We get a lot of calls from frustrated people saying ‘My outside drain is blocked!’. Sulfuric Acid is a chemical that can unclog blockages in drain pipes. A cable attached to the machine and then fed into the pipe which breaks up the mud by spinning through the pipe. Do not use a metal spoon as the caustic soda will react with it. After locating the blocked chamber (which is where your blockage is), thrust the drain rods into this chamber until the blockage is removed. Drain snakes can be used to unclog a toilet following the same procedure used in unclogging a drain. Generally speaking, you should check for blockages by assessing the flow of water through the pipes. That is because the potential fixes for a blocked drain will often change depending on the elements of the system affected. For more information on solving problems and unblocking the toilet past the u-bend, get in touch with us. 4 Common Reasons Your Toilet Won’t Flush & How to Fix It, 5 Ways to Identify the Reasons Behind Low Water Pressure, How to Turn Your Water Supply On/Off – Locating & Operating the Water Shut-Off Valves, How To Unblock A Toilet Naturally – The Proper & Careful Way, The History & Development Of London Sewage System, Plumber vs Drainage Contractor: Who Deals With What, Best 3 Ways to Promote Your Plumbing Business Online, 5 Common Blocked Drains Myths & Misconceptions, Top Property Care Tips as Winter Approaches. If you cannot identify the cause or location of the blockage, or if you you can but cannot unblock it yourself, you should get the experts involved. After mixing, pour the solution in the outside blocked drain or any other place in the house where there is a blockage. Figure A: Under-Floor Drain System. In many cases the cause of a blockage in the exterior drainage system, particularly around grates, grids, and guttering, is as simple as a build-up of debris, silt and leaves. If you want to tackle the blockage yourself, you can use a drain rod or plumber’s auger – also known as a plumber’s snake. Use thick waterproof gloves that come up to your elbow. And if you are pondering on how to clean outside drains, then this is a guide you will find useful. They have only reviewed highly rated by customers on Amazon. Tips don't get any easier than this. You should start by putting the end of the auger into the bowl with its tip turned up. You can ensure that the drain pipes outside your house do not get clogged by protecting the entrance of the following into the drainage system; Some drain unblockers with the best reviews on Amazon include; We will take no responsibility for the failure or success of the products we have listed above. These kinds of drain, usually covered by a grid, are typically located at the base of rainwater pipes or in paved areas, such as driveways, around the property. Be patient, it may take some time. There is an actual plumbing tool you can purchase if you want to, called a drain snake that uses the same concept. Foul water drains carry foul sewage – often referred to as wastewater – from toilets, sinks, showers and baths, and from household appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. Before we learn more about how to fix a blocked drain, there are a few things you’ll need for the purpose. It is that simple. Put the kettle on (or use the stove or microwave if … Flush the toilet and you should have a usable toilet once more. You will surely get your hands dirty and smell terrible things, but if it saves a couple of pounds in the process, then you should not turn your nose up at it (pun intended). Lastly always use a professional if you are unsure on how to unblock a drain and need a professional drainage company then feel free to contact us today for more advice: Our specialists can diagnose your drainage problems using state of the art drainage camera equipment, call us today for; CCTV Drain Surveys London | CCTV Drain Surveys Essex | CCTV Drain Surveys Kent | CCTV Drain Surveys Surrey, Blocked Drains London | Blocked Drains Kent | Blocked Drains Surrey | Blocked Drains Essex, Your email address will not be published. To do this, you should first clear the drain as much as possible using your hands or tools and then scoop out the water to a manageable level. How to unclog an outside drain (Removing The Drain Cover) • Remove the drain cover: Every outdoor water drain has a cover used to secure it. How to unblock a drain – Blocked Toilet. From there we will employ electro-mechanical, high-pressure jetting and vacuumation units to clear the blockage. We carry out in-depth inspections of the exterior drainage system using CCTV video footage and 360 ̊ camera technology, to help us understand your drainage problem. Why are my drains backing up? A few methods you can take unblocking your outside kitchen drain yourself are; Need help? Contact us below for more help. Surface water drains are the element of the drainage system that collects surface water, i.e. We also suggest using the following signs of spotting a blocked drain: