Commercial drain jetting cleans the drains of shops, cafes, restaurants, offices and other premises. Fat from busy kitchens can build up in these drains, so jetting is a common way to clear it.
Fat thickens as it cools. When it combines with other waste in the sewer, it forms blockages and fatbergs. Food businesses therefore need regular drain cleaning.
If you have a grease trap, ask how the engineer will deal with the kitchen waste lines and the trap. A jetter can clear the lines, but a full trap may need emptying first. Ask what the quote covers, since trap work is often separate.
Ask when the engineer can do the work, because early mornings, evenings and weekends suit many food businesses. Ask whether the water supply needs turning off, and ask for a dated note of the work for your records.
The engineer looks at the access points, pipe runs and problem areas. In a kitchen, the grease trap and waste lines get most of the attention, since fat collects there.
The jetter, nozzles and pressure should suit the pipe material and the type of deposit. Ask which nozzles the engineer plans to use, because grease needs a different one from roots.
The engineer cleans the lines one section at a time, usually working back towards the main sewer connection. Grease needs a different nozzle from roots or scale, so the tool may change on the way.
Ask for a dated note of what the engineer cleaned and found, because it helps next time. If you want regular visits, agree the gap between them.
Prices vary because drainage systems differ in size and in how much has built up. A regular schedule may change the price per visit, so ask about both one-off and regular work.
Ask for a written quote before work starts, since large systems are hard to price by phone. Ask whether there is a call-out charge, and ask whether the quote needs a site visit first.
There is no single answer, because use differs a lot. Kitchens that handle a lot of fat need cleaning more often than offices. Ask the engineer to suggest a gap after they have seen your drains.
Ask when you send your request. You can ask for a time that suits your business, such as early morning, evening or a weekend. Ask the engineer what the work will need, such as water or access.
A dated note of the work is handy for your own files. Ask your landlord, insurer or local council whether they need anything more, because rules differ by business. Ask the engineer for the note when you book.