High-pressure water jetting has become the go-to solution for blocked drains, but it isn’t always the best option, particularly in older homes with aging drainage infrastructure. While modern drain-clearing systems are highly effective, Gladesville Plumbing also relies on a time-tested alternative: the Electric Eel.
So what is an electric eel and why is it often the best option for Sydney homes with ageing clay or terracotta pipework? Read on to find out!
Image by Walter Siegmund, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
What is an Electric Eel?
Despite its unusual name, an Electric Eel is not a water jetting machine. It is a drain cleaning machine powered by an electric motor that feeds heavy-duty, flexible steel cables through blocked pipes. Unlike high-pressure water jetting, which clears blockages using water pressure alone, the Electric Eel uses mechanical cutting heads to physically break through obstructions such as tree roots, grease build-up and compacted debris before clearing them from the drain.
Many Sydney plumbers now favour water jetting because it typically makes clearing blocked drains faster and less labour-intensive. However, using an electric eel provides greater control when working with older drainage systems. This mechanical drain-cleaning machine has been trusted by plumbers for more than a century and remains one of the most effective ways to clear blocked drains in older homes across Gladesville, Ryde and the surrounding suburbs.
As licensed plumber and boss man at Gladesville Plumbing, Joe Rantino explains, “We still use an Electric Eel, which is like a dinosaur to a lot of new plumbers. It’s been used for over 100 years, but it still does a great job.”
Electric Eel vs high-pressure water jetting
There is no single best drain clearing method. Experienced plumbers make a professional assessment for every call-out to determine whether a water jetter or an electric eel is the right tool for the job.
High-pressure water jetting is extremely effective for flushing grease, sludge and loose debris from modern drainage systems.
Older pipe networks often require a more careful approach. The Electric Eel allows plumbers to mechanically cut through root intrusions and stubborn obstructions without placing excessive stress on ageing joints and connections.
Why the Electric Eel is ideal for Sydney’s old clay pipes
The tree-lined streets of older suburbs like Ryde, Gladesville, Hunters Hill and Lane Cove offer a majestic, leafy appeal, but underground, those mature trees have extensive root networks that seek out moisture. Over time, roots can enter small gaps in ageing pipes, gradually restricting water flow and eventually causing serious blockages.
Many of Sydney’s original terracotta and clay sewer pipes remain in service today and are more prone to tree root intrusion than modern PVC pipes. Using water jetters to clear tree roots in compromised clay pipes can worsen existing hairline cracks. In some cases, high pressure can cause larger cracks, joint disconnections or complete pipe collapse.
That’s where the electric eel comes in. Rather than relying on pressure alone, it provides a controlled method of clearing blockages, making it a valuable option for homes where preserving existing pipework is just as important as restoring flow.
Joe says, “In older Sydney suburbs with terracotta pipes, an electric eel is one of the better systems to use because you’re not blasting away the cement and the O-rings with the water pressure machine.”
Trusted Plumbing Expertise and Local Experience
With decades of experience solving plumbing problems in Ryde, Gladesville and surrounding suburbs in Sydney’s north-west, Joe and the Gladesville Plumbing team understand the unique challenges presented by older drainage systems. Our local knowledge, combined with specialist equipment, including the Electric Eel, the king of all drain clearing, allows us to choose the most effective solution based on the age of the property, the condition of the pipework and the nature of the blockage.
Whether your home has older terracotta pipes or a modern residential drainage system, our experienced team can provide prompt, same-day and emergency assistance when blocked drains need urgent attention.