There are a number of solutions that can be employed if you want to try to unblock an outside drain yourself. Lastly, ensure that your pipes are frequently cleaned. This will remove the blockage and promote the return of water flow. If lifting manhole covers, it’s important to exercise extreme caution, as they can be very heavy. Another alternative outside drain unblocker method that is available is to remove the drain pipe and thoroughly wash it with CCTV Drain Surveys to detect the problem. When pushing the drain rod, rotate it clockwise because this helps to dislodge the blockage properly. Check the garbage disposal if you're in the kitchen. But, there’s just one way to be certain. How to Unblock a Drain Using Caustic Soda? How To Unblock A Toilet Without Using A Plunger, Brown Water From Tap – Rusty Water in Taps – 10 Causes, Rain Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance Tips, Tips to Prevent Frequent Drain and Sewer Blockage Issues, Top 5 Plumbing Emergencies that requires professional plumber | Infographics, 6 Tips to Prevent Pipes from Freezing | Infographics, How to Waterproof Basement or Cellar Using Tanking, All about the London Thames Tideway Tunnel Project, The Importance of Regular Drain Cleaning | Infographic. SVPs are usually fitted externally, but can also be installed within the wall cavity. Autumn Plumbing Tips: Get your Drains Ready for Winter, Where Your Water Comes From – Infographic, Dropped Something Down The Drain – Retrieval Missions, Drain Maintenance & Preventative measures. A plunger can be useful in some cases, but most of the times you would need a closet auger. Use Caustic Soda To Unblock An Outside Drain Follow these steps to use caustic soda to unblock an outside drain: • Pour caustic soda down the drain • Pour water and wait for soda to fizz away Try an enzyme drain cleaner such as Earth Enzymes Drain Opener or Biokleen Drain Gel. Blocked drains can cause serious problems for homeowners, potentially leading to foul smells, flooding, structural damage and a build-up of nasty bacteria in the areas surrounding the blockage. If you think a rainwater pipe is blocked, pour some water into the top of the pipe to see how it flows. But to unclog an outside drain by yourself, you would need to find out what the cause of the drain blockage was in the first place. There are some liquids you can buy that claim to unblock toilets and you get them at different strength levels. Most of the toilet clogs usually happen at the top of the up-curving, tight trap that is comprised in the fixture. This is because many brands will mix the acid with other chemicals such as foaming agents. If you think a foul water pipe is affected, run the water in your sink or flush the toilet to see what happens. So you’ve worked your butt off with a drain auger or a toilet auger to conquer your clog, but you’ve STILL got issues with how your pipes are draining. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. How to unblock a drain outside 1) Carry Out a Visual Inspection. An easy tip you can use is to water the debris. You can plunge that side first to see if it clears the area, but you may need to unplug the garbage disposal and turn the blades manually to clear the disposal. Bin it, Don’t Flush! Or does a pungent smell come from your drains? Unless, of course, you wish to unclog your drains … What is a Fatberg? Be cautious, and do not use your hand to stir the soda-water mixture. You could use a screwdriver or other strong metal tool to open it forcefully. While this process should rid-off most exterior drainpipe blockages, others might prove stubborn to remove. However, if the drain has been closed for an extended period, then it will be difficult to remove the cover. Try Unclogging a Toilet with Liquid Dish Soap. Gloves will protect your hands from anything in the water and keep your hands dry as you break the clog apart. • Remove the drain cover: Every outdoor water drain has a cover used to secure it. If you have such blockage in your drain, then it’s time to bring out to the big guns. Next, pour the solution into the blocked outside drain. Prepare 1/2 gallon of hot water, not boiling water as it may crack the porcelain. If your drainage problem is more serious than a simple blockage, for example if you have a  crack in your pipe, we can help too, by using CIPP repair methods or traditional excavation. Buying some toilet unblocking liquids. Stir the mixture of water and soda with a stirrer or wooden spoon. This post will help you understand how to unblock a sewage drain and identify the ways you can go about it. Then all you need to do is teach your little one to wipe their bottom using toilet paper because toilet wipes are now banned in your home. But you should know that there are several DIY methods you can use to clear a blocked drain services. As simple as this routine task is, it will keep the drain clog-free and clean for several years. There are a number of solutions that can be employed if you want to try to unblock an