External and outdoor drains do many important jobs, clearing away domestic waste and outdoor debris like leaves and dirt. Working drainage systems are integral to a functioning home, but drain health is often neglected or forgotten about, especially in regard to external drains. A drainage issue within the home is a lot more noticeable. If you’re in the shower and notice water collecting at your feet, or if your sink fails to drain water and smells, this suggests there is a blockage. As we spend a lot more time inside our homes than outside, we notice these issues and can address them ourselves before anything gets worse. Outside drains require much more monitoring and due diligence, but there are a few obvious signs to look out for.
What causes a blocked drain?
There are multiple causes for a blocked drain. A blocked drain can be caused by misuse, or it can happen on its own entirely. Mud is one of the most common reasons for a blocked drain. Soil, leaves, branches, and dirt accumulates over time. This mixture combined with rainwater creates a thick mud that can easily cover your drain, preventing it from working. Silt can also wreak havoc on your drains. As water rushes through our pipe systems day in and day out, pipes naturally accumulate scale from mineral deposits like silt, calcium, and magnesium. When this sediment mixes with rainwater, a thick paste forms which can harden, clogging drains. Furthermore, toilet paper or other flushable materials like wipes can also block your drains. Even grease, oil, or other liquids washed down a kitchen sink can contribute to an outdoor blockage. This is why it is best to dispose of oil, food waste and grease using a food or waste bin.
Assessing the blocked drain
There are quite a few tell-tale signs of a blocked outside drain. The more an outside drain is left unattended or unmonitored, the more it can become blocked over time, preventing it from doing its job. If you can clearly see water collecting around your drain and a blockage present, wash away external sediment to clear the area. Depending on the drain type, try lifting up the cover to get a look inside. You may need a screwdriver or drain key here. Once you have a clear view of the pipe below, use a torch to see if the blockage is visible or not, this should give you a good idea of if you can clear it by hand or not. If you can see a minor blockage present, this can be removed without professional help. Make sure you wear rubber gloves, long sleeves, and a face mask when attempting any blockage removal. Soap scum and food waste will need to be carefully removed and placed in a bin bag to prevent further rotting.
When to get professional help
If you are still having problems with your external drain cleaning, it’s worth considering hiring an expert. Aspect is a specialist property maintenance company based in the south of England. Their professional drainage engineers use specialist equipment to get your drains clean. If the blockage seems to be lodged inside your drain, this is a bit more of a difficult task that a professional can take care of. Whilst you can purchase drain clearing rods and attempt an internal blockage removal yourself, this more invasive type of removal is best left to a professional. Aspect experts have access to quality equipment like master plungers, high-powered water jetting equipment, and industrial-strength cleaning acids, which will be much more effective than store-bought equipment. For those tricky internal blockages, an Aspect professional can also use CCTV drain surveying equipment, to locate and dislodge the issue.
