Post By Admin
January 31, 2025Is your outside drain blocked and causing water to pool in your yard or driveway?
It is often caused because of leaves, dirt, and debris, leading to slow drainage or complete backups. The good news? You can fix it by yourself.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through six effective ways to fix your outside drain blockages and get the water flowing again. So, you can fix it quickly and easily.
Need expert help? Check out our blocked drain specialists for professional assistance.
What Causes Blocked Outdoor Drains?
Outdoor drains are exposed to many things, making your outside drain blocked. Here are the most common culprits:
- Leaves and twigs: Especially during autumn, fallen leaves can pile up and make your outside drain blocked.
- Mud and dirt: Heavy rain can wash dirt into your drain, leading to buildup over time.
- Grease and oil: If your outdoor drain connects to a kitchen sink, grease can solidify and cause blockages.
- Tree roots: Roots can grow into underground pipes, restricting water flow. Learn more about roots in pipes.
- Plastic waste and debris: Bottles, wrappers, and other trash can get trapped in the drain.
6 Best Ways to Unclog an Outside Drain
If your outside drain is blocked with dirt, leaves, or other debris, here are six simple methods to fix it:
1. Use a Drain Auger (Drain Snake)
A drain auger is a flexible tool designed to break up blockages deep inside the drain. It’s perfect for blocked drains outside that are clogged with compacted debris or small tree roots.
How to Use a Drain Auger:
- Insert the auger into the drain opening.
- Turn the handle clockwise to push the coil deeper into the blockage.
- Keep rotating until you feel resistance, meaning that you’ve hit the clog.
- Reverse the motion to break up and pull out the debris.
- Flush the drain with water to clear any remaining blockage.
Need a guide on using a drain snake? Check out our drain auger tutorial.
2. Pour Boiling Water and Dish Soap
If your drain is clogged with grease or soap scum, boiling water can help break it down.
How to Do It:
- Boil a large pot of water.
- Mix in a few tablespoons of dish soap.
- Slowly pour the hot mixture down the drain.
- Wait 10-15 minutes and flush with cold water.
This method works best for drains connected to kitchen sinks, where grease buildup is common.
3. Try a High-Pressure Hose
A strong water blast can push out stubborn debris in your blocked external drain.
How to Do It:
- Attach a high-pressure nozzle to your garden hose.
- Insert the hose into the drain opening.
- Turn on the water at full pressure.
- Move the hose back and forth to dislodge debris.
If you have a pressure washer, it can be even more effective to fix your outside drain.
4. Use a Baking Soda and Vinegar Mix
This natural solution is great for breaking down dirt and organic matter from your outside drain.
How to Do It:
- Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the drain.
- Follow with 2 cups of vinegar.
- Let it fizz for 30 minutes.
- Flush with hot water.
This method is safe for pipes and works well for minor blockages.
5. Remove Debris with a Drain Rod
For stubborn blockages, a drain rod can physically push out debris.
How to Do It:
- Insert the drain rod into the pipe.
- Rotate it clockwise while pushing forward.
- Keep going until the blockage clears.
- Flush with water to remove any remaining dirt.
Drain rods are especially useful for outside drains clogged with dirt and compacted leaves.
6. Call a Professional Plumber
If none of these methods work, it’s time to call in the experts. A plumber can use advanced tools like CCTV drain cameras and hydro-jetting to clear stubborn blockages.
Need professional help? Contact our blocked drain specialists.
FAQ About Clogged Outdoor Drains
Still unsure about how to handle a blocked drain outside? Many homeowners have questions about costs, tools, and whether they should call a plumber. Here are some common FAQs to help you out
Do plumbers deal with outside drains?
Yes! Plumbers specialize in internal and external drain clearance. They have the right tools to remove tough blockages and prevent future issues.
How much does it cost to unblock a drain outside?
The cost to unblock a drain outside depends on the severity of the blockage. Simple clogs may cost around $100-$200, while severe cases requiring hydro-jetting or excavation can go up to $500 or more.
What tools do you need to unclog a blocked outdoor drain?
Here are some handy tools for clearing a blocked external drain:
- Drain auger: For deep blockages.
- High-pressure hose: For flushing out debris.
- Drain rods: For pushing out stubborn clogs.
- Baking soda & vinegar: For natural cleaning.
For serious blockages, a plumber may use a stormwater drain jetter or CCTV camera inspection.
Conclusion
A blocked drain outside can be a hassle, but with the right tools and techniques, you can clear it yourself.
So, with tools like a drain unblocker outdoors, a high-pressure hose, or call in a plumber, the key to fixing the outside drain is to act fast before the problem worsens.
Need expert help? Trust Neighbourhood Plumbing for fast and reliable drain unblocking services. Contact us now!
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
