How To Unblock Drains Outside The Home In Cumbria

Are you having trouble with blocked drains outside your property in Cumbria? Blocked drains can cause a lot of inconvenience and annoyance, especially when they begin to cause unpleasant odours, overflow, or even flooding. Thankfully, Drainage Cumbria is here to help you! We are a drain unblocking company in Cumbria that provides high-quality drain unblocking services to clients in Cumbria and the surrounding areas. In this article, we will provide you with some tips and tricks on how to unblock drains outside your home in Cumbria.

Understanding Your Drainage System

Before you attempt to unblock your drains, it is essential to understand the drainage system around your property. Drainage systems are designed to carry both surface water (rainwater) and foul water (wastewater from your household) away from your property and into the sewer network. There are two types of drainage systems - surface water drains and foul water drains.

Surface water drains are designed to carry rainwater and other surface water away from your property, and they usually drain into a soakaway or a drainage ditch. Foul water drains, on the other hand, are designed to carry wastewater from your toilets, sinks, baths, and showers away from your property and into the main sewage network.

It is vital to understand the difference between surface water and foul water drains when it comes to unblocking your drains. If you are not sure which type of drain is blocked outside your property, then it is best to call in a professional like Drainage Cumbria to help you diagnose the problem.

Signs Your Outside Drains Are Blocked

There are a few tell-tale signs that your outside drains may be blocked. These include:

• Pools of water gathering around the drain area
• Water overflowing from the drain cover or gully
• Gurgling sounds coming from the drains
• Unpleasant smells coming from the drains
• Slow draining water from sinks, toilets, or baths

If you notice any of these signs, then it is likely that your outside drains are blocked and require unblocking. In the following sections, we will discuss the best ways to unblock your outside drains to keep them flowing freely.

Clearing Drain Blockages

There are different approaches to unblocking your outside drains depending on the severity of the blockage. Here are a few methods you can try:

Manual Cleaning

If the blockage is not too severe and is relatively close to the surface, then you can use a drain rod to shift the blockage manually. A drain rod is a long, flexible rod that can be used to push or pull blockages out of the pipes. When using a drain rod, it is important to wear gloves, and you may want to consider protective eyewear as well.

To use a drain rod, follow these steps:

1. Lift the drain cover and locate the blockage
2. Insert the drain rod into the drain and start to slowly feed it in until you feel resistance
3. Rotate the drain rod clockwise to break up the blockage
4. Pull the drain rod back out and remove any debris that comes with it
5. Repeat the process until the drain is clear

If you are unsure about using a drain rod, then it may be best to call in a professional like Drainage Cumbria to help you with the unblocking process.

Using a High-Pressure Water Jet

If the blockage is more severe or deeper inside the pipelines, then a high-pressure water jet might be the best solution. This method involves using a high-pressure jet of water to blast away the blockage inside the pipes. The water jet is usually fed through the drain cover or gully and can be controlled by a remote-operated device.

To use a high-pressure water jet, you will need to:

1. Lift the drain cover or gully
2. Feed the water jet hose into the drain and turn on the water supply
3. Use the remote control to guide the nozzle towards the blockage
4. Turn on the high-pressure water jet and blast the blockage away
5. Continue blasting the water jet until the pipes are clear

High-pressure water jetting can be a dangerous method if not handled properly. It is recommended that you seek professional help, like Drainage Cumbria, to carry out high-pressure water jetting.

Chemical Drain Unblocker

Another method for unblocking your drains is to use a chemical drain unblocker. A chemical drain unblocker is designed to dissolve and break down the blockage inside the pipes. Chemical drain unblockers are easy to use and can be purchased from most hardware stores.

Here is how to use a chemical drain unblocker:

1. Lift the drain cover or gully
2. Pour the chemical drain unblocker into the drain and let it sit for the recommended time
3. Rinse the drain with water to flush away the dissolved blockage
4. Replace the drain cover or gully

It is important to note that chemical drain unblockers can be harmful to the environment and may damage your pipes if used incorrectly. It is best to seek professional help if you are unsure about using chemical drain unblockers.

Final Thoughts

Blocked drains outside your property in Cumbria can be a nuisance, but with the right methods and help from Drainage Cumbria, you can quickly clear any blockages and keep the water flowing freely. If you have tried all of the above methods and your drains are still blocked, then it is time to call in a professional like Drainage Cumbria. Our team of experts are available to help you with any drainage problems, and we are just a phone call away. Contact us today on 01228 734162 to learn more.