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Need drain tips? Have a read below
Do you need your outside drain unblocked? When waste water is being transported away from a property, it leaves via connection into a drainage system. Most of the time, this occurs outside the property by directing waste water into an outside drain. Blocked outside drains often cause quite a lot of issues as they are exposed to the elements. There are a few different outside drains and what you need to do to clear them varies depending on which drain is blocked.
Rainwater Gullies
The first type of external drain which may block is a rainwater gully. If you are wondering how can you tell which is a rainwater gully, then it is a small grid that typically has the down-pipe from the gutter drop into it. These drains do not typically have any covers on and so are exposed to the elements. Leaves, stones and plant material that gets deposited on your roof can work its way down through your rainwater pipe and into the gully.
Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done about these blockages as typically, they can’t be cleared by a home outside drain unblocker like rods as they sit behind a letter box gully, which is a small lip that attempts to stop rubbish entering the drain. Specialist drain unblocker outside tools need to be used such as high-pressure jetting. This is the way to go with these blocked outside drain cases. Bigger ones in commercial properties sometimes even need vacuuming—it just depends how bad it’s backed up. It sometimes helps to get your guttering cleaned out to remove the debris and stop the need to unblock outside drains in the first place.
Soakaways
Occasionally, down-pipes from the gutters don’t actually connect into a drain, rather they lead to a soakaway. This makes them notoriously hard to unblock, as it is not a drain that can be cleared using the usual methods. A soakaway drain blocked essentially does what it says on the tin—the water runs into the ground and gets soaked away. In really heavy rain, soakaways can back up and there is little that can be done. You can jet them in the hope it removes some of the debris and pushes it further down the pipe, or if you are having major overflowing issues, we can connect these drains into your main drain run to save you from having a blocked rainwater drain. Having your soakaway drains run into your main run helps flush out the entire system and reduces the chances of getting another drain blocked outside, as it allows for surface water to clear through any debris in the drains during spells of heavy rain.
Car Park Gullies
Another outdoor drain that can block is a car park gully. These typically sit in the centre of a car park and can often back up as they are completely exposed to the elements. This really is a vacuum tanker job. The drains themselves typically don’t back up; it is mainly the chambers that collect the water, which means unblocking outside drain like this is a particularly specialist job as it cannot be jetted or rodded. This is when you probably need a professional drain unblocker outdoor like Mersey Rod.
Kitchen and Utility Drains
Sometimes your outside kitchen drain can back up. This is often due to food getting stuck or grease and fat collecting on the inner bore of the pipe causing your outside drain to be blocked. If you’re lucky and do not mind getting your hands dirty, you can sometimes reach into the drain and unblock it yourself. If the grate has become damaged over time, food may have backed up further in the drain, causing a blocked external drain which is a job for a high-pressure jetting machine.
Misidentified Blockages
Other outside drains may appear to be blocked as they are connected to the rest of the drainage system, but in fact it is elsewhere within the system that is blocked. If you are ever in doubt, it is definitely advisable to get a specialist drainage company out to fix your drainage issues. Using rods can be attempted but they can break and become trapped and require excavating. We have dealt with a lot of rod removal procedures! If you have any of these issues, an external drain unblocker may be what you need. Emergency drain unblocking is what we do best. If you need help or advice, do not hesitate to get in touch—we are always happy to help.
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore in a Blocked Outside Drain
Standing water, slow drainage, and bad smells near your drain are early warning signs. These signs indicate that water is no longer flowing as it should. Ignoring these can result in flooding or pipe damage.
How Weather Impacts Outdoor Drains
Each season brings its own challenges. In autumn, fallen leaves block rainwater gullies. In winter, frozen debris clogs pipes. In summer, dry waste can block car park gullies. Preparing your drains for the weather helps prevent blockages year-round.
DIY Tools vs Professional Help: When to Decide
You can try using gloves, rods, or a drain unblocker gel for surface-level issues. But if there’s a sewage smell or water overflow, it’s time to call the professionals. They have access to advanced tools like vacuum tankers and high-pressure jetting systems.
Why Professional Drain Surveys Matter
Drainage problems are not always where you think. A CCTV drain survey helps locate exact blockages such as root intrusions, cracked joints, or collapsed pipes. This method avoids digging and ensures accurate repair—ideal for older properties or recurring issues.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
- Use drain guards to catch leaves and debris before they enter the drain.
- Avoid pouring fats and oils down kitchen sinks—they harden and block pipes.
- Clean gutters at least once a year to prevent blockages from roof debris.
- Use biological drain cleaners monthly to break down organic waste.
Common Causes of Blocked Outside Drains
Understanding the root causes of a blocked outside drain helps prevent repeat issues. One common reason is the infiltration of tree roots into underground pipes. These roots enter through tiny cracks, expanding over time and causing severe blockage.
Debris like leaves, dirt, and stones—especially during seasonal changes—can also clog a rainwater drain. Other culprits include grease, soap residue, and foreign objects flushed from inside the house into external drains.
