How To Unblock Outside Drain Without Rods In Cumbria

Do you live in Cumbria or the North West of England and have an outside drain that is blocked? This can be a frustrating and messy situation, but don't worry, Drainage Cumbria is here to help. We are a drain unblocking company in Cumbria with years of experience in unblocking drains. In this article, we'll be sharing with you some tips on how to unblock an outside drain without using rods.

The Blockage

The first thing to do when dealing with a blocked outside drain is to identify the blockage. There are several ways to do this. Firstly, look for signs of standing water, foul smells, and overflowing drains. This could indicate a blockage in the drain. You can also try flushing your toilet and see if it drains slowly or if there is any gurgling noise coming from your pipes. This could also indicate a blockage.

The Drains

Once you've identified the blockage, it's time to check your drains. Start by removing the grid cover from your outside drain. This can be done by using a screwdriver to loosen the screws holding it in place. After removing the cover, use a torch or flashlight to look down the drain. If you can see the blockage, you may be able to remove it with your hands or with a pair of pliers.

The Equipment

If the blockage is out of reach or you're unable to remove it with your hands, you'll need some equipment to unblock your outside drain. There are several tools you can use, including a drain snake, a pressure washer, or a drain jetting machine. A drain snake is a flexible metal wire that you can insert into your drain to remove the blockage. A pressure washer uses high-pressure water to blast away the blockage. A drain jetting machine is a more powerful version of a pressure washer, which uses high-pressure water to blast away the blockage and clean the drain at the same time.

The Process

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to unblock an outside drain without using rods:

1. Remove the grid cover from your outside drain using a screwdriver.
2. Look down the drain using a torch or flashlight to identify the blockage.
3. If you can see the blockage, try to remove it with your hands or a pair of pliers. If you can't, proceed to step 4.
4. Choose the equipment you want to use to unblock the drain. We recommend using a drain jetting machine if you have access to one. If not, a pressure washer or drain snake will do.
5. Connect the equipment to a water source and turn it on.
6. Insert the equipment into the drain and move it back and forth until the blockage is cleared.
7. Once the blockage is cleared, flush your toilet and run water through your outside drain to make sure the water is flowing properly.

Prevention

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to prevent blockages in your outside drain:

1. Avoid pouring grease and oil down your kitchen sink. These can solidify and cause blockages.
2. Use a drain strainer to prevent hair and other debris from entering your drain.
3. Regularly clean your outdoor drains by flushing them with hot water and a cleaning solution.
4. Don't flush anything other than toilet paper down your toilet. This includes wipes, sanitary products, and cotton buds.

Conclusion

There you have it, a guide on how to unblock an outside drain without using rods in Cumbria and the North West of England. Remember to always be careful when handling drain equipment and if you're unsure, it's best to leave it to the professionals. At Drainage Cumbria, we offer a range of drain unblocking services, including unblocking outside drains. If you need our help, give us a call on 01228 734162 or visit our website at drainagecumbria.uk. Don't let a blocked drain ruin your day, we're here to help!