how to unblock a drain pipe outside

A clogged landscape drainage pipe can result in significant damage and expense if left untended. In some cases, figuring out how to unclog outdoor drain pipes is relatively easy, and you could save some money with a DIY approach. Push the rod forward and pull it back to break up the clog. Simply cleaning grates regularly could go a long way toward preventing flooding and damage to landscaping. You can unblock an external or outdoor drain by lifting up the grate covering it and breaking up the clog with your hands or a drain rod if you can reach it. Use your flashlight to reach inside the drain pipe or system opening to carefully remove any debris that is seen or felt right at the entrance. Yes, you can make your own outdoor drain cleaner using vinegar and baking soda. These pipes, which at the end of the run, connect to the city sewer system. To unclog an outdoor drain pipe, take along a plastic trash bag to put any found debris that is likely to be the source of the clog. Take a look at this step-by-step guide for unblocking your drains. Generally speaking, you should check for blockages by assessing the flow of water through the pipes. While you can, of course, unclog outdoor drain and French Drain pipes as needed, this is a good example of an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure. This article has been viewed 73,002 times. You can also pour 1 cup (208 g) of baking soda into the drain, then pour 1 cup (240 ml) of vinegar to the drain to start a reaction that will unclog the drain. Run the snake into the opposite end of the drain, if it was not long enough to go through the entire … If you have a drain rod, otherwise known as a plumbing or drain snake, in your home, then you may be able to use this to clear out an outside drain blocked with mud. Then, pour 1 cup (240 ml) of distilled white vinegar into the drain to start a chemical reaction that will break up the clog. Whether you have exterior drainage for a commercial or residential property, you need to clean and inspect regularly so you don’t end up with a yard or driveway drain clogged with substantial mud. Tips don't get any easier than this. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Gather the tools you need to unblock drain pipe parts — gloves, ladder, bucket, water jet and brush or scrapers to loosen debris. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. [1] X Research source While you can, of course, unclog outdoor drain and French Drain pipes as needed, this is a good example of an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure. With the two pieces of plastic from the milk bottle which should hopefully now be (somewhat) flat, measure the pipe diameter and cut your plastic in a circle to be about 20mm larger than the pipe. Is it inside the waste pipe outlet from the bathtub, the … A typical plumbing drain system consists of a network of pipes. Follow these steps to use caustic soda to unblock an outside drain: • Pour caustic soda down the drain • Pour water and wait for soda to fizz away • The debris will rise to the top • Add more water to remove the debris. However, severe blockages or damage to the drainage system will probably require professional help to address. The talented outdoor drain and French Drain cleaning team at Zodega also offers custom residential landscaping in Houston, as well as ongoing residential lawn services in Houston. Chemical drain cleaning. This equipment will make your job easier and faster. How to Unclog an Outside Drainage Pipe In some cases, figuring out how to unclog outdoor drain pipes is relatively easy, and you could save some money with a DIY approach. After you break up the clog, pour about 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water down the drain using your hose to test the drainage and to get rid of any loose material. Put on protective gloves, and search for the outdoor drainage pipes that may have clogged due to some sort of outside … When they solidify, they can cause a blockage. landscape drainage cleaning, repair, and installation in Houston, How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes Using Home Remedies, Top 7 Houston Landscaping Ideas for Every Taste, Easy Steps to a Trouble-Free Sod Installation in Houston, Texas, Definitive Guide to Safe and Effective Lawn Fertilization. If there’s a solid obstruction, pull out the rod and use the corkscrew attachment instead of the plunger. Grate hooks can be purchased from your local hardware store. This can lead to further yard damage and greater expense for repairs. The Old-Fashioned Way You can't go past the good old fashion plunger to force the block from the plumbing pipe. Pour a bucket of hot water into the sink to melt the blockage. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Drain rods can be purchased from your local hardware store. – A pressure hose that can clean the drain after you’re done unblocking it – A screwdriver that can fit in blocked areas – Eye goggles if there’s a potential danger of a pipe burst or anything similar – A large version of the regular drain rod, or as some like to call it, a drain snake Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. However, if water is still getting through in a trickle, backup could seep into the soil surrounding the drainage pipe, leading to soggy soil, areas of overly lush growth, foul odors, and the presence of mold, mildew, or fungus. