This is the easiest and least expensive solution of all, which makes it the best one to … Begin feeding the hose into the pipe. Chemical drain cleaning. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Boiling Water. – 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 Pour a bucket of hot water into the sink to melt the blockage. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. This can lead to further yard damage and greater expense for repairs. 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 type of drain can be cleaned with a typical main snake, a water jetter, or if the clog is not too big, you may be able to force it out with a blow bag. Make sure you’re wearing your rubber gloves before putting your hands in the water. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 73,002 times. For landscape drainage cleaning, repair, and installation in Houston, contact our team at Zodega TIS. Start by removing the grate with a screwdriver and pour about 1 cup (208 g) of baking soda into the open drain. Use biocides safely. Practical Tips on Unclogging Outdoor Drain Pipes & Portals. Like your gutters, these grates need to be cleaned regularly to avoid a clogged outdoor drain pipe. Simply reach into the drain using the rod and gently feel around until you come across the problem blockage. Your outside drain may be connected to not only your in-home fixtures, but runoff from roof drains, area drains, and more may also be connected. 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. If you keep your drains squeaky clean with regular flushing, you’ll never have to learn how to unclog an outside drain pipe. 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. If neither cleaning the trap nor plunging clears a plumbing clog, your final weapon is a drain auger (also known as a snake). 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. 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. 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. Before plunging cover the overflow with a damp cloth to ensure a drain seal and force the air out through the drain blockage. By using our site, you agree to our. A clogged landscape drainage pipe can result in significant damage and expense if left untended. How to Unclog a Drain with a Snake. Leaves, mulch, silt, and other yard debris can be difficult to clean and flush out of a landscape drain unless you have the right drain cleaner for the job.. Push until the hose stops, indicating that you’ve probably reached the blockage. Put on protective gloves, and search for the outdoor drainage pipes that may have clogged due to some sort of outside … Push the rod forward and pull it back to break up the clog. 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. Chemical Drain Cleaners. Once of the oldest tricks in the book, boiling water. If you have a clog in a septic drain, try enzyme cleaners before any harsh chemicals. Outside Drain Unblocker: Tools and Chemicals. The narrow metal … wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. It's the force of the push that forces air through the pipe to clear the clog. Drain Unblocking with a Hose A great way to clear a blockage without using chemicals is to use a hose or pressure jet to force the obstruction through the pipe. 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. Run the snake into the opposite end of the drain, if it was not long enough to go through the entire … Wait about 30 minutes, then dump a large pot of boiling water down the drain to flush the clog, baking soda, and vinegar away. There’s a lot to be said for preventive maintenance if you want to spare hassle and expense in the long run. Your drain pipe will have some kind of grate over the opening to catch large debris like leaves, twigs, and so on. These pipes, which at the end of the run, connect to the city sewer system. Slip the end of the hook under the grate and lift it up. This method of clearing drains is non-invasive and good for the environment. Significant blockages could cause pressure to build and pipes to crack or collapse. 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