outside drain yourself. Required fields are marked *. If the water is draining, then you have done an excellent job. Then we have got a problem. With the chemical having such destructive effect in indoor drains, it is quite obvious what it will do to the debris of an outside drain within minutes. Put on elbow-length rubber gloves before you begin. When your washing machine drains, the toilet overflows or water backs up in the tub or shower. After the vigorous reaction, it will dissolve the debris leaving only particles behind. While wearing gloves, place the plunger right into the base of the toilet bowl and plunge up and down. How to Unblock A Drain - 6 Ways to Success | Blocked Drains Well, this may be due to a blockage of your drain. Nevertheless, try not to turn it anticlockwise because the plunger attachment may be unscrewed. Caustic soda is a useful external drain unblocker that can be bought at a low price from local stores. Usually, a clogged soil pipe is the cause, but other things can also cause a blockage. Outdoor drain clogged with mud If you have a PVC drain pipe, you can try using a drain auger or sewer cleaning machine. While you can, of course, unclog outdoor drain and French Drain pipes as needed, this is a good example of an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure. Generally speaking, you should check for blockages by assessing the flow of water through the pipes. *, Where a main drainage run meets a branch pipe, Where a drain changes direction horizontally by more than 30 degrees, Where there is a straight run of piping that is over 22 metres long, Sink drainage; water takes longer than usual to drain from your sink, Toilet drainage: water rises or overflows after flushing, Noises: gurgling sounds from the plughole, Drainage work for domestic insurance claims. The surface water is then put back into rivers and the sea. Repeated thrusting of the rods will loosen the blockage and cause it to dislodge. If the chamber is holding water instead of draining it away, then you can conclude that somewhere after the drain chamber is clogged. The first thing to do when solving the problem of a blocked drain outside is to carry out a visual inspection of the area you think is blocked and try to understand what is causing the problem. Before plunging a kitchen sink, see if the clog is in the garbage disposal; if it's not draining on that side, that's your problem. In addition, a combined drainage system can potentially increase the risk of clean, surface water sewers becoming polluted with foul water. However, since around the 1950s, combined drainage systems have stopped being used in newly constructed houses, as they struggle to accommodate the amount of foul and surface water that needs to be transported from a modern home into the sewage network. What is a Rainwater Gully? Who is The Best Drainage Company in London? The narrow metal … If using a drain rod, the specialist will need to connect several sections together to reach the blockage. Most people prefer to outsource the unblocking of these drains because of the debris they usually find in them. The job of clearing clogs in the larger drain lines found under … Therefore, clean all that is left of the debris and blockage. Kitchen drains are the most common drains in any homes to get blocked. It extends up to roof level to allow sewage smells to release into the atmosphere. Search for a full chamber on a side and an empty chamber on the other side and when you find it that is the location of your blockage. The drain outside the house is not exempted either. It is also an excellent chemical that is used to unclog outdoor drain systems. When you take a look inside your drain and begin to ask yourself questions like ‘Should there be water in my outside drain?’. [1] X Research source But how does this chemical unblock drains? Why is it Ruining Our Drains? How to unblock a toilet – Solution 3: Making your own drain cleaner With a few ingredients from the kitchen, you can totally make a drain cleaner to unclog the toilet. To see how to lift the drain cover take this link. It is a useful outside drain unblocker tool that you can easily purchase in local stores or online. Dilute cups of caustic soda in a large bucket of cold water. Also, you could contact a professional plumbing service if you do not feel capable of unblocking your drain alone. Step 2: Open the cap and let the buildup drain out. To properly rectify the problem, you need to unblock the drain outside your home – not just the pipes connecting to it. But sometimes, you’ve got a … The foul sewage is then taken to a wastewater treatment facility via foul water sewers, which are kept separate to surface water sewers. Get in touch with our specialists if you are fighting a losing battle against your blockage, BDS Drainage operate all throughout the South East of the UK; Caustic soda is one of the best chemical drain unblockers to use when unblocking a drain. Once the appliance is switched off, the drain specialist will then