Tanker vs Drain Jetting — Which Service Do You Need?

When drainage problems strike, it is not always obvious whether you need a vacuum tanker or high-pressure jetting. They solve different problems — though our combination unit carries both capabilities in a single visit. Here is how to tell which service you need.

When you need a vacuum tanker

A tanker removes liquid and semi-liquid waste from containers and chambers. You need tanker services when:

• Your septic tank, cesspit, or treatment plant is full
• A grease trap or interceptor needs emptying
• A silt pit or catch pit has accumulated sediment
• A pump station wet well needs emptying
• You have flood water to extract
• An oil or petrol interceptor in a car park is full

Tankering is about volume removal — taking waste away for licensed disposal.

When you need drain jetting

Jetting clears blockages and cleans pipe walls using high-pressure water. You need jetting when:

• Drains are blocked but tanks are not full
• You have recurring blockages in the same location
• Pipes have grease buildup on the bore
• You need to clean interceptor walls after emptying
• Root intrusion or scale needs scouring from pipes

Jetting is about pipe clearance and cleaning — restoring flow through the drainage network.

When you need both

Many jobs benefit from both services in one visit:

| Situation | Tanker | Jetting | |-----------|--------|---------| | Full grease trap + blocked kitchen line | Empty trap | Jet kitchen drain | | Full interceptor + silt in connecting pipe | Empty interceptor | Jet connecting pipe | | Recurring blockages after tank emptying | — | Jet main line + CCTV |

Our combination jet + vac unit handles both without a second visit.

Still not sure?

Use our Service Finder quiz — answer a few questions and we will recommend the right service. Or call 07958 784011 and describe your problem. We will advise on the best approach.

Services across Yorkshire

We provide tanker services and drain jetting across all Yorkshire from our Leeds base — Leeds, Sheffield, Hull, and everywhere in between.