How to Unblock an Outdoor Drain

Overview

A blocked outdoor drain can cause flooding. This guide covers clearing a blocked outside drain.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Carefully remove the grating or cover from the outdoor drain to expose the opening. Use gloved hands to pull out any leaves, dirt, or other large, visible debris that you can reach from the surface. Check that the immediate opening is clear before proceeding.
2. Assemble your drain rods and gently push the first rod into the drain, guiding it towards the blockage. Continue adding sections of drain rod as needed, twisting them to help break up the obstruction. Once you feel the rod has passed through the blockage, withdraw it carefully.
3. After using the drain rods, turn on an outdoor tap and direct a strong flow of water into the drain for several minutes. Observe if the water drains away freely and swiftly, indicating that the remaining smaller debris has been flushed through. If the water backs up, the blockage is not fully cleared.
4. If the drain is still struggling to clear after flushing, connect a pressure washer to an outdoor tap and attach a drain-cleaning nozzle to the lance. Carefully insert the nozzle into the drain and activate the pressure washer to blast away stubborn blockages, ensuring the water flow improves significantly.
5. Should the blockage persist despite all your efforts with rods and a pressure washer, it's time to seek professional help. Contact a local, reputable plumber to investigate the issue, as the problem may be deeper or more severe than can be fixed DIY.

Common Symptoms & Diagnostic Resolutions

Review the common error codes and operating symptoms below to quickly identify the root cause of the fault before ordering replacement parts.

Frequently Asked Questions