use a drain snake to dislodge the blockage, or if the issue is outside, they will use drain rods which will be fed down the drain. Always keep in mind that prevention is better than cure. The Main Offenders to avoid at all costs are: If your drainage problem persists and your drain remains blocked after following these steps, contact the 24 hour Lanes team today for a free consultation on 0800 526 488 or use our online enquiry form. Using your drainage rods, attempt to flush out the blockage. Some covers have a handle for you to grab when removing them quickly. When using a sewer rod, direct the rod through the pipe until you reach the obstruction. So, when this vital pipe becomes blocked, a lot of problems can surface. If the toilet bubbles (gurgles) or the water level in the toilet rises, you may have a clogged sewer line. Before you close the taps, put the drain cover back and pour a small amount of bleach into the drain. If your home was built during the Victorian era, it could be that you have a combined drainage system that has one set of drains taking both surface water and foul water into the sewer network from your property. Most clogs are at or before the P Trap. If a drain is within the boundary of your property, it is your responsibility – rather than that of your local water company – to ensure it is well maintained and repaired. As a precaution, do not utilise these stirrers or containers for cooking, other related purposes. These gutters are connected to vertical rainwater pipes, which run down the length of a property to ground level, where the water is piped into a surface water drain. 4 Ways to Prevent Blocked Drains | Infographic, 8 Ways to Prevent Your Toilet from Getting Blocked, French Drain: What It Is, How It Works & How to Drain Water & Prevent Damp, Rising Damp Treatment: Causes & Signs + Rising Damp Solutions, Homemade Sink Unblocker UK – Green Ways to Naturally Unblock Drains, Collapsed Drain Repair: 7 Signs You May Have a Collapsed Drain, Cracked Pipes or Holes: Causes, Common Signs & How to Fix Them, Smelly Drains: How to Get Rid of Smelly Drains in Bathroom, What is No Dig Technology: Resurrecting your Drainage System with Drain Relining, Sewer Rats: How to Get Rid of Rats in Drains, Sink Unblocker: 5 Easy & Natural Ways to Unblock a Kitchen Sink, 10 Tips for Saving Your Home From Flood Damage, 5 Plumbing Problems in Old Houses to Watch Out For When Renovating, How To Find A Plumber You Can Trust & Won’t Rip You Off, Low Water Pressure in House: 5 Possible Reasons & How to Fix Them, Noisy Water Pipes: Why Do My Pipes Get Noisy & How to Fix Them, Top 8 Creative Plumbing Designs from Pinterest & Instagram, 5 Common Summer Plumbing Problems and its Fixes, History of Drainage Systems: Historical Development of Sewers in London. Get a free quote from a professional expert by entering your details below: Your email address will not be published. Drain Unblocking with a Hose A great way to clear a blockage without using chemicals is to use a hose or pressure jet to force the obstruction through the pipe. Use a drain plunger Pour down a mix of baking powder and vinegar, followed by hot water Use a drain snake or unbent wire coat hanger Unscrew the U-bend and physically put out any blockages you see Simply pour the mixture into the bowl and let it sit for a few hours before flushing. What are the Causes for a Blocked Toilet? Alternatively, around sink discharge pipes, the cause could be the dreaded fats, oils and grease (FOG). The outdoor drain pipe performs an essential function in transporting sewage and wastewater from your home to the sewer line. Is your sink draining slowly? Quickly open the cap and step out of the way. You can use it … If the cause of the blockage is debris and leaves, simply put some protective gloves on and remove the debris manually. How Do I Know if my Plumbing Vent is Clogged: Clogged Vent Pipe Symptoms. Clear the Blockage. Push the rod forward and pull it back to break up the clog. rainwater and melted snow and ice, from various parts of your property and transports it into the sewer network – specifically surface water sewers. Then flush the line to clear out any remaining debris. They can typically be found in three locations in the drainage system: Rainwater pipes, also known as ‘downspouts’, are part of the roof drainage system that carries rainwater from a rain gutter on a property. You could use a screwdriver or other strong metal tool to open it forcefully. Let’s take a look at some of the most common elements of a property’s exterior drainage system…. First and foremost, you should always start by carrying out a visual inspection of the area you think is blocked to try and get to the root of the problem. Even after clearing the blocked external drain, there may be some debris that could lead to blockage again. Dishwashing liquid isn’t just for dishes. Caustic soda is a very corrosive chemical. How to Unclog an Outside Drainage Pipe In some cases, figuring out how to unclog outdoor drain pipes