How to Unblock an Outside Drain

Unblocking drains, whether from a natural occurrence or through a repair or renovation project is a very timely and important issue to take care of. No one wants to be dealing with the hassle and expense of calling a plumber, having the clog repaired or replaced, only to find out later that the blockage was due to “ancient” drainage problems that require an entirely new drain system. And let’s face it; drains can get backed up from time to time. It’s simply a matter of being prepared for the eventualities.

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Unblocking an outside drain should be a main priority when renovating an older home. In older homes, the floor drains (and, often, the same goes for the main sewer line) are usually situated above the ground level and, as the years have gone by, have become blocked with dirt and debris. In order to reach them, you will need to dig a hole in the dirt and place a bulky auger that can reach the blockage and free the part of the drain pipe that is blocked. This approach could end up costing you more money than it saves, however, so it’s best to invest in some preventative measures. For Copper Pipe supplies, visit Watkins and Powis

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Before attempting to unblock an outside drain line, it’s important to realise one very important fact: blocks in drains and pipes are very common! All types of surfaces can experience this type of blockage from time to time. Grime, tree sap, food particles and even human hair can make their way into the drainage pipes of your home. To avoid future problems, it’s a good idea to get your pipes inspected every few years.