How To Unblock An Outside Drain Full Of Mud In Cumbria

If you're living in Cumbria, you've probably experienced the frustration of dealing with a blocked outside drain. It's one of the most problematic issues for households in the region. This is where Drainage Cumbria comes to the rescue. We're a drain unblocking company in Cumbria, specialised in unblocking outside drains that are full of mud and debris.

In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to unblock an outside drain full of mud in Cumbria. We'll cover the usual suspects that cause blockages, how to keep your outside drain clear, and what to do if you need to remove a blocked drain or access the water network at your home.

Outside Drains Are Problematic But Important

Outside drains play an essential role in keeping your home's drainage system working. They collect rainwater, groundwater, and wastewater, taking them away from your property and into the local sewer network. Blockages in outside drains can cause water to overflow and flood your property, making them problematic and potentially leading to major damage.

It's essential to keep your outside drain clear and free-flowing, but unfortunately, they're often neglected until they become problematic.

The Usual Suspects

Mud, leaves, silt, and debris can accumulate and clog the pipes inside problematic outside drains. This is often the result of infrequent gutter cleaning or poor maintenance. Other culprits include sanitary products, wet wipes, and other items that people often flush down the toilet. These don't degrade as quickly as toilet paper and can amass and cause a blockage.

Keep Your Outside Drain Clear

Prevention is better than cure, and this is very true when it comes to outside drains. There are several things you can do to prevent blockages in your outside drain, including:

• Regularly clean your gutters and downpipes to prevent any build-up of debris
• Install drain guards to prevent leaves and other debris from entering the drain
• Avoid flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet
• Keep any outside areas around the drain clear of leaves, twigs, and other debris

By following these simple guidelines, you can prevent blockages and ensure your outside drain is functioning correctly.

How To Unblock An Outside Drain Full Of Mud

If your outside drain becomes blocked, you need to act fast to prevent the problem from getting worse. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to unblock an outside drain full of mud:

Step 1: Identify The Problem

Before you start any work on unblocking the drain, you need to identify the location of the blockage. You can do this by:

• Checking if there's standing water near the outside drain
• Smelling for any unpleasant odours coming from the drain
• Listening for gurgling sounds when using any of the inside facilities

Step 2: Remove Any Obvious Debris

Use gloves to remove any visible debris that's obstructing the drain. This may include leaves, twigs, and large mud clumps.

Step 3: Use Drain Rods

If the blockage is more substantial, you'll need to use drain rods. Drain rods are long, flexible rods that can be screwed onto each other until you have the required length to reach the blockage. The rods are then pushed down the drain with a twisting motion until they reach the site of the blockage.

Step 4: Clear The Blockage

Once the drain rods are in place, it's time to clear the blockage. This can be done by either pushing the debris through the pipes or using a plunger to dislodge the blockage.

Step 5: Flush The Drain

After the blockage has been cleared, flush the drain with water to ensure all debris has been removed.

When You Need To Remove A Blocked Drain Or Access The Water Network

The water network in Cumbria is managed by United Utilities, who oversee the supply and distribution of water, and the removal and treatment of wastewater. To remove a blocked drain or access the water network, you must first contact United Utilities, who will arrange for a qualified engineer to visit your home.

Conclusion

An outside drain blocked with mud can be a frustrating and problematic issue for households in Cumbria. Fortunately, Drainage Cumbria is here to help with our expert advice and service. By following our tips on how to keep your outside drain clear and free-flowing, you can prevent blockages from occurring in the first place. If a blockage occurs, follow our step-by-step guide, but remember, we're always here to help if you need us. Call us on 01228 734162 or email us at [email protected], and we'll get your outside drain unblocked in no time!