How To Unblock An External Drain In Cumbria

Do you have a blocked drain outside your property in Cumbria? If so, you've come to the right place. Drainage Cumbria are a leading drain unblocking company in Cumbria, with years of experience in dealing with all types of blocked drains in the North West of England. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps you need to take to unblock an external drain in Cumbria.

Understanding the Problem

A blocked drain can cause a lot of hassle, leaving you frustrated and unable to use your outside space. But before you try to unblock the drain, it's essential to understand what's causing the problem. Here are some of the most common reasons external drains get blocked:

• Leaves, dirt, and debris buildup
• Foreign objects such as children's toys, sanitary products, or oil
• Roots growing into the pipes
• Structural damage to the drain
• Frozen or clogged underground pipes due to ice, snow, or grease.

Carry Out A Visual Inspection

The first step in unblocking an external drain is to carry out a visual inspection. Look for any signs of the blockage, such as water not draining, unpleasant smells, or gurgling sounds. If you can see the blockage, try to remove it using your hands or tools like tongs or pliers. Remember to wear gloves at all times to protect your hands.

If you can't see the blockage, don't worry. Move on to the next step.

Using A Hose And Drain Cleaner

The next step is to use a hose and drain cleaner to unblock the drain. Connect the hose to a water source and insert it into the drain, making sure to create a tight seal around the opening. Turn on the water and let it run for a few minutes, ensuring that the water flows freely through the drain. If the water doesn't drain or only drains slowly, it means the blockage remains.

Now it's time to use a drain cleaner. There are many types of drain cleaners available in the market, but be sure to choose one that's safe for external drains. Pour the solution down the drain and let it sit for the recommended time. Then turn on the water and flush the drain to remove the blockage.

Unblock The Vent

If you've tried hose and drain cleaner but the drain remains blocked, the problem could lie in your external vent. The vent allows air to escape from the drain and keeps the pressure inside balanced. If the vent is blocked, water won't drain properly, leading to a blocked drain.

Unblock the vent by raising the lid and removing any debris that's blocking the pipe. Ensure that the vent is always clear, so the water and waste materials can flow freely.

Unblock The Kitchen Drain

If it's your kitchen drain that's blocked, you need to take additional steps to unblock it. Kitchen drains often get blocked by food particles, oil, and grease. Follow these steps to unblock your kitchen drain:

• Pour boiling water down the drain to dissolve the grease and oil buildup
• Use a plunger to create pressure and loosen the blockage
• Use a drain cleaner to remove any remaining buildup
• If the blockage is severe, call a professional drainage company like Drainage Cumbria.

Regularly Updating Your Property

To prevent blocked drains, it's essential to maintain your property regularly. Clear leaves, dirt, and debris buildup regularly to ensure that your external drains don't become blocked. Ensure that your gutters and drains are clean and functional, so that water flows freely, avoiding any flooding issues.

Also, if your property has a roof, have it checked regularly to ensure that any surface water drains properly. Surface rainwater that doesn't drain away can cause damage to your property and lead to blocked drains.

When to Call A Professional Drainage Company

If you've followed these steps and the drain remains blocked, it's time to call a professional drainage company like Drainage Cumbria. We have years of experience in dealing with all types of blocked drains in Cumbria, and we're available 24/7 to help.

Our team of experts uses the latest equipment and techniques to unblock external drains in Cumbria quickly and efficiently. We also provide emergency drain unblocking services, so if you're facing a blocked drain issue outside working hours, you can still rely on us.

Conclusion

Blocked drains can be frustrating and disruptive, but they're a common issue for property owners in Cumbria. By following these steps, you can unblock your external drain quickly and efficiently, without causing any further damage. However, if the blockage remains or if you're facing a more significant drainage issue, call the professionals at Drainage Cumbria. We're always here to help!