

What Is High Pressure Jetting?

Often also called hydro-jetting or water jetting, high pressure jetting is a professional method for clearing and cleaning drainage pipes using pressurised water. A specialised jetting machine propels water at extremely high pressure through flexible hoses and nozzles, scouring the full interior surface of a pipe to dislodge and flush away blockages, scale, roots, sludge, and debris.

Unlike simpler methods (snaking, rods, chemical cleaners), jetting doesn’t just punch through a blockage — it cleans the entire pipe cross-section, restoring full flow and helping prevent future build-up.

The High Pressure Jetting Process: Step by Step

Here’s how we (at Aquablast) carry out a professional jetting job in Bath or your local area:

Stage	What Happens	Why It Matters
1. Pre‑inspection & diagnosis	We insert a CCTV drain camera to inspect the interior of your drainage line, locate blockages or weak points, and assess the pipe material.	This ensures we understand the situation accurately — what is causing the problem, and whether the pipe can safely handle jetting.
2. Access & setup	We open an existing cleanout or manhole, safely position our jetter van or trolley, and deploy the high pressure hose.	Proper access ensures that we can insert the hose without causing damage or undue strain.
3. Nozzle selection & calibration	Based on the blockage type, pipe diameter, and material, we choose suitable nozzles (e.g. root-cutting, chisel, or 360° cleaning nozzles) and set the pressure (PSI) and flow (GPM).	The correct nozzle and pressure combination is essential — too much force can damage pipes, too little won’t clear the residue.
4. Forward jet / breaking through	The hose advances down the pipe, and a forward-facing jet helps punch through the blockage.	This creates a path through tough obstacles like compacted debris or roots.
5. 360° scrubbing & flushing	Rear-facing jets then sweep the pipe walls in a full circle (360°), dislodging grease, scale, sludge, sediment, and small roots, while downstream flow carries it away.	This ensures the pipe is not just open, but truly clean along its full interior surface.
6. Monitoring & control	Throughout the process, operators monitor pressure gauges, hose behavior, and water flow to avoid damage and adapt as needed.	This level of control prevents over-pressurising fragile sections or causing backflow.
7. Final CCTV inspection	Once jetting is complete, we run the camera again to confirm full removal of debris, check for any damage, and ensure everything is clean.	This gives proof of job quality and flags any needed follow-up.

A typical residential job may take 30 to 90 minutes, depending on pipe length, severity of blockage, and accessibility.

What High Pressure Jetting Can Remove

High pressure jetting is remarkably versatile. It can tackle:

• Grease, fat, oils and sticky residue (common in kitchens)

• Scale, mineral buildup, rust, and corrosion inside pipes

• Soft blockages: hair, paper, food waste, sludge, debris

• Light tree roots and root intrusions (especially with root‑cutting nozzles)

• Sand, silt, and sediment accumulation over time

However, extremely hard obstructions (e.g., solid concrete debris, collapsed pipes) may require mechanical excavation or pipe replacement in addition to jetting. Pre-inspection helps us identify those conditions.

Benefits of High Pressure Jetting vs Traditional Methods

1. Comprehensive Cleaning (360°)

Unlike snaking, which often just clears a narrow path, jetting scrubs the entire pipe circumference. This reduces remaining residue and lowers the chance of recurring blockages.

2. Eco‑friendly & Chemical‑free

Jetting uses only water — no harsh chemicals or environmentally harmful agents. That’s safer for your plumbing, soil, and local drainage systems.

3. Efficient & Time-saving

Many jobs are completed in under two hours. Because jetting clears debris more thoroughly, there’s less need for repeat visits.

4. Prevents Future Blockages

By removing buildup before it hardens or nurtures root growth, jetting helps prolong intervals between maintenance.

5. Versatility & Range

Jetting can be used in domestic, commercial, and even municipal systems, on many pipe sizes.

Safety, Risks & Pipe Compatibility

While jetting is powerful, it must be used carefully:

• Older, fragile pipes (e.g. brittle clay, cast iron, deteriorated joints) may not withstand full pressure jetting and risk cracking or joint separation.

• Pre-inspection is critical so we can identify weak spots, cracks, sags, or partial collapses. We adjust pressures or avoid sections accordingly.

• Operator expertise matters — equipment must be handled by trained professionals who understand proper calibration, nozzle selection, and hose control.

• Avoiding backflow or flooding: We take measures to manage how dislodged debris flows downstream to prevent backups or overflow.

• Access concerns: In tight or convoluted lines, reaching the blockage safely may require additional planning.

By relying on a trusted company like Aquablast, you mitigate these risks — our engineers have over 25 years’ experience and are local authority approved.

When Should You Use High Pressure Jetting?

You should consider jetting when:

• You have persistent or frequent blockages that resist simple snaking or plunging.

• Your drains are slow or gurgling, even after basic cleaning.

• You smell foul sewage odors or notice soft/soggy ground above drainage lines.

• You plan to rehabilitate or reline pipes — a clean surface is essential for effective lining.

• As preventive maintenance (e.g. every 1–2 years) to preempt buildup, especially in commercial or high-usage systems.

In Bath or the South West, properties with aging drainage systems or in wooded areas often benefit most from routine jetting.

Why Choose Aquablast Drain Services Ltd in Bath (and the South West)

• Local expertise & coverage — Aquablast serves Bath, Bristol, Weston‑super‑Mare, Taunton and beyond.

• Deep experience — Over 20 years in drainage work, including cleaning, relining, CCTV surveys, root cutting and more.

• 24/7 emergency response — You can reach us any time for urgent drain issues.

• Transparent service — Free quotations, fully insured work, clear explanations, and trustworthy reviews (e.g. Checkatrade)

• State-of-the-art equipment — We invest in quality jetting rigs, CCTV gear and drainage technology to deliver reliable results.

When you call Aquablast for high pressure jetting in Bath, you can expect professionalism, safety, and job completion that truly restores your drainage system.

Tips to Maximise Jetting Success & Aftercare

• Avoid pouring fats, oils, greases down drains — these congeal and accelerate buildup.

• Install grease traps or interceptors in kitchens to reduce load on your drains.

• Schedule routine inspection & cleaning (e.g. every 1–2 years for homes; more frequently for commercial).

• After jetting, run clean water to flush residual debris.

• Monitor the system — if slow drainage or gurgling returns, call early rather than letting problems worsen.

Summary & Call to Action

High pressure jetting is a breakthrough in modern drainage cleaning: it restores pipes with powerful, chemical-free water force, delivering superior results compared with traditional snake or chemical methods. But its effectiveness depends on expert execution, proper assessment, and high-quality equipment.

At Aquablast Drain Services Ltd, we bring that expertise and reliability to Bath and the South West. Whether you’re dealing with a recurring blockage or you're planning preventive maintenance, call us today on 0800 097 8255 for a free quotation and professional high pressure jetting service you can trust.

Aquablast Drain Services Ltd is here for you 24/7, with trusted engineers, fast tools, and local knowledge.

📞 Contact Us Today

Aquablast Drain Services Ltd

📍 Serving Bristol and surrounding areas

📞 0800 097 8255

📧 office@aquablastdrains.com

🌐 www.aquablastdrainservices.co.uk