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. All drainage systems feature a termination point (where water drains out), and many also have cleanouts or inspection portals at regular intervals so you can easily access drainage to check for clogs or damage. When using a sewer rod, direct the rod through the pipe until you reach the obstruction. The only caveat is that snakes are relatively useful for clogs like leaves and twigs that can be grabbed and pulled out en masse – they’re not so good with clumped dirt and mud. A few methods you can take unblocking your outside kitchen drain yourself are; Pour water: Fat is the most common debris people find in their kitchen sink. Unclog Your Drain … Twist, push and pull the cable to break it up and unclog the drain. Then, use 1–2 cups (240–470 ml) of bleach to prevent any smells and to break apart any residual obstructions. Using your drainage rods, attempt to flush out the blockage. Whether you need landscaping, irrigation, or outside drain cleaning services in Houston, contact our experienced team at 713-480-2372 or contact us online today to learn more and get a quote. If your hose is too short, you can get an extender. This method of clearing drains is non-invasive and good for the environment. Gloves will protect your hands from anything in the water and keep your hands dry as you break the clog apart. How to Unblock an Outside Drain. If you have a clog in a septic drain, try enzyme cleaners before any harsh chemicals. Your drain pipe will have some kind of grate over the opening to catch large debris like leaves, twigs, and so on. Boiling water will kill any grass near your drain if it spills on the soil. I traced a circle around the drain cap, then cut it about 15-20mm bigger. See whether water drains freely down the plughole. There are many products that are designed exactly for this task, like Domestos Sink & Pipe Unblocker.When poured directly into the blocked drain, these chemical drain cleaners work to dissolve the grease and build-up that cause the blockage. If you’ve already cleaned the opening of your drain and there’s still backup, check cleanouts and the termination point next to see if you can spot and remove other areas of blockage. That means that leaves, dirt, and even particularly heavy rainstorms may overload and ultimately cause clogging issues to this drain. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 73,002 times. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If your drain is completely clogged, consider using drain rods or a snake to break it apart first. Put the kettle on (or use the stove or microwave … The qualified professionals at Zodega TIS can assess the cause of your clog, address damage, and get your system back in working order. This is self-explanatory but we … Check sink drainage across your property. Will vinegar and baking soda unclog a drain? Simply reach into the drain using the rod and gently feel around until you come across the problem blockage. Feed the snake into the drain. Well, you can – and here’s how to do it: Simply pour some of the caustic soda (a few tablespoons should do it) down the drain Next, add some water and allow the soda to fizz away The debris causing the blockage will now have risen to the top Work the auger or rod in both directions of the drain line — back towards the house and out from the house. The job of clearing clogs in the larger drain lines found under … Pipe relining is by far the best and most effective way to unblock a drain … For dirt or mud, you might need a professional to use a hydro-jet or other method to clear the blockage. Proper grading can go a long way toward preventing issues with standing water in outdoor spaces, but for flatter expanses, you may also need a suitable outdoor drainage system to siphon away water and protect landscaping from flooding and subsequent damage. Generally, it’s not too difficult to spot an outdoor drain clogged with mud because it will start to back up, resulting in visible pooling. Figure A: Under-Floor Drain System. If the drain is in an area with a lot of foot traffic, lay down a flat rubber drain screen over it. This should release the pressure in the sewer line and force any water that has backed up into your home to drain. Baking soda and vinegar is a great natural alternative to chemical drain cleaners. % of people told us that this article helped them. Insert the hose into the underground pipe until it stops. First, you may experience flooding from an outside drain blocked with mud or debris. The narrow metal … It's the force of the push that forces air through the pipe to clear the clog. Wear an oven mitt while you pour the water in case it spills down the side of the pot. Drain Rodding. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Unblock-Outdoor-Drains-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Unblock-Outdoor-Drains-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Unblock-Outdoor-Drains-Step-1.jpg\/aid10596114-v4-728px-Unblock-Outdoor-Drains-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"