Blocked drains can quickly become a frustrating problem for homeowners and businesses. Whether you’ve noticed slow drainage, unpleasant smells or water backing up, getting the issue sorted early can help prevent further drainage problems.
At South Auckland Plumbing, we provide professional drainage services to help customers deal with blocked and troublesome drains across South Auckland and surrounding areas.
Two common solutions are drain unblocking and hydro jetting, but they’re not the same.
So, what’s the difference, and which option might be right for your property?
What Is Drain Unblocking?
Drain unblocking involves removing an obstruction that’s stopping water from flowing properly through a drainage pipe.
At South Auckland Plumbing, our team can assess the blockage and determine the most appropriate way to clear it.
Common causes of blocked drains include:
- Hair and soap build-up
- Food scraps
- Grease and fat
- Excess toilet paper
- Foreign objects
- Tree roots
- Dirt and debris
- Build-up inside older pipes
Depending on the cause and location of the blockage, different professional equipment and techniques may be required.
What Is Hydro Jetting?
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clean the inside of drainage pipes.
Rather than simply creating a path through a blockage, hydro jetting can remove accumulated material from the walls of the pipe.
This makes it particularly useful for stubborn blockages and heavy build-up.
South Auckland Plumbing provides drainage solutions including hydro jetting for situations where a more thorough clean of the pipe is required.
Hydro jetting can help remove:
- Grease and fat
- Sludge
- Dirt
- Organic material
- General debris
- Some tree-root intrusion
- Other build-up inside drainage pipes
What Is the Difference Between Drain Unblocking and Hydro Jetting?
The main difference is the way the drainage problem is dealt with.
Drain unblocking focuses on removing the obstruction that’s causing the blockage.
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clear blockages while also cleaning build-up from the inside of the drainage pipe.
Put simply:
Drain unblocking = clearing the blockage.
Hydro jetting = clearing and thoroughly cleaning the pipe.
The right option depends on the cause and condition of your drainage system.
When Does South Auckland Plumbing Use Drain Unblocking?
Drain unblocking may be suitable when you’re dealing with a straightforward blockage.
Signs that you may need professional drain unblocking include:
- Slow-draining sinks
- Blocked showers
- Toilets that aren’t draining properly
- Water backing up
- Overflowing drains
- Gurgling sounds
- Bad smells coming from drains
If the blockage is relatively localised, professional drain unblocking may be enough to restore normal drainage.
However, if your drain continues to block after being cleared, there could be an underlying issue that needs further investigation.
When Is Hydro Jetting More Suitable?
Hydro jetting may be recommended when there is significant build-up inside the drainage pipe.
For example, South Auckland Plumbing may consider hydro jetting when:
- A drain repeatedly becomes blocked
- There is heavy grease or fat build-up
- Sludge has accumulated inside the pipe
- A blockage is particularly stubborn
- Standard drain clearing hasn’t provided a lasting solution
- The drainage pipe needs a more thorough clean
Because hydro jetting cleans the internal walls of the pipe, it can be useful when build-up is contributing to recurring drainage problems.
Can Hydro Jetting Help Prevent Recurring Blockages?
Hydro jetting isn’t a guarantee that a drain won’t block again, but removing build-up from the inside of the pipe can help reduce some of the material that contributes to blockages.
If you regularly need South Auckland Plumbing to unblock the same drain, it may be worth investigating what’s causing the recurring problem.
There could be an issue such as:
- Tree roots
- Damaged pipes
- Heavy internal build-up
- Poor drainage design
- A collapsed pipe
- Incorrect pipe gradients
Finding the underlying cause can help you avoid repeatedly treating the same symptom.
Is Hydro Jetting Safe for Drain Pipes?
Professional hydro jetting can be safe when the appropriate equipment, pressure and technique are used.
However, not every drainage system is in the same condition.
Older, damaged or fragile pipes may need to be assessed before hydro jetting is carried out.
If there are concerns about the condition of your pipes, South Auckland Plumbing can recommend an appropriate approach, which may include further investigation such as a CCTV drain inspection.
What If Your Drain Keeps Blocking?
If your drain has been unblocked several times but continues to cause problems, don’t simply keep treating the blockage.
Repeated blockages can indicate a deeper drainage issue.
South Auckland Plumbing can help investigate potential causes such as tree root intrusion, damaged pipes or significant build-up.
In some situations, a CCTV drain inspection can help identify what’s happening inside the pipe without having to guess where the problem is located.
Which Service Does Your Property Need?
It’s not always possible to determine whether you need drain unblocking or hydro jetting without assessing the drainage problem.
A professional plumber can consider:
- The location of the blockage
- The severity of the blockage
- What is causing the problem
- Whether the drain has blocked before
- The condition of the pipe
- The amount of build-up inside the pipe
For a straightforward blockage, drain unblocking from South Auckland Plumbing may be all that’s required.
For stubborn blockages or significant internal build-up, hydro jetting may provide a more thorough clean.
Why Choose South Auckland Plumbing?
South Auckland Plumbing provides professional plumbing and drainage services throughout South Auckland and surrounding areas.
Our team can assist with a range of drainage problems, including:
- Drain unblocking
- Hydro jetting
- CCTV drain inspections
- Drainage repairs
- Residential drainage services
- Other plumbing and drainage issues
We focus on identifying the problem and recommending an appropriate solution rather than simply clearing the immediate symptoms.
If you’re dealing with a blocked or slow-draining pipe, South Auckland Plumbing can assess the issue and help determine the best way forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hydro jetting better than drain unblocking?
Not necessarily. Both services have different purposes. Drain unblocking is suitable for clearing many common blockages, while hydro jetting is particularly useful for stubborn blockages and significant build-up inside drainage pipes.
How much does drain unblocking cost in South Auckland?
The cost depends on the location and severity of the blockage, access to the drainage system, equipment required and the time involved. South Auckland Plumbing can assess your drainage issue and provide advice based on your specific situation.
How much does hydro jetting cost in Auckland?
Hydro jetting costs vary depending on the drainage system, the severity of the blockage and how much cleaning is required. South Auckland Plumbing can assess the problem and determine what work is needed.
Can hydro jetting remove tree roots?
Hydro jetting can help clear some tree-root intrusion from drainage pipes. However, if the roots have caused structural damage to the pipe, further drainage repairs may be required.
How do I know if I need hydro jetting?
If your drain keeps blocking, has significant internal build-up or repeatedly becomes blocked after being cleared, hydro jetting may be worth considering. South Auckland Plumbing can assess the problem and recommend a suitable drainage solution.
Need Professional Drainage Services?
Don’t let a blocked drain turn into a bigger plumbing problem.
If you’re experiencing blocked drains, slow drainage or recurring drainage issues in South Auckland, contact South Auckland Plumbing for professional help.
From drain unblocking and hydro jetting to CCTV drain inspections and drainage services, our team can help identify the problem and work towards a suitable solution for your property.
Contact South Auckland Plumbing today to discuss your drainage needs.