Drain and sewage blockages can be an absolute nightmare for homeowners, businesses and local councils in places like Exeter. The necessity for swift action is further emphasised due to the environmental health risks associated with untreated wastewater. Thankfully, a range of innovative techniques for clearing blocked drains have been developed, which not only deal effectively with the immediate issue but also help to avoid future blockage issues. This article will explore some of these techniques.

Perhaps the most well-known technique for clearing blocked drains is the use of a high-pressure water jetting (HPWJ) system. A HPWJ system works by blasting a concentrated stream of water at the blockage, effectively ‘power-washing’ it away. This method is highly effective, as the sheer force of the water is typically enough to break apart even the toughest of blockages. More importantly, as it only utilises water, this technique is environmentally friendly and devoid of any potentially harmful chemicals.

Another increasingly popular strategy is the use of CCTV drain surveys. This involves sending a small camera down the drain to inspect for blockages and damage. This allows for accurate diagnostics without the need for potentially disruptive and expensive excavation works. Once the problem has been identified, an appropriate course of action can then be determined – whether that’s jetting, replacement, or another course of action.

Also adding to the toolkit for clearing blocked drains in Exeter is ‘drain snaking’. This innovative method uses a long flexible metal rod with a spiral of wire at the end to navigate through the pipe’s bends and dislodge blockages. It can even penetrate the toughest and most stubborn blockages with little difficulty. Drain snaking is particularly effective when used in conjunction with high-pressure water jetting, as the rod can dislodge the blockages and the water can flush out the remaining residues.

Augmenting these methods is the emergence of Electro-Mechanical Cleaning. Like blocked drains exeter the drain snaking technique, this method uses a metal rod to penetrate blockages. However, it goes one step further by employing a rotating head at the end of the rod. This head uses metal cutters, blades, and chains to effectively trim and remove tree roots, which are a common cause of blocked drains.

In recent years, the practice of using chemicals to clear blocked drains has been increasingly scrutinised due to their potential to harm the environment and the drainage systems. As a result, using enzyme-based drain cleaners is becoming more prevalent. These cleaners utilise a combination of natural bacteria and enzymes to break down the blockages. They are much more environmentally friendly and just as effective as their chemical counterparts in dealing with blockages caused by organic materials such as grease, soap, hair, and food waste.

While these techniques are certainly effective, the best way to deal with blocked drains is undoubtedly prevention. Regular maintenance of your drainage system is crucial in ensuring the smooth flow of your pipes. This includes things like regularly checking your drains with CCTV surveys and using an appropriate enzyme-based cleaner.

To conclude, dealing with blocked drains in Exeter has been made significantly easier with the advent of these innovative techniques. By combining traditional methods with newer technologies, we can effectively manage the problem of blocked drains, limit the impact on the environment, and ensure a healthier and cleaner Exeter.