Blocked sink? Overflowing gully? Bad smells from your bathroom or garden?
If you’re searching for drain cleaning in Southampton, Drains24 offers fast, affordable, and fully insured solutions.
With over 28 years of experience, our local engineers are trained to handle everything from domestic blockages to complex commercial drain cleaning — all with no call-out fees and guaranteed work.
🧰 Types of Drain Cleaning Services We Offer
Drain problems vary — and so should the solution. Here’s an overview of our most effective drain cleaning procedures depending on the issue:
✅ High-Pressure Water Jetting
High-pressure water jetting is the most widely used and effective method of drain cleaning. It involves forcing water through flexible hoses and nozzles at extremely high pressure to blast through blockages, flush away debris, and restore flow throughout the system.
This technique is ideal for removing:
- Fat and grease buildup (common in kitchens)
- Silt, scale, and mineral deposits
- Sludge, food waste, and sanitary items
Jetting is suitable for both residential and commercial systems and works particularly well in long pipe runs. It’s fast, non-invasive, and eco-friendly — using only water.
Best for: Blocked drains in Southampton homes and restaurants, regular maintenance, and post-build cleanouts.
✅ Mechanical Rodding
Mechanical drain rodding is a traditional but reliable technique that uses flexible steel rods manually fed into the pipe to break up and push out blockages. It’s especially useful where jetting access is restricted — such as small access points or tight bends in older pipework.
Rodding is often the first response to:
- Paper and wet wipe blockages
- Localised clogs in short pipe sections
- Early-stage obstructions before full pipe buildup
Though not as thorough as jetting, it’s quick, affordable, and effective for surface-level issues.
Best for: Emergency blockages in toilets, sinks, or garden drains — particularly in older homes around Southampton.
✅ Electro-Mechanical Cleaning
This method involves a motorised cable with a rotating cutting head, designed to scrub internal pipe walls clean. It’s ideal for internal waste pipes in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements where water jetting isn’t feasible.
The cutter slices through:
- Hair clumps
- Food residue
- Grease rings
- Soap scum
The rotating action not only clears blockages but also cleans the internal diameter of the pipe, helping to prevent future issues.
Best for: Interior pipework maintenance, unblocking tight waste pipes, and safely cleaning plastic or narrow systems.
✅ Descaling
Descaling is essential in hard water areas like much of the South of England, including Southampton. Over time, limescale and mineral deposits can narrow the diameter of your pipes, restricting flow and increasing the chance of full blockage.
We use specialist rotary nozzles and abrasive attachments to:
- Remove hardened scale
- Restore full pipe capacity
- Improve water flow and efficiency
Descaling is often recommended as part of long-term maintenance and is especially important in cast iron, clay, or old metal pipework.
Best for: Households with hard water, older drainage systems, or poor flow even after unblocking.
✅ Root Cutting
Tree roots are a major cause of blocked drains in Southampton, especially in older clay or jointed pipe systems. Roots seek moisture and grow through tiny cracks or faulty joints, eventually filling the pipe entirely.
We use high-speed rotating root cutters to:
- Cut and remove invading roots
- Clear the pipe to its full diameter
- Prevent further intrusion (with follow-up lining if needed)
Combined with CCTV inspection, this method is critical for long-term protection against major structural damage.
Best for: Homes with mature trees nearby, persistent outdoor blockages, or evidence of cracked pipework.
✅ Enzyme & Chemical Treatment (Maintenance Only)
For preventative maintenance, we may recommend the use of enzyme-based drain treatments that naturally break down organic matter over time. These treatments are eco-friendly and safe for septic systems, ideal for:
- Keeping low-use drains clear
- Minimising odours
- Slowing fat and soap build-up
⚠️ Note: These treatments are not suitable for major blockages or emergency use. They are best used on a monthly basis after mechanical cleaning.
Best for: Commercial kitchens, landlords maintaining multiple units, and properties with history of minor blockages.
📊 Drain Cleaning Methods Comparison Chart
| Cleaning Method | Best For | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jetting | Grease, silt, sludge, scale | Powerful, fast, non-invasive | Needs water access, less effective on roots |
| Rodding | Paper blockages, localised clogs | Quick setup, great for short pipes | Limited reach, can be labour-intensive |
| Electro-Mechanical | Internal pipes, food/fat, hair | Compact, safe for indoor use | Not suited to long pipe runs |
| Descaling | Mineral build-up, poor flow | Restores pipe diameter, improves drainage | Requires full CCTV and rotary head access |
| Root Cutting | Root ingress, blockages in clay pipes | Solves root issues without digging | CCTV and post-treatment lining may be needed |
| Enzyme Treatment | Regular maintenance, organic build-up | Low-cost, eco-friendly maintenance | Not suitable for urgent or heavy blockages |
🎥 Drain CCTV Surveys in Southampton
Unsure what’s causing the problem? Before cleaning, we often recommend a CCTV drain inspection to assess:
- Location of the blockage
- Pipe condition and material
- Root ingress or cracks
- Misaligned joints or collapsed sections
We’ll provide you with a full HD video and written report — perfect for insurance claims or peace of mind before buying a property.
🛠 Drain Cleaning for Homes, Businesses & Landlords
We work with:
- 🏠 Homeowners with blocked toilets, sinks, or slow drains
- 🧱 Landlords managing HMO drainage issues
- 🏨 Hospitality & commercial kitchens dealing with fat, oil & grease (FOG) build-up
- 🏗 Builders and property managers needing surveys or cleaning before handover
All drainage cleaning work is done using the latest equipment, and backed by full insurance and written guarantees.
📞 Book Drain Cleaning in Southampton Today
Whether it’s an emergency or routine cleaning, Drains24 is your trusted local partner for all drainage in Southampton.
✅ No call-out fees
✅ Free quotes
✅ Guaranteed results
✅ Emergency response available