Blocked external drains can be more than just a nuisance—they can cause significant disruptions and lead to costly plumbing problems if left unaddressed.
At Swish Plumbing, we’ve seen it all, from minor clogs caused by debris to major blockages resulting in water pooling in gardens or driveways. With years of experience and the best tools in the trade, we know how to tackle these issues efficiently while helping you prevent future blockages.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with practical steps for identifying, addressing, and preventing external drain blockages, so you can keep your outdoor drainage system functioning properly.
What Causes External Drains to Block?
External drains face challenges that indoor plumbing doesn’t. Being exposed to the elements means they’re more vulnerable to debris like leaves, twigs, and soil. Tree roots often creep into pipes looking for water, creating blockages or even damaging the pipes themselves. Heavy rain can wash sediment and silt into the system, causing clogs to build up over time.
Sometimes, the issue starts inside your home. Grease and oils from cooking can travel through your pipes and solidify in the external drainage system. In other cases, items like toys, rubbish, or leftover building materials find their way into outdoor drains, creating a focal point for other debris to collect. Occasionally, it’s not a blockage at all but a more serious issue like a cracked or collapsed pipe.
Understanding these causes is important because fixing the problem often depends on knowing what’s causing it in the first place.
Signs You Have a Blocked External Drain
Blocked external drains aren’t always immediately obvious, but there are some telltale signs to watch out for. One of the first things you might notice is water backing up in your sinks, showers, or toilets. If flushing the toilet causes water to bubble up in the shower drain or your sink empties slower than usual, it’s often a sign of trouble further down the line.
Unpleasant smells are another clue. If you’re noticing bad odours, particularly after heavy rain, it could mean water is stagnating in the drain. Gurgling sounds coming from your pipes are another red flag, as they suggest air is trapped in the system due to a blockage. In severe cases, you might see water pooling in your garden or driveway, indicating that the drainage system isn’t moving water away as it should.
If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s time to investigate further.
How to Tackle a Blocked External Drain
If you’re dealing with a blocked drain, there are a few simple steps you can try before calling in the pros. First, locate the drain and clear away any obvious debris like leaves or dirt around the opening. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to get things flowing again. If not, grab a plunger. Place it firmly over the drain, give it a few strong pumps, and then flush the system with water to check if the blockage is gone.
For trickier clogs, a drain rod or plumber’s snake can come in handy. Gently insert it into the pipe, rotate it to break up the blockage, and then use a high-pressure hose to flush out any leftover debris. If that doesn’t work, a natural fix like baking soda and vinegar might do the trick. Pour the mix down the drain, let it fizz for about 30 minutes, then rinse with hot water.
If none of these steps solve the problem, it’s time to bring in the professionals.
The Tools of the Trade
Sometimes, no amount of plunging or rodding will budge a stubborn blockage—and that’s when professional tools make all the difference. At Swish Plumbing, we’ve got the equipment and expertise to tackle even the most challenging clogs. Our CCTV drain cameras give us a clear view inside your pipes, pinpointing the exact cause and location of the problem. This means we can address the issue quickly and effectively without any guesswork.
For tough blockages, our high-pressure water jetters are second to none. These powerful machines blast away grease, debris, and scale build-up, leaving your pipes spotless and free-flowing. If we find that the problem is due to a damaged pipe, we might recommend pipe relining—a cutting-edge technique that repairs the pipe from the inside without the hassle of digging up your yard.
Every situation is different, and at Swish Plumbing, we tailor our solutions to suit your specific needs, ensuring your drainage system is back to working perfectly in no time.
How to Prevent Future Blockages
Preventing blockages is always easier (and less stressful) than dealing with them, and a few simple habits can go a long way in keeping your drains clear. Start by watching what goes down your drains—things like grease, oils, and food scraps should never be rinsed away, as they can harden and cause stubborn clogs. Instead, toss them in the bin. Adding drain covers is another smart move to catch leaves and debris before they make their way into your system.
Regular maintenance is also key to avoiding nasty surprises. Scheduling a professional drain clean once a year can keep your pipes in great shape and catch any small issues before they become major headaches. If you have trees on your property, it’s worth keeping an eye on their roots. Certain trees can wreak havoc on underground pipes, so root barriers or selecting less invasive plants can save you a lot of trouble down the track.
Don’t forget about your gutters and downpipes, either. After heavy rain, debris from overflowing gutters can find its way into your drains, creating unnecessary blockages. A quick clean-up after a storm can save you from bigger problems later on. By taking these simple steps, you’ll keep your drainage system running smoothly year-round!
When to Call A Professional
While some blockages can be resolved with DIY methods, there are times when calling a plumber is the best course of action. If your drains are persistently blocked despite your efforts, it’s a sign of a deeper issue. Frequent backups, foul odours, or water pooling around your property indicate that the problem is more complex than a simple clog.
Trust Swish Plumbing for All Your Drainage Needs
Blocked external drains can feel like a big hassle, but with the right know-how and tools, they’re totally manageable. From spotting the warning signs and clearing blockages to taking preventative steps, a little knowledge goes a long way in keeping your drainage system healthy. And if you ever need a hand, Swish Plumbing is here to make the process simple and stress-free.
Give us a call on 0402 547 293 for professional, friendly service and let us take the stress out of your plumbing problems.
