How To Unblock Outside Gutter Drain In Cumbria

Are you facing a drainage problem in your property in Cumbria? Do you have a blocked outside gutter drain that you don't know how to unblock? If yes, you are not alone. Blocked external drains and gutters are common problems that homeowners in Cumbria face. Fortunately, there are ways to unblock your outside gutter drain without the need for professional help.

At Drainage Cumbria, we are a drain unblocking company in Cumbria, North West England, with years of experience in solving drainage problems in residential and commercial properties. In this landing page, we'll guide you on how to unblock your outside gutter drain in Cumbria.

Understanding External Drains And Gutters

Before you try to unblock your outside gutter drain, it's crucial to understand how external drainage works. External drains and gutters are designed to collect surface water from your property and direct it away to a drainage system or soakaway. The surface water collected by external drains and gutters is rainwater, melted snow, and water from cleaning outdoor areas like patios and driveways.

Over time, external drains and gutters can become blocked by leaves, twigs, and other debris that prevent the flow of water. Blocked external drains and gutters can cause water to overflow into your property, leading to water damage, damp, and even flooding.

Signs Of A Blocked Outside Gutter Drain

How do you know if your outside gutter drain is blocked? Below are some signs to look out for:

• Water overflowing from gutters or drains
• Damp patches on walls or ceilings
• Water pooling around outside drains
• Unpleasant smells coming from outside drains
• Slow draining sinks or toilets

If you notice any of these signs, it's likely that your outside gutter drain is blocked, and you need to unblock it to prevent further damage.

Trying To Unblock An Outside Drain Yourself

If you have a blocked outside gutter drain, you may want to try unblocking it yourself before calling a professional. Here are some methods you can try:

Method 1 - Using A Hose

The first method you can try is using a hose to flush out the debris blocking your outside gutter drain. Here's how:

1. Turn off the water supply to your property to prevent water from entering and overflowing through your internal plumbing system.

2. Locate the outside drain cover and remove it with a screwdriver.

3. Attach the hose to a tap and direct the water towards the outside drain opening.

4. Turn on the tap and allow the water to flow for several minutes.

5. Check to see whether the water has drained away. If the water is still pooling, try repeating the process until the drain flows freely.

Method 2 - Removing The Drain Cover

If using a hose doesn't work, you may need to remove the outside drain cover to access the blockage. Here's how:

1. Turn off the water supply to your property to prevent water from entering and overflowing through your internal plumbing system.

2. Locate the outside drain cover and remove it with a screwdriver.

3. Wear gloves to protect your hands from debris that may be blocking the drain.

4. Use a hook or wire to remove the debris from the drain. Be careful not to push the blockage further down the drain.

5. Replace the drain cover and turn on the water supply to check whether the drain is now unblocked.

Method 3 - Using Chemical Drain Unblockers

If the above methods don't work, you can try using chemical drain unblockers to clear the blockage. However, this should be your last resort as chemical drain unblockers can be hazardous to your health and the environment. Here's how to use chemical drain unblockers:

1. Follow the instructions on the product carefully.

2. Wear protective gloves and goggles.

3. Pour the chemical into the outside drain and wait for the recommended time.

4. Flush the drain with hot water.

5. Check to see whether the blockage has been cleared.

When To Call A Professional Drain Unblocking Company

If you've tried all the above methods and your outside gutter drain is still blocked, it's time to call a professional drain unblocking company like Drainage Cumbria. Here are some signs that indicate you need professional help:

• The blockage is recurrent, meaning it keeps coming back even after you've tried to clear it yourself.
• You're not sure what's blocking your drain or how to remove it.
• The blockage is located in a hard-to-reach place or is caused by a structural problem.

At Drainage Cumbria, we have trained and experienced drain engineers who use the latest equipment and techniques to unblock your outside gutter drain quickly and efficiently. Our team can also identify and fix any underlying problems that may have caused the blockage, preventing it from recurring in the future.

Useful Tips For External Drain Maintenance

Prevention is always better than cure. To avoid external drain blockages, here are some useful tips for external drain maintenance:

• Regularly sweep leaves and debris from your gutters and drains to prevent them from building up and blocking the flow of water.
• Install a drain cover to prevent large debris from entering your outside drains.
• Avoid pouring cooking oil, fat, and grease down your kitchen sink as they can solidify and cause blockages in your internal and external drains.
• Regularly flush your outside drains with hot water to prevent the build-up of debris.
• Invest in regular drain maintenance and check-ups from a professional drain unblocking company like Drainage Cumbria.

Contact Drainage Cumbria For Professional Drain Unblock Services

If you have a blocked outside gutter drain in Cumbria or need professional drain unblocking services, contact Drainage Cumbria today. Our phone number is 01228 734162, and our email address is [email protected]. You can also visit our website at drainagecumbria.uk to find out more about our services and to book an appointment. We're available 24/7 to provide you with the best drainage solutions in Cumbria.