How Do I Unblock An Outside Drain in Cumbria?

If you're living in Cumbria or anywhere in the North West of England, you know the importance of having proper drainage in your home or property. A blocked outside drain can cause a lot of inconvenience and even lead to health hazards. However, unblocking an outside drain is not always an easy task. In this article, we'll look at the common causes of blocked drains, signs of a blocked drain and steps to take to unblock an outside drain.

Introduction

Drainage Cumbria is a drain unblocking company in Cumbria that offers a range of drainage services. Our team of experts has been providing emergency drain unblocking services for homeowners and business owners across the region. We have dealt with various drain problems, including blocked toilets, pipes and rainwater drains. In this article, we will provide some valuable tips on how to unblock an outside drain.

Common causes of blocked drains

Several factors can lead to a blocked drain. In Cumbria, one of the most common reasons for blocked drains is the buildup of leaves and debris in the gutters during the autumn season. Other causes of blocked outside drains include:

Tree Roots

Tree roots seek out moisture and nutrients, and they can grow towards your drainpipes. If the tree roots find a way to enter pipes, they can cause blockages and even break the pipes.

Dirt and debris

Dirt, sand, silt and debris can build up in the drainpipes and cause blocked outside drains.

Fat and oil

Fat, oil, and grease (FOG) blockages are common in kitchen sinks and outdoor drains. When these substances are poured down the sink or drain, they stick to the sides and harden, leading to blockages.

Foreign objects

Foreign objects like toys, sanitary pads, wet wipes, and other materials should not be flushed down the toilet or drain. They can quickly cause blockages, especially if they get stuck in the bends of the pipes.

Signs of a blocked drain

It is essential to identify the signs of a blocked drain early before the problem becomes more severe. Some common indications of a blocked drain include:

Slow draining

If your outside drain is sluggish to drain, it is a warning sign that there may be some blockage in the pipes.

Foul odors

A blocked drain will release a bad smell due to the presence of stagnant water and waste in the pipes.

Overflowing drain

If the outside drain begins to overflow when water runs down, then it indicates a blockage.

Insect and rodent infestations

Blockages in outdoor drains can attract insects, rodents and other pests that thrive on stagnant water.

How to unblock an outside drain

If you suspect that your outside drain is blocked, you should try and clear the blockage before it becomes more severe.

Step 1: Locate the drain

The first step in unblocking a drain is locating the drain. Outside drains are usually located near the perimeter of the property.

Step 2: Remove the cover

Next, remove the drain cover to access the pipes. You may need a screwdriver to remove the cover.

Step 3: Clear the blockage

Use a plunger to try and force out the blockage. If that does not work, you can use a drain rod to push the blockage through the pipes. Be careful not to damage the pipes as you work.

Step 4: Flush the drain

After clearing the blockage, flush the drain with hot water to remove any remaining debris and dirt.

Conclusion

Blocked outside drains can cause a lot of inconvenience, but with some simple tips, you can quickly remedy the situation. Always ensure that you identify the cause of the blockage and try to prevent it from recurring. Drainage Cumbria is a drain unblocking company in Cumbria that provides a range of services to fix blocked outside drains. If you cannot unblock the drain yourself, you can contact us on 01228 734162 or email us at [email protected] for expert assistance.