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Step By Step, Let’s Deal With Any Outside Drain Blockage

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How to unblock a drain outside

Step By Step, Let’s Deal With Any Outside Drain Blockage

Blockages inside your home are frustrating enough – the kitchen sink water won’t go down, or the shower floor is horribly flooded. But blocked outside drains can be even more frustrating, and – worse still – cause even more damage. We’re talking about serious property damage, bad smells – even health hazards and worse. Whether it’s a simple slow-draining pipe, or you have an outside drain overflowing, or water is pooling like it’s the 100m Olympic freestyle final, these problems definitely need to be tackled ASAP!

The good news is that solutions exist, and you can often manage them on your own if the problem is straightforward. In this exclusive guide, we’ll explore how to unblock a drain outside – and let you know when it’s time to call in the professionals.

DIY versus professional help for outside drain blockages

Before diving into do-it-yourself fixes, it’s important to recognise when a DIY approach is acceptable and when you should leave the job to a licensed plumber—like the experts at Fix-It Right Plumbing—who have seen this type of problem a million times before. For example, are you hoping to learn how to unblock a sewage drain outside? Read on:

DIY methods are fine when …

  • The blockage is minor, such as leaves or debris sitting near the drain opening
  • The tools and methods used won’t risk further damage to the drain or surrounding property
  • You are confident that no regulations (like local council rules) are being violated.

Call a plumber when …

  • The blockage involves sewage or chemicals
  • The drain system connects to public infrastructure (eg., a blocked sewage drain outside house)
  • You lack the tools, knowledge, or confidence to proceed safely.

So that’s the ground rules – let’s move on to practical steps you can try for all sorts of outside drain blockages:

Step-by-step: How to unblock drains outside

1. Inspect the area around the drain

So, let’s get into this: How to unblock a drain pipe outside? Well, let’s begin by identifying the issue.

Look for signs of:

  • Debris
  • Leaves
  • Dirt
  • Anything else clogging the entrance to the drain.

A quick clean-up using gloves and a garbage bag can often clear superficial blockages. This simple step might resolve an outside drain blockage without requiring any further action at all.

2. Remove surface debris with a drain cover lifter

If the blockage persists, use a tool if you need to safely lift a drain cover and examine what’s underneath. For this step, an outside drain unblocker like a grabber tool or drain rod might be handy to remove visible obstructions such as clumps of mud, leaves, or paper waste.

3. Flush the drain with a hose or bucket of water

Sometimes, flushing the drain with high-pressure water can dislodge blockages. Try using a garden hose or pouring a bucket of warm water directly into the drain. Avoid using boiling water, as it could damage certain types of pipes.

4. Try a drain rod or snake

A manual drain rod or auger is an excellent outside drain unblocking tool:

  • Insert it into the pipe
  • Gently work it into the blockage, rotating as you go to break apart clogs caused by dirt, grease, or small roots
  • Be careful not to force the rod – it could damage the pipe if pushed too hard.

5. Use an outdoor drain cleaner

For persistent blockages, try an outdoor drain cleaner that’s designed for use in outside drains. What’s the best product for unblocking outside drains? Look for the ones labelled as safe for the environment and effective against grease, grime, or organic matter. If you’re wondering what is good for unblocking outside drains, enzyme-based cleaners are often a very effective option.

6. Apply a plunger to the drain pipe

Blockage still there? A heavy-duty plunger designed for drains can be a helpful tool:

  • Cover the drain opening completely
  • Use short, firm plunges to create suction that dislodges the clog.

7. Deploy a drain bladder

For more severe blockages, a drain bladder attached to a garden hose can flush out stubborn debris:

  • Insert it into the pipe
  • Turn on the water
  • Let the expanding bladder push out the blockage.

8. Check for structural issues

How did you go? Did you learn how to unblock an outside drain? Good for you! But wait: did none of this work?

If none of the above methods work, inspect the pipe for:

At this stage, a DIY fix may not be possible or practical. However, at least identifying the issue will help your plumber resolve it faster.

When to call a plumber

While DIY methods can be effective in a lot of situations, some problems simply require the expertise of a professional who knows exactly what they’re doing.

Scenarios that definitely need a plumber

Sewage blockages: If you’re dealing with a blocked sewage drain outside house, leave it to a licensed plumber to avoid contamination and further damage.

Recurring blockages: If you’ve cleared the drain only for it to clog again, it’s a sign of a deeper issue like damaged pipes or invasive tree roots.

Complex drainage systems: Some outside drains connect directly to stormwater or sewer systems, which require specialised knowledge and tools to address.

Health hazards: Blockages involving waste, chemicals, or standing water should always be handled by professionals to minimise risks.

Pipe damage: If your attempts to unblock the drain reveal cracked or collapsed pipes, you’ll need professional pipe repair or replacement.

Remember – Licensed, experienced plumbers have easy access to advanced equipment like their CCTV cameras and hydro-jetting machines, making them far more efficient at diagnosing and resolving severe blockages.

Fix outside drain issues the right way

Just looking for a quick blocked outside drain home remedy? Realise this: blocked outside drains not only don’t have to ruin your day, but you can fix them all by yourself! By following these steps, you can often clear minor blockages with minimal sweat and tears.

However, when the problem is too complex – or when erring on the side of safety and regulations demand professional intervention – don’t hesitate to call the experts.

At Fix-It Right Plumbing, we absolutely specialise in diagnosing and fixing even the toughest drain problems. Whether you’re dealing with a minor blockage or a major issue with your plumbing system, our Melbourne blocked drain plumbers, Canberra drain cleaning experts, and Geelong drainage specialists are ready to get your drains flowing perfectly again. Reach out today for fast, reliable, fully guaranteed workmanship that keeps your plumbing in top shape—hopefully forever!