How to unblock drains outside?

Your drainage system is out of sight, out of mind — until it gets clogged up. Leaves, outdoor debris, and household waste can all cause blocked drains and nasty odours. The good news is that a mild drain blockage can be simple to deal with yourself, so let’s take a closer look at how to unblock drains outside.

And don’t forget, if you’re faced with stubborn blocked drains, you can always contact Drain 365 for fast, effective drainage services across London and the surrounding areas

Signs you may have a blocked drain outside

If you’ve heard strange gurgling’s or noticed an unpleasant smell coming from your external drains, it could indicate a blockage. Other tell-tale signs include:

  • Slow drainage from your sinks, bath or shower
  • Signs of water damage, like staining and mould growth
  • Raised water levels when you flush your toilet

If you’ve experienced any of these warning signs, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent further issues. 

What causes external drain blockages?

There are plenty of culprits when it comes to blocked drains, including twigs and leaves, moss, soil, mud and other outdoor debris. Sometimes, even tree roots can be at the heart of the problem.

But it’s not only what’s outside your house that causes issues — what you choose to put down your kitchen and bathroom sink can be just as problematic.

Oil, grease and coffee grounds can cause mini ‘fatbergs’ that can be hard to shift. Likewise, wet wipes and nappies are a no-no for your toilet, and hair and soap scum can easily build up in your bathroom, leading to the misery of blocked drains outside.

how to unblock drains outside

How to find the drain blockage

Before you can unblock drains, you need to locate the blockage. If in doubt, it’s worth booking a CCTV drain survey to pinpoint the issue accurately. 

Before you take action, contact your local water company. They’ll tell you who’s responsible for unblocking your drains. If it’s your responsibility, remove your drain covers and inspect the water level. If the chamber’s full, the blockage is after that drain. If it’s empty, it’s before the drain chamber you’re looking at.

Once you locate your blocked drains, it’s time for some DIY drain unblocking.

How to unblock your outside drains

Before you get to work, gather a few simple tools, including protective clothes and goggles, bin bags, drain rods, and a pressure hose.

1. Unblock by hand

It can be surprisingly easy to unblock drains by hand. However, you should wear a mask and pond gloves before removing debris. 

If you don’t have gloves, use two or more large-size bin bags to cover your arm. Then, start gently clearing the drain. Try to avoid compacting any debris and causing a bigger problem.

2. Use a homemade drain cleaner

You can use a quick and effective homemade drain cleaner for inside and outside drains. 

Start by pouring a kettleful of boiling water down your drain, then follow with a cup of vinegar and a cup of bicarbonate of soda. 

Leave it to work for a few hours, then flush with more hot water.

3. Use a drain rod

If the blockage still won’t shift, try drain rods. Professionals use them to clear stubborn blockages. Attach an appropriate plunger and slowly insert the rod into the drain, twisting clockwise and using gentle pressure. If it still won’t budge, try a corkscrew attachment to break up the blockage.

4. Use a pressure jet

Once you’ve cleared the drain as much as possible, use a pressure jet to force the rest of the obstruction through the pipe. Put the pipe as far down as possible, then seal the drain with old towels and sheets to help the pressure push the blockage through. 

If this method doesn’t work, call Drain365 free on 0800 699 0922, and we’ll use professional drain jetting equipment to clear the blockage. 

Professional drain unblocking services from Drain 365

If you have blocked drains that don’t respond to your DIY clearing, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Contact us today for a complete range of drain unblocking and maintenance services to keep your drainage system running smoothly.