How To Unblock An Outside Drain

• What causes outside drains to get blocked?
• How to know if you are responsible for the blocked drain
• How to unblock an outdoors drain
• How to prevent drain blockages
• Contact us today

A blocked outside drain can be a frustrating, unpleasant problem that might lead to a foul smell and flooding around your property. A quick, effective response is critical to clear the blockage and get things back to normal. To achieve this result, you must bring in drain unblocking professionals.

Here at ICE Drainage, we offer our drain unblocking services 24/7, 365 days a year, including bank holidays. Our drainage specialists can identify and clear any blockage in your drains with their state-of-the-art equipment and thorough training. 

Keep reading to learn how to unblock an outdoor drain. 

What causes outside drains to get blocked?

There are lots of reasons why your outside drain could be blocked. One of the most common culprits behind blockages is leaves and debris. When these natural materials gather they cause an obstruction. This is especially a problem during autumn when leaves fall en masse.

The other most common cause is fat and grease build-up which sticks to pipes. Pouring oil or fat down the sink might seem harmless, but greasy substances harden and become a stubborn blockage. 

Tree roots seeking moisture can also infiltrate drain lines through tiny cracks or loose joints. These small roots can quickly become major obstructions that can eventually result in structural damage. 

How to know if you are responsible for the blocked drain

If a drain on your property is blocked and you are considering bringing in professionals to deal with the issue, you first need to determine who is accountable for it. 

If only your property is affected by slow draining water or an unpleasant odour, it’s likely that the blockage is your problem and therefore you are responsible for getting rid of it. 

Should neighbours also have issues or the problem recurs after clearing what seems to be minor blocks, then it could well fall under public sewers which is where local authorities step in. You should check with them before bringing in drainage specialists. 

You can find out more about who is responsible for the drains and sewers here. 

How to unblock an outdoors drain

Unblocking an outside drain can seem like a simple task, particularly given the number of DIY hacks shared online, but it's one that often requires the expertise of professionals. Attempting to unblock a drain without the expertise of professionals can even result in more harm than good.

Using makeshift tools or harsh chemical cleaners from your local store, for example, may appear to offer a quick fix, but they can damage your pipes over time. For instance, some chemicals can corrode metal pipes or even damage the seals between them, leading to leaks in the future.

Protective clothing including face masks and gloves will also be required to protect your health during the unblocking process.

Drainage specialists are equipped with the specialist equipment required for removing the blockage such as high-pressure water jetters, drain rods, pressure hoses, and CCTV technology for inspections. They can ensure that blockages are cleared without damaging your drainage system. They will also be able to investigate the problem to find out what caused the problem in the first place.

Professionals can advise on how to maintain your drains and prevent blockages in the future, too. They can give you peace of mind that your problem is taken care of for good. 

How to prevent drain blockages

Avoid fat build-up: It might be tempting to pour that leftover cooking oil down the sink, but even small amounts can stick around and form a fatberg. Instead, wait for it to cool and put it in the bin.

Catch debris: A simple drain guard or leaf catcher will collect any debris before it clogs your drain. You can find them online or at any hardware shop.

Clean your drains regularly: This will get rid of any build up of substances that may pose a bigger problem further down the line. 

Rinse wisely: Before washing anything dirty, think twice. Use a bucket instead to catch any debris or dirt that should not go down the drain and then dispose of it properly.

Stop hair going down the drain: Brush your hair before you wash it to reduce the amount of hair that goes down the drain, and invest in a shower drain cover to catch any loose hairs. 

Be careful of what you flush: Don't flush wet wipes down the toilet - they are one of the most common causes of drain blockages.

Contact us today

Our drain unblockers have experience cleaning every type of drain in every type of setting including indoors and outdoors drains, and drains on commercial, domestic, and industrial properties. They can also provide any other services that may be required, like tree root removal and waste disposal. 

You can get a free, no-obligation quote for our drain unblocking services by getting in touch with our team on 020 3376 4801 or [email protected].