In some cases, poor construction or collapsed pipes can result in a blocked drain outside, especially in older properties. Regular maintenance and awareness of these causes go a long way in preventing serious drainage problems.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Unblock an Outside Drain
Facing a drain blocked outside your home? Here’s how to fix it safely:
- Wear protective gloves and goggles before starting.
- Lift the drain cover using a flat-head screwdriver or pry bar.
- If you see visible debris, remove it manually.
- Use a drain unblocker outside tool like rods to break up clogs.
- Flush the system with a hose or a pressure washer to check water flow.
Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage your pipes or harm the environment. If this doesn’t work, consider hiring an external drain unblocker for deeper inspection.
How Professionals Diagnose Blocked External Drain Problems
Experts use a systematic approach to tackle any outdoor drain blocked. First, they assess surface signs—overflowing water, unpleasant smells, or gurgling noises.
Next, a CCTV survey allows them to inspect inside the pipe without excavation. This helps locate issues like a drain blocked with stones, collapsed pipework, or even a blocked outside drain pipe.
Depending on the findings, they might use high-pressure jetting or recommend excavation if the outside drain is blocked beyond surface-level solutions.
Preparing for Seasonal Risks: Blocked Rainwater Drain Prevention
Each season brings unique challenges that can result in a rainwater drain blocked or a soakaway drain blocked. In autumn, falling leaves and twigs clog outside drains. During winter, frozen water expands, creating pipe cracks.
How to prepare:
- Clear gutters and rainwater gullies before winter.
- Use guards to filter debris.
- Flush the drains blocked outside at the start of each season.
- Inspect for damage after storms.
Why Choose Emergency Drain Unblocking Services?
Not all issues can be DIY-ed. When you notice an outside drain overflowing or internal plumbing problems, it’s time for emergency drain unblocking.
Companies like Mersey Rod offer 24/7 services with access to advanced tools like:
- CCTV cameras
- Jetting machines
- Vacuum tankers
These allow them to handle everything from a blocked outdoor drain to a drain blocked with stones, quickly and efficiently.
Benefits of Regularly Unblocking Outside Drains
Routine maintenance can stop minor clogs from turning into a blocked outside drain. Here are some benefits:
- Prevent property damage from water overflow
- Maintain hygiene and avoid foul smells
- Increase the longevity of your drainage system
Myths About Drain Unblocker Outdoor Tools
Some believe that pouring boiling water or strong chemicals can fix a drain blocked. While this might work in minor cases, it often causes more harm than good.
Mechanical methods like rods or an outdoor drain unblocker tool are much safer. They remove debris without damaging pipes. A drain unblocker outdoor product designed for home use is helpful, but it has its limits.
For persistent clogs, an external drain unblocker with professional-grade equipment is your best option.
Final Thoughts: How to Unblock a Drain Outside Successfully
Dealing with a blocked drain outside can be stressful, but with the right knowledge and timely action, you can resolve it quickly.
Use this guide to tackle everything from a blocked outside drain to a blocked rainwater drain. For reliable and professional drain unblocking outside, get in touch with a trusted company before the issue escalates. Whether it’s a blocked outside drains situation or a drain unblocker outside requirement—you’ll be prepared.
FAQs
How do I know if my outside drain is blocked?
You may notice slow drainage, standing water, or unpleasant smells around the drain.
Can I unblock an outside drain myself?
In some cases, yes. If the blockage is near the surface, tools like rods or gloves may help. For deep blockages, professional help is best.
What causes outside drains to get blocked?
Common causes include leaves, silt, fat, grease, food waste, or collapsed pipework.
What is a soakaway and why is it hard to unblock?
A soakaway allows water to drain directly into the ground. It’s hard to unblock because it’s not a traditional pipe but a gravel-filled pit.
What equipment is used to unblock tough external drains?
High-pressure jetting or vacuum tankers are typically used by professionals.
How can I prevent my outside drain from getting blocked again?
Regular cleaning, installing drain guards, and gutter maintenance help reduce future blockages.
Is it safe to use chemicals in outside drains?
Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes and the environment. Mechanical clearing is often safer and more effective.
What’s the difference between a rainwater gully and a kitchen drain?
Rainwater gullies collect rainwater, while kitchen drains handle wastewater. The causes and solutions for blockages differ.
Can a blocked outside drain affect indoor plumbing?
Yes. If connected, a backup in your outside drain can lead to slow drains or smells inside the property.
When should I call for emergency drain unblocking?
If water is overflowing, smells are strong, or DIY methods fail—call a professional right away.
Can tree roots cause outside drain blockages?
Yes. Roots can grow into cracked pipes and cause severe blockages that require professional removal.
How often should I check my outside drains?
At least twice a year—especially before and after heavy rainfall or during autumn leaf fall.
What are signs of a serious drain issue?
Repeated blockages, foul smells, gurgling sounds, or flooding are signs of deeper problems.
Can a CCTV drain survey find hidden issues?
Absolutely. CCTV surveys show real-time visuals of the inside of your drain to locate cracks or obstructions.
Do blocked outside drains attract pests or insects?
Yes. Standing water and organic waste can attract flies, rats, and other pests if left untreated.