is relatively easy, and you could save some money with a DIY approach. Prevention is better than the cure when it comes to your drainage system – so don’t wait for your outside pipes to become blocked before thinking about the best way to keep them flowing. Bleach is an excellent outside drain cleaner as it removes all grease and muck, and removes the smell of the drain. Source & Locate the Problem. To check if the drain is now working correctly, open all taps in your house for a while. Turn the toilet's shut-off valve -- found under or behind the toilet -- counterclockwise until it stops. With decades of experience in emergency drain unblocking in London, Surrey, Kent and Essex, we pride ourselves on the ability to offer an expert drainage service at a competitive price. © Copyright 2021 Lanes Group plc All Rights Reserved, To receive a response to your enquiry, please tick this box to give us permission to contact you. The engineers at Lanes for Drains offer a 24-hour emergency service and can tackle any drainage challenge, using state-of-the-art technology and equipment to locate and remove blockages. Run the water in the sink closest to the toilet for about a minute. A home remedy for a clogged drain made from baking soda and vinegar can also be used to unclog the toilet. It is important to do this because each drain blockage has a different cause. Outside drains can be unclogged by using a drainage rod and a quality pressure hose to shift the debris and spray the remaining particles through the drain. You can remove and lift manhole covers for a closer inspection of your drains, but how much of the drain you will be able to see will be limited. It will react vigorously with hair, dirt, food and any other material it comes in contact with. For example, kitchen sinks get clogged with grease, food particles or oil, for a bathroom it may be soap or hair, and a toilet drain can be blocked by something that seems so harmless like toilet paper. These include. Now, let us explore how to clear a blocked drain outside by yourself. A close substitute you could use instead of bleach is an external drain unblocker liquid that is readily available in local stores. (We highly recommend that you call us to get the best drain unclogging service that you can get). Most people start by searching ‘how to unlock a drainpipe’ on every search engine or contacting an outside drain unblocker. If the cause of the toilet blockage is visible, put on a pair of rubber … Blocked drainages are what most homeowners dread. So how does one decipher whether their outside drain is blocked by soil, mud, dirt or any other outdoor debris? The key thing to remember is to avoid putting anything down the drain that could cause blockages. Once in a while, pour hot water, drain cleaners or even some detergent down the drain. Plunging might not work immediately, so continue your efforts until water begins to drain. Any waste that the clog has caused to build up will come spilling out of the main line drain. Some covers have a handle for you to grab when removing them quickly. Manually using a drain rod is perhaps the best way to clear blocked drains. Call our office and we can have a engineer out to you quickly at an affordable price. The telltale gurgle: catch the problem early – Just like many household problems, it is best to catch … Remove the debris from the pipe and pour water to rinse the drain. Unblocking an Outside Drain U-Bend. Work the auger or rod in both directions of the drain line — back towards the house and out from the house. Boiling Water. How Do You Maintain It? You could also buy a drain-screener or a drain-gate which blocks debris like scum, food particles, soap, and grease going down the drain. Toilet blockages can be among the most stressful and unpleasant home maintenance problems to encounter – not just because of the unhygienic nature of the issue, but also because it’s a situation that usually needs to be addressed in a hurry, because no home can be without a working toilet for long. If the inside unblocking of your toilet does not work, the outside unblocking method will. Also called a soil stack or drain-waste-vent (WV), a soil vent pipe (SVP) carries foul waste (sewage) from a property into the underground sewer network. Using a plunger is one of the most effective ways to remove toilet blockages. Before understanding how best to solve the problem of a blocked outside drain, it is first important to understand as much as possible about your property’s exterior drainage infrastructure. If you think a foul water pipe is affected, run the water … … If there is a u-bend in your outside drain and clearing any blockages around the top of the drain and its gully has not unblocked it, you may wish to use chemical products or a drain rod to clear it. As you stir and mix the two components, a fizz and heat should be noticed. You may also use bleach to keep the sink smelling fresh. See how to clear the blockage yourself and save pounds on expensive drain clearing firms.