Blocked Outside House Drains? Learn the Best Ways to Unblock Them

The drainage system around your home is vital - not just for ensuring rainwater gets washed away. It also plays a key role in maintaining the structural integrity of the property, minimises the build-up of debris which can encourage pests and keeps the outside of your home looking its best. Whether you’re a homeowner or landlord, finding ways to keep house drains unblocked should be at the top of your regular maintenance to-do list.

Main reasons for blocked drains

Your external drains are subject to changing weather conditions and moving seasons. They are a vital component of the house and are continuously working, through rain and shine. The most common reason for a blockage through your drainage system is the build-up of unwanted debris. During autumn, leaves falling from trees and dirt can make their home in these concave pipes. Equally, the sections of your drainage that funnel out from the kitchen can be exposed to high levels of cooking fats, oils and grease. Over time, these build up and block the normal flow of water.

How to unblock outside drains

It pays to be preventative when managing your drainage system. Avoid pouring products such as oil and grease down your drains. Also, only flush toilet paper and other biodegradable papers down your toilet. This will minimise any blockages caused by materials that cannot easily disintegrate into the drainage system. Using a sink strainer is also an effective way to ensure only the smallest particles can get through while larger pieces of food are picked up and thrown in the bin.

If you notice a blockage inside the house, you may wish to invest in a Pipe Unblocker. These handy tools work much in the same way that a traditional plunger does, applying pressure to the water to help shift stubborn blockages. They can be used on most drains in the home, including in the bathroom and on the shower waste. For stubborn blockages along waste pipes, consider a Pipe Drain Unblocker which can offer up to 10m of length. Or tools such as the Karcher Drain Cleaning Kit is ideal for firing a high-pressure stream of water into pipework to clear away any debris.

Externally, it pays to check your gutters on a regular basis and have a professional company remove any built-up debris on a bi-annual basis. If your house is overlooked by large trees, invest in a gardener or arborist to cut them back during Summer and make sure to manage shrubs or plants growing near your outdoor drains.

Here at Sealant & Tools Direct, we know how disruptive blocked drains can be. This is why we have brought together several practical tools to help deal with this issue - all at the best prices. If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of our team, please get in contact here today.