External drain blockages can have a knock-on effect on your property’s plumbing system, so it’s best to stay on top of drain cleaning and maintenance to avoid any issues down the line.
Without regular drain maintenance, you may experience unpleasant smells, slow drainage, and raised water levels, all of which are signifiers of more complex drain issues.
External drain blockages stem from the main drains outside a property, so the maintenance involved differs slightly from the upkeep needed inside.
Read on for our best advice on how to clean drains outside.
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Build good disposal habits
As we’ve already touched upon, your external drains will bear the brunt of any internal drain misuse. With this in mind, proper waste disposal is a simple yet effective way to lower the risk of major external drain issues.
Oil, hair, soap scum, and food waste are the most common causes of internal drain blockages, as well as non-flushable items like paper towels, wipes, and tampons. If these items make it through your property’s system, then they’ll inevitably begin to block your external drain.
It’s best to keep these items as far away from your drainage system as possible by focusing on the correct disposal methods, such as putting used cooking oil in the bin and using a plughole strainer for your kitchen and bathroom.
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Clear the area
Prevention is better than cure, so it’s time to grab a rake, some grass trimmers, and a waste bag. External drain blockages can be caused by general debris like leaves, dirt, litter, and even tree roots.
The best way to avoid this is to inspect the area regularly to keep it clear and dispose of any debris. Another tip is to inspect your external drain for cracks; no matter how small, roots can find their way in and create major structural issues.
You should also keep roots and garden foliage as far away from your drain pipes as possible. We know drains aren’t the most picturesque part of your property, but you’ll unfortunately have to put that plant somewhere else!
Make sure to check your external drains more often in autumn, too, as the change in weather and falling leaves can increase the risk of blockages.
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Install a drain cover
If you don’t have one already, we recommend investing in a drain cover to protect your pipes. Drain covers can stop any obstructions, including leaves, branches, and litter, from falling into your drain system.
You can install a drain cover yourself, provided you’re equipped with the right tools. However, we suggest contacting a drain specialist if you don’t feel confident taking a DIY approach.
Our team is always on hand to provide advice, and we can even check that you have the right drain cover for your specific type.
Get in touch with our team for more information.
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Flush your external drains
It’s a good idea to flush your drains every few weeks to reduce the risk of future blockages. You can flush your internal drains as well as the external ones for the best results.
Simply fill up a large bucket of boiling water and tip it down the drain, creating a strong stream. This should push any loose debris and accumulated dirt or grease through.
If you’re unsure it’s done the job, you can repeat this process as often as you wish.
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Keep an eye on your gutters
Your property’s gutters can carry debris, eventually ending up in your external drain system. Take a look at your gutters and do a visual check regularly — can you see any stuck leaves or dirt? If so, this could increase the risk of a drain blockage.
If you’re comfortable cleaning your gutters, you’ll need a ladder, a trowel, a bucket, and a garden hose. Make sure to wear gloves, too! Simply scoop any stuck debris away and give your gutter a good rinse while checking that the water flows away as it should.
Remember, you can always contact professional gutter cleaners if you’d rather not tackle the task yourself.
How to unblock a drain outside
If you find your outside drain blocked, you can attempt to unblock it using a drain rod kit, a plunger, and a garden hose to flush the drain. You may also need a strong drain un-blocker solution.
However, it’s important to remember that DIY drain unblocking methods could potentially lead to more complex issues if you use the wrong technique or tools. We always suggest getting in touch with a team of professional drain specialists like ourselves.
We offer emergency plumbing and drainage solutions across Cheshire, applying over 30 years of expertise to services like drain unblocking, drain cleaning, drain repairs, and even CCTV drain inspections. We use the best equipment for the job and have successfully tackled every drain problem possible.
For drain unblocking services in the Northwest, don’t hesitate to contact our team today.