Your drain pipe will have some kind of grate over the opening to catch large debris like leaves, twigs, and so on. This is the easiest and least expensive solution of all, which makes it the best one to … This equipment will make your job easier and faster. Always read the label and product information before use. Grate hooks can be purchased from your local hardware store. Drain covers can be purchased at your local hardware store. 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 Whether you have issues with outdoor landscape drains, or you need to find out how to unclog a French Drain, you’ll be glad to hear that this common problem can be relatively easy to solve, especially with professional assistance from outside drain cleaners. Even so, you may periodically experience issues like outside drain and French Drain pipes clogged with dirt and debris that causes backups and flooding. Take a look at this step-by-step guide for unblocking your drains. Step 1: Visual Inspection; If you have a blocked drain, the first thing you need to do is perform a visual inspection. Drain rods can be purchased from your local hardware store. For landscape drainage cleaning, repair, and installation in Houston, contact our team at Zodega TIS. There is no disturbing or digging of soil, no use of heavy chemicals or any other non-environmentally friendly way of clearing the drain. This method of clearing drains is non-invasive and good for the environment. Clean your drain screens periodically to remove any obstructions. 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. Twist, push and pull the cable to break it up and unclog the drain. [1] X Research source Put the kettle on (or use the stove or microwave … Boiling water. Practical Tips on Unclogging Outdoor Drain Pipes & Portals. That means that leaves, dirt, and even particularly heavy rainstorms may overload and ultimately cause clogging issues to this drain. Landscape drainage operates on a straightforward system. These pipes, which at the end of the run, connect to the city sewer system. Use thick waterproof gloves that come up to your elbow. I traced a circle around the drain cap, then cut it about 15-20mm bigger. A normal main machine would be my choice, because it pushes the debris out of the pipe, chops up any roots and scrapes the inside of the pipe clean. Chemical drain cleaning. In addition, a landscape or backyard drain clogged with debris could cause unseen damage to the drainage system itself. 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. The narrow metal … Boiling water will kill any grass near your drain if it spills on the soil. A blocked outside drain can create havoc for if you are a homeowner. Outdoor drains are susceptible to clogging with leaves or 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. Once you've identified the cleanout line, remove the cap. % of people told us that this article helped them. An outside drain serves a unique purpose, different than other drain line components inside your building. Outside Drain Unblocker: Tools and Chemicals. Feed the snake into the drain. Make sure you’re wearing your rubber gloves before putting your hands in the water. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Start by removing the grate with a screwdriver and pour about 1 cup (208 g) of baking soda into the open drain. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Unclog Your Drain … By using our site, you agree to our. 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. 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. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 73,002 times. Then, use 1–2 cups (240–470 ml) of bleach to prevent any smells and to break apart any residual obstructions. Put on protective gloves, and search for the outdoor drainage pipes that may have clogged due to some sort of outside … Tip: Enzyme cleaners are safe to use with septic tank lines since they won't harm the helpful bacteria. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Safety Warning. How to Unblock an Outside Drain. A clogged landscape drainage pipe can result in significant damage and expense if left untended. First, you may experience flooding from an outside drain blocked with mud or debris. Wear an oven mitt while you pour the water in case it spills down the side of the pot. 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. 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. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. The Old-Fashioned Way You can't go past the good old fashion plunger to force the block from the plumbing pipe. This can ruin landscaping and seep into the base of your structure, leading to water damage, rot, mold, and other issues as a result. When they solidify, they can cause a blockage. How to Unclog a Drain with a Snake. Wear rubber gloves when you’re working on your drain so you don’t get any skin irritation from the water or debris. It's the force of the push that forces air through the pipe to clear the clog. Using your drainage rods, attempt to flush out the blockage. {"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":"