Many houses and businesses have outside drain systems installed somewhere on their property. Any exterior drain and/or system’s purpose is to prevent rainfall and melting snow from flooding the yard, residence, or outdoor property. If there is a driveway, there may be a drain to prevent the driveway surface from flooding during a storm or from runoff rainfall.

Keeping these exterior drains free of dirt and other things is a vital home and property maintenance task that all property owners should understand how to do.

If your drain is sluggish or fully clogged, there are several things you can do without hiring a plumber. Whether you break the clog up by hand or use a baking powder and vinegar solution, your drain will be as good as new!

If you need to know how to unclog an outside drain, our San Mateo experts will explain how to safely clean and unclog your outdoor drain pipes!

Step One: Analyze the Issue

Access your outside drainage by whatever technique you can think of. For the majority of homes, this entails removing the drain cover. This may necessitate the use of a screwdriver, however, this is unusual. Examine the issue once you have access.

Is the obstruction visible or hidden under the surface?

Is it just filth or does it look to be a more difficult job?

If, after examining the situation, you believe you can handle it on your own, go to step two. If the situation appears to be significantly more difficult than you anticipated, we recommend skipping to step six on this list.

These are some of the obvious items that often clog outdoor drains:

  • Grass or other plants and weeds growing around drain openings or exits
  • Covering the Drainage Holes with Dirt or Mud
  • Debris such as twigs, leaves, and rocks that may have been washed or blown away by storm rains or winds
  • Trash or litter includes items such as paper, disposable cups, plastic, and other items.
  • Toys for children or outdoor supplies

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Tools for the Job

A few items are required to clear an outdoor drain obstruction. A drainage rod is the most important instrument. These things are long, thin, and flexible, and they are frequently built with steel joints. They allow you to push through the obstruction in your drain and reach deep into the external systems. Don’t try to unclog an exterior drain without one; they’re cheap and easy to come by.

You’ll also need some gloves and protective clothes because you’ll be searching around within the drain. If the obstruction is near the surface, we recommend waterproofs (gloves and long-sleeves) as well as protective protection for your mouth and eyes. Splatter can include dangerous sewage germs, which you should avoid coming into touch with since it can cause disease or infection.

You’ll also need a bucket and a hose, preferably a pressure hose if you have one.

Step 3: Remove Any Obstacles You Can Reach

Can you get your arm in there and remove some of the impediments? If this is the case, you have the highest opportunity of displacing the matter that is obstructing your drains and making it easy to utilize your drainage rods for simple debris cleaning.

It’s a horrible task, but it’s worthwhile.

Grab your bucket, set it near the drain, and start digging. Remove every bit of clogging material you can find. The more you get-go of, the easier the next stages will be.

Step 4: Remove the Obstruction

Attempt to flush out the clog with your drainage rods.

The narrow metal should be able to glide through the muck, although you may need to apply some pressure. Move the rods around to dislodge as much of the obstruction as feasible. Be patient as this may take some time, especially if the accumulation is substantial or resistant. Continue plunging until the drainage rods are simple to move – if you can see the obstruction, it will begin to drain and disperse.

When utilizing drainage rods, make sure you twist them clockwise. If you twist anti-clockwise, you may discover that the difficult clogs actually cause the rod joints to unscrew!

Step 5: Remove Any Extra Debris

Once you’ve cleared the obstruction and water is flowing freely through your exterior drain, it’s worth taking a little more effort to ensure that the problem doesn’t reoccur. Clear away any extra debris that has accumulated around the drain with a hose, ideally a pressure hose.

The pressure from your hosepipe should remove any lingering obstruction pieces that you’ve loosened using your hands or drainage rod. The cleaner your drains are, the longer it will be before you have to perform this again.

Step Six: How Do I Unblock an Outside Drain That Isn’t Draining? Call in the Professionals

Outside drainage problems are much more complex than the typical sink clog. While they are managed using do-it-yourself procedures, they are not always successful. If these don’t work, we advise you to avoid using more harsh tactics. Damage to your exterior drainage system may develop, and you may exacerbate the situation.

When you can’t get past a hard clog, contact drainage professionals like ours at Caccia Plumbing. We have the knowledge and skills to clear even the most stubborn drain clog. Often, a professional touch is all that is required to restore your plumbing to normalcy.

Even after attempting these techniques, if you’re still unsure how to unblock an exterior drain, it’s time to contact your local San Mater Plumber. Call us immediately to schedule a call out and get your drainage issues resolved.