Outdoor Drain Is Blocked: What Do You Do?

The signs of a blocked outdoor drain aren't always immediately obvious. Depending on how long the blockage has been there, you might start to notice a foul odour coming from your drains or more standing water gathering in your yard. In this blog post, we look at what you can do if your outdoor drain is blocked.

Baking soda is a readily-available and safe chemical for unblocking drains. Add one cup of baking soda to one cup of vinegar and then pour this solution down the drain. Leave the mixture for about 60 minutes and then pour boiling water down. 

But why is this effective? Well, vinegar is an acid and baking soda is a chemical leavener. When you combine the two together, a reaction happens. Here, molecules are exchanged, creating water and carbon dioxide that bubbles through the clog, breaking it up. The boiling water you then pour down the drain flushes the loose material away.

Plunging an outdoor drain is often the most effective method for clearing a clog. Rather than relying on chemicals, it uses a hose or pressure jet to force the blockage through the pipe. To ensure the water is at a manageable level, clear the drain as much as possible using your hands. 

Now, push your pressure jet or garden hose as far down the drain as possible. Make sure to seal the drain cover entrance to stop the pressure you’re building up from causing the drain to overflow.

Turn the pressure jet or hose on in short spurts, such as 10 seconds, and check to see if the blockage has cleared. If it hasn’t cleared after a few goes, then this method is unlikely to work.

When it comes to unclogging an outdoor drain, a professional plumber is the best person for the job. This is because they have the right training and experience and will be able to clear the clog without damaging your property. Some other reasons to hire a professional include:

• They have the right tools and equipment needed for the job, so you don't have to buy it yourself
• They can determine whether there is a bigger problem with your drain, such as structural issues
• They can give you advice on how to keep your drains clear and prevent future blockages 

For more information about clearing a blocked outdoor drain, contact our team at Sidney & Richardson today.