How To Clean External Drains In Cumbria

Introduction

Blocked drains can be a frustrating and unpleasant experience, causing sewage backups, flooding and unpleasant odours. A blocked external drain can cause a lot of damage to your property and can be a significant health hazard. Drainage Cumbria is a drain cleaning company in Cumbria that provides affordable and professional external drain cleaning services to both residential and commercial customers in the North West of England. In this guide, we will provide you with valuable insights on how to clean external drains in Cumbria effectively.

Understanding Drain Blockages

Before you start cleaning external drains, you must first understand why they become blocked. Drains can become blocked due to various reasons, including debris, hair, soap and greasy substances. If you notice that water is draining slowly from the sinks, toilets or showers, it may indicate that your external drains are blocked. It is crucial to fix a blockage as soon as possible to avoid further damage and costly repairs.

Tools You Will Need

To clean external drains, you will need a few tools that are typically available at your local DIY store. Here's what you will need:

1. A set of gloves: Gloves will protect your hands from getting dirty or getting in contact with harmful substances.

2. A plunger: A plunger creates suction that can help to dislodge blockages in your external drain.

3. A drain rod: A drain rod is a sturdy and flexible metal rod that can help you clear blockages deep within your external drain.

4. A hosepipe: A hosepipe can be used to flush out any remaining debris from your external drain.

5. Cleaning solutions: Several cleaning solutions can help break up grease, soap and other substances that cause blockages in your external drain.

How To Clean External Drains

Now that you have all the necessary tools, here are the steps to follow when cleaning your external drains:

1. Wear gloves to protect your hands from getting dirty or coming into contact with harmful substances.

2. Locate the outside drain that needs cleaning. Most external drains are usually located outside the house, near the kitchen or bathroom.

3. Remove any debris, leaves or soil that may be covering the outside drain. You can use a broom or a small shovel to remove the debris.

4. If the drain is still blocked, use a plunger to create suction. First, fill the sink with a few inches of water and then place the plunger directly over the drain. Push and pull the plunger several times until the blockage clears.

5. If the plunger does not clear the blockage, use a drain rod. Insert the rod into the drain and turn clockwise until you feel some resistance, which indicates that you have reached the blockage. Move the rod back and forth several times to dislodge the blockage.

6. Use a hosepipe to wash out any remaining debris from the external drain.

7. If the blockage persists, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Allow it to sit for 20-30 minutes and then flush the drain with hot water.

8. Finally, pour a drain cleaning solution down the drain to help prevent future blockages.

Preventing Drain Blockages

While blocked drains are common, you can prevent them from happening by taking some preventative measures. Here are some tips to prevent blockages in your external drain:

1. Avoid pouring grease, cooking oil, fat or food scraps down the sink.

2. Use a strainer to catch hair, food scraps and other debris that may cause blockages.

3. Regularly clean your kitchen sink, bathroom sink and shower drains using baking soda and vinegar.

4. Avoid flushing foreign objects down the toilet, including sanitary towels, cotton swabs, dental floss and wet wipes.

5. Schedule regular drain cleaning with Drainage Cumbria to prevent blockages and keep your external drains in excellent condition.

Conclusion

Cleaning external drains in Cumbria is essential to maintain the hygiene and sanitation of your home or business. If you notice a blockage, do not hesitate to contact Drainage Cumbria for professional and affordable drain cleaning services. Remember, prevention is better than cure, so take the necessary measures to prevent blockages in your external drain. With these helpful tips, you can ensure that your external drains remain clean, healthy and functional. If you have any questions or concerns about external drain cleaning in Cumbria, please contact us directly at 01228 734162 or email us at [email protected].