There are two kinds of outside drains, with the easiest and most commonly blocked one being the kitchen gully.
These can be prone to collecting not only the things that accumulate from the outside, such as leaves and litter, but also the things that build up from kitchen use, such as things like food waste, fat and grease.
Here we will assume it is the kitchen gully that is blocked.
First, it’s important to understand what you’re looking at. At first glimpse you will see a square opening at ground level.
They should always have a “lid” or cover with openings, and if not, this could be part of the problem.
Below the lid there is usually a U bend or “swan neck” that keeps a water level in the same manner as toilets and sinks.
After the cover, this is usually the next section that blocks.
If you have not managed to clear the drain by following the next simple steps, it could be blocked in the underground pipe or nearest inspection chamber or manhole.
Clearing an outside drain can be done in a few simple steps:
Remember, always use suitable PPE.
- Remove any debris: Use a garden trowel or scoop to remove any leaves, twigs, or other debris from the top of the drain cover. This will allow you to see the drain and determine the extent of the blockage. Any waste removed should be disposed of with normal household waste, as this will likely smell if coated in fat and grease. If you happen to have a composting area, you could add the debris to this if it’s suitable. Just remember to cover it! This is only applicable if it’s just kitchen waste. If sewage has come up, it should be double bagged and disposed of, if it cannot be washed back down after the blockage is cleared.
- Check for blockages: Shine a flashlight into the drain to see if there is any visible blockage such as leaves, mud, or small rocks. If there is, use a gloved hand or a tool like a drain snake to remove the blockage. Remember, there should be a water level, this is perfectly normal – but it should be fairly low and remain constant when water is coming in from above, much like how a toilet flushes.
- Use a garden hose: If the blockage is not visible, use a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle to blast water into the drain. This can help to dislodge any blockages that may be present. This may be messy, so use PPE and be careful with water at high pressure.
- Try a plunger: If the hose does not work, try using a plunger to create suction and dislodge the blockage. Place the plunger over the drain and push down and up several times until the blockage is dislodged. A tip here is to use a 6″ plunger attachment. Even though the outgoing pipe and most of the drain or gully is 4″, the larger plunger is more effective in this situation.
- Chemical drain cleaner: As a last resort, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner. However, these cleaners can be harsh and may damage the drain or surrounding area, so use them with caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
If none of these methods work, it may be necessary to call a professional plumber to clear the blockage. Please check that the plumbing company you call does actually deal with drains, as they may not have the specialist tools or machinery that drainage companies use. It may be more cost effective to call a drain clearance company as first port of call.
Additionally, it’s important to regularly clean and maintain outside drains to prevent future blockages. This includes removing debris and flushing the drain with hot, soapy water regularly.
