Blocked outdoor drains can cause serious problems, from unpleasant smells to water damage. No matter if it’s leaves, dirt, or household waste causing the issue, learning how to tackle a blocked external drain yourself can save time, money, and stress.
In this blog, we will explore the key causes of drain blockage and walk through the essential steps for unblocking outside drains.
What Causes Outdoor Drains to Get Blocked?
Outdoor drains are exposed to general wear and tear. It’s important to keep your drains healthy at all times to prevent blockages. Some common causes of drain blockages include:
- Leaves and branches
- Moss
- Mud and Soil
- Grease and food waste
Common Types of Outside Drain Blockages
There are many common types of outside drain blockages. If you are experiencing any of the types of blockages below, it is important to take action as soon as possible:
- Blocked external drain: Drains can become blocked with leaves and debris from either outside or inside your home.
- Blocked outside kitchen drain: A blocked outside kitchen drain is your responsibility, as this is not part of the public drains.
- Smelly outside drains: If there is a strong smell coming from your outside drains, investigate this further as a blockage may be creating this smell.
- Overflowing outside drains: If your drain is overflowing, this is a common sign of a blockage. This can cause damage to the drain, leading to high repair costs.
Steps on How to Unblock Your Outdoor Drain
With the correct tools for unblocking an outdoor drain, take the following steps:
Remove the Drain Cover
Use a drain cover hook or a crowbar to remove the drain cover. Drain covers can be heavy, so it is important to always be cautious to prevent injury to yourself or damage to the cover. If the drain lid cover is stuck, gently tap on top of the cover to loosen any dirt holding it in place.
Identify the Blockage
With your gloves and face mask on, take a look into the drain. Sometimes the cause of the blockage is visible near the top. If you can see debris like leaves, soil, or waste, you might be able to clear most of the blockage by hand.
If the blockage is deeper down, you’ll need to use drain rods.
Use Drain Rods
Attach a few drain rods to reach into the pipe. Insert the drains into the drain and push them gently towards the blockage.
Always rotate the rods clockwise. Rotating anti-clockwise can unscrew the rods and leave parts stuck inside the drain, making the problem worse.
Clear with Water
Once the blockage is cleared, use a hosepipe or pressure washer to flush out the drain thoroughly. This helps remove any remaining debris and ensures the water flows freely.
Spray from the top and, if possible, insert the hose into the pipe to blast out deeper sections.
How to Prevent Outdoor Drains From Blocking
It’s much easier to stop a blockage before it starts. Here are some simple ways to keep your drains clear:
- Install drain guards: Mesh covers prevent leaves and debris from entering the drain.
- Regular cleaning: Clear leaves and mud from around the drain regularly using a garden hose or pressure washer, especially in autumn and after storms.
- Dispose of waste properly: Avoid tipping oil, grease, or solid waste down outdoor drains.
- Check gutters and downpipes: Make sure to keep your gutters clean and free from blockages with gutter cleaning services, ensuring water is directed away from problem areas.
- Annual maintenance: Even if everything seems fine, giving your outdoor drains a yearly check can catch problems early.
Taking regular care of your drains can save a lot of effort and expenses in the long term.
Total Gleam is Here to Help!
Unblocking outside drains isn’t one of the most appealing jobs, but with the right approach and tools, it is completely manageable. Acting promptly at the first sign of blockage can help prevent bigger issues such as flooding, property damage, and costly repairs.
If you have noticed that your outside drains are blocked, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Total Gleam today. No matter if it is a blocked toilet, clogged kitchen sink, or an outdoor drain blockage, our team has the expertise to handle it all.
You can put trust in our drain cleaning services, providing you with peace of mind at all times. If you are looking to get your drains cleaned, contact us today for a free quote.
