Pro Blocked Drains is a 24 hour a day, 365 days a year, emergency drainage company providing services for blocked drains. We have a network of local drainage experts covering the UK who can help you with your drain blockage problem.
When a drain becomes blocked, it is one of those problems that can bring everyday life to a standstill. Water may stop draining from sinks and showers, toilets can back up, and unpleasant odours may start spreading through the property. While minor blockages close to the surface can sometimes be cleared with basic tools, many homeowners worry about what happens if the blockage is much deeper underground. This is where advanced equipment such as porta reel systems comes into play. But how do they work, and are they powerful enough to deal with deep blockages?
In this article we explain exactly what porta reel systems are, how effective they are, and why calling in a professional drainage company like Pro Blocked Drains is often the best way to keep your drains flowing freely.
Contact usA porta reel system is a professional drain cleaning tool that is designed to deal with blockages more effectively than traditional manual methods. The equipment consists of a large reel of flexible cable which can be fed into a drain or pipe. Attached to the end of the cable is a cutting or clearing tool that rotates as the reel operates. This rotation allows it to break up and dislodge obstructions inside the pipe.
Unlike simple drain rods, porta reel systems are powered, which means the tool does the hard work. The engineer simply guides the cable through the drain, allowing the machine to cut through grease, food waste, wipes, roots, and other stubborn materials. Because the cable is flexible, it can navigate bends and curves in the pipework, making it suitable for the complex layouts often found in residential drainage systems.
Another advantage is portability. These systems are compact enough for engineers to carry into awkward areas such as back gardens, narrow passageways, or basements. This makes them a practical choice for a wide range of homes in places like Bournemouth, Andover, Bath, Wimborne, Ferndown, Bridport, Corfe Mullen, and Corfe Castle.
Get in TouchOne of the most common questions homeowners ask is how far a porta reel can go. Many modern porta reel systems can reach 30 metres or more into a drainage system. This is often enough to deal with blockages that lie beneath gardens, driveways, or further along the pipe network where they would normally be out of reach.
To put this in perspective, most domestic drainage systems in the UK are less than 30 metres from the property to the main sewer connection. That means in the vast majority of cases, a porta reel can reach the blockage and remove it without the need for excavation or more disruptive work.
In situations where the blockage is especially deep or located in a complicated section of pipe, porta reels can be used alongside CCTV drain surveys. By feeding a camera into the system first, engineers can locate the exact position of the blockage and then use the porta reel to target it directly. This saves time, reduces unnecessary disruption, and ensures the blockage is removed from the correct spot.
Book in TodayThe real test of any drain clearing system is whether it can handle stubborn obstructions. Porta reel systems are particularly effective because they combine power with flexibility. The rotating action of the cutting tool can grind through fat build-up, scrape scale from pipe walls, and even cut through small tree roots that have found their way into drains.
For example, if your drains are clogged with years of grease and soap scum, drain rods would simply push against the blockage, often compacting it further. A porta reel, on the other hand, will cut through and break up the material so it can be flushed away. Similarly, if wet wipes or sanitary products have snagged inside the pipe and caused a mass blockage, the reel’s cutting head can shred and remove the obstruction.
There are limitations. If the drain has collapsed or the pipework is badly damaged, a porta reel cannot fix the underlying issue. In those cases, excavation or pipe replacement may be needed. This is why it is so important to have a professional assess the problem. They can quickly tell whether a porta reel will solve the issue or whether a different approach is required.
Request a QuoteMany homeowners are tempted to try DIY methods when faced with a blocked drain. While a plunger or drain rod might clear a small clog near the surface, deeper blockages usually require specialist equipment. Attempting to fix these yourself can waste time and in some cases cause further damage.
You should call Pro Blocked Drains if:
Your sinks, toilets, or showers are backing up with water
You notice persistent foul smells inside or outside the property
Gurgling noises are coming from your drains
DIY methods have failed to resolve the problem
You suspect the blockage is deep within the system
By calling a professional, you not only get access to porta reel systems but also to the experience of trained engineers who can diagnose the issue properly and choose the right solution.
Contact us TodayAt Pro Blocked Drains we understand that a blocked drain can cause stress and inconvenience. Our team of highly trained engineers are equipped with the latest porta reel systems and other advanced tools to ensure blockages are cleared quickly and safely.
If you are dealing with a deep blockage in your drains, do not struggle with it on your own. Our porta reel systems and skilled engineers can reach where other methods fail, ensuring your drains are restored to full working order with minimal disruption.
Contact Pro Blocked Drains today for fast, professional and reliable drain unblocking services.
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