Standing water and foul smells are telltale signs of a blocked outdoor drain. There are many reasons drains become obstructed, including food waste, tree root damage, and dirt and debris. Let’s look at whether you should tackle the problem yourself or call in the experts.
Assess the drain
If you are lucky, the blockage will be caused by leaf debris on the grid cover; otherwise, you will need to lift the drain cover to assess whether the blockage is visible and can be removed. If you can’t see the cause of the problem, CCTV drain surveys Reading will give you a clear picture.
Clearing an outside drain
If the blockage isn’t complex and you decide to tackle the job yourself, you will need suitable tools. These include drain unblocker, drain rods, and a pressure hose. Wear long rubber gloves and safety goggles, and ensure you have a bucket and plenty of bin bags.
Armed with your tools and safety gear, follow these steps to unclog your outdoor drain:
1. The first thing to do is remove any apparent blockages, such as leaves, soap scum, or food waste.
2. You must wear gloves and a safety mask and place all debris in your bin or waste bags.
3. Use your rods to clear any non-visible blockages. Start by gently inserting one rod at a time into the pipe until you feel resistance, then twist the rod so you break down the blockage and clear a path to the other side.
4. Don’t leave any debris lying around, as you don’t want to do this again in a few days. Clear the area around the drain cover carefully to minimise the chance of a blockage recurring.
Use the professionals
Some blockages cannot be fixed without professional help. Drain jetting and professional CCTV surveys from a company such as www.drainpower.co.uk/drainage-services/cctv-drain-surveys/reading make short work of tough jobs.
Always obtain recommendations from friends and neighbours and compare at least three quotes before you proceed. Keep your drains well-maintained once they are blockage-free for peace of mind.
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