How Do I Unblock A Drain Outside In Cumbria?

Cumbria is a beautiful county located in North West England. The county is home to many wonderful natural attractions, such as the Lake District, which can attract a lot of visitors. However, Cumbria's drainage systems can also be frequently blocked due to the heavy rainfall that the area receives. Blocked outside drains can cause water to build up and cause flooding, which can become a significant problem for the residents in the county.

The best practice for health and safety is to contact a professional drainage specialist who can deal with the issue. Drainage Cumbria is an expert in the drainage industry and has helped many customers unclog their blocked drains. This landing page aims to provide you with the necessary advice on how to unblock an outside drain and educate people about the potential damages blocked drains can cause if not identified and dealt with accordingly.

Why Do Outside Drains Get Blocked?

Outside drains can easily get blocked due to various reasons such as;

1. Debris: Debris can include anything from leaves, twigs, and rubbish that can accumulate and block the drain.

2. Roots: Tree roots can cause damage to pipes, rupture them, or grow through them, blocking the drains in the process.

3. Fat and Grease: Fat and grease tend to stick to the inside of pipes and accumulate over time, eventually causing a blockage.

4. Toiletries: Certain toiletries that are flushed down the toilet can cause a blockage outside the drain as they don't break down and absorb water like toilet paper does.

What Is The First Step In Identifying A Blocked Drain?

The first step in identifying a blocked drain is to determine which drain is affected. Is the surface water not flowing away, or is the surface water overflowing and emerging from a drain cover? Once established, the next thing to do is to check the drain cover for any visible debris. You can use a hosepipe to hose down the cover and check the flow of the water to ensure proficient drainage.

Where Is The Drain Cover Located?

The drain cover could be located anywhere around your property, such as driveways, patios, and paved areas, and in gardens. If you have several drains in your property, try and identify which is the affected one by following the surface water flow.

Can I Unblock The Outside Drain Myself?

Plungers or drain rods can be effective means of clearing a blocked drain yourself. However, it is crucial to protect yourself while unblocking the drain as the water can be contaminated with pollutants and bacteria that can cause serious health issues. Protective gloves and face masks should be worn while attempting to unblock the drain.

What Is The Best Method To Unblock A Drain?

The best method to unblock a drain is by using a high-pressure water jet. This method is more effective than using chemicals, which can be corrosive and cause damage to the pipes, and drain clearing products, which are often only designed to temporarily address the problem. A high-pressure water jet can eliminate the blockage and clean the pipes at the same time, ensuring that the issue doesn't arise again in the near future.

What If The Outside Drain Is Still Blocked After Using A High-Pressure Water Jet?

If the outside drain is still blocked after using a high-pressure water jet, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance to identify any damages that could affect the pipes or the overall drainage network. Drainage Cumbria has a team of professional drainage specialists who are experienced in detecting and repairing damages in the drainage system.

How Can I Prevent My Outside Drain From Getting Blocked Again?

To prevent your outside drain from getting blocked again, you can take some preventive measures such as;

1. Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance from professional drainage specialists can help identify potential blockages before they become problematic.

2. Proper disposal of waste: Oils, fats, and toiletries should not be disposed of in sinks or toilets as they can cause blockages. Instead, they should be disposed of appropriately.

3. Regular cleaning: The drain covers should be checked regularly for debris and washed using a hosepipe to ensure proper flow of water into the drainage system.

4. Tree roots: Tree roots should be monitored and tended to by a professional horticulturist to avoid spreading to the drainage networks.

In conclusion, blocked outside drains can cause a lot of problems and negatively impact the health and safety of those residing in the area. Drainage Cumbria is the go-to drain specialist in the area and can help you resolve blocked outside drain issues promptly and efficiently. To get in touch with Drainage Cumbria, call us at 01228 734162 or drop us an email at [email protected].