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Blocked outside drains are a common household issue causing frustration, flooding, and unpleasant odors. Understanding the causes, such as fallen leaves, damaged pipes, soap scum, hair, grease, and improperly discarded toiletries, is key to preventing blockages. Regular maintenance like clearing debris and proper waste disposal can help maintain clear drainage systems.
Common causes of blocked drains
Knowing the most typical reasons for drainage issues is the first step in preventing blocked drains, both inside and outside. Here are some of the top sources of drain or pipe jams.
Fallen leaves, and twigs
Dead leaves and garden waste during autumn can block outdoor drains. Regularly sweeping and clearing debris around the drain helps maintain proper water flow and prevents clogs from forming.
Damaged pipes
Blocked drains may result from poor pipe installation or tree roots damaging pipes. These issues aren’t DIY-friendly, so it’s best to call professionals to inspect and handle the necessary repairs.
Soap bar scum
Soap paraffin and minerals in water can form residue that clogs drains. Reducing soap use and pressure-cleaning pipes helps prevent buildup and keeps your drainage system clear and efficient.
Hair
Falling hair can amass over time and block sink and shower drains and cause problems when they’re not taken out right away. A drain guard can help prevent hair clumps from falling into the drain.
Grease
Fat and oil can cause clogs if they’re discarded through drains and pipes, and these substances are quite difficult to remove when they harden and stick to the pipes as they cool. Experts recommend collecting any used oil into a container and disposing of it alongside solid waste.
Toiletries
Tampons, sanitary napkins, nappies, and baby wipes are frequent culprits in clogged toilets. These materials grow as they absorb water thereby preventing water from going further down the pipes and drains. These items should be disposed of properly in the bin or diaper pail.
Mineral accumulation
Calcium and magnesium deposits from hard water can contribute to a variety of plumbing issues including pipe and drain blockage. A water softener can usually help with this, otherwise, be prepared to remove sediments regularly.
Dirt
Flushing an excessive amount of mud and dirt into a sink or drain that’s not well-equipped for the volume can also burden the drains and pipes and obstruct the draining of water. Shaking off mud outdoors can ease the pressure on your plumbing
Our Tips
Do-It-Yourself for small issues
It usually takes a plumbing professional to sort out blocked outside drains, but for minor stoppages, you can apply a little know-how and some elbow grease to unblock your external drain.
Don’t know where to get started with how to fix a blocked drain? Here are a few tips:
Trace what’s causing the blockage
Before taking everything apart, you should know how to diagnose the problem. Luckily, the abovementioned list, “Common causes of blocked drains,” provides some ideas as to what the source of the issue might be, and where it’s likely coming from, so you can inspect it more thoroughly and then work on it, if it’s something you can handle.
Get ready to get your hands dirty
Cleaning outside drains requires manual labour, starting with making sure the grate – and every size of outside drain should have one- is clear of debris. To do so, unscrew the grate and try to get to the area drain with your gloved hands to pick out what might be obstructing the water’s flow.
If you can’t reach in, you can use your drain rods, pipe snakes, or caustic soda or drain unblocker to extricate whatever’s causing the blockage.
Test the drain
After removing all debris, flush the drain with water and see if the water goes through normally. If the water slows or stops completely there may be a clog deeper down the line; if stronger water pressure doesn’t help, you may need to call in the professionals.
Still no flow? Contact the pros!
If all that hard work didn’t seem to budge what was blocking the drain, give us a call at 1300 512 737 and we’ll sort it out. Wilco Relining can solve any blockage with our step- by-step process.
Pipe Relining
How can Wilco Relining clear your tree root intrusions and blockages?
Step 1 - Inspect the damaged pipework
Wilco Relining’s company of plumbers is well-versed in diagnosing a wide variety of pipework problems, using inspection, plumbing locating, and testing tools, in addition to years of experience and know-how.
Step 2 - High-pressure jetblast the pipework
If a regular hose on its highest pressure settings didn’t work, jetblasting the pipes will do the trick! Wilco Relining will apply fast and powerful streams of water that will surely loosen roots and other stubborn blockages.
Step 3 - Trenchless reline the pipework
Using our state-of-the-art pipe relining technology means we won’t have to dig on your property when we reline your pipes to fix the damages caused by the tree root intrusion and broken pipes.
Local expertise. Long-lasting results. Latest technology
Premium Quality Materials European Designed and Manufactured
At Wilco Relining, we believe in using only the best. That’s why all our relining materials are European-designed and manufactured, ensuring top-tier quality, durability, and performance.
By choosing trusted European products, we guarantee that every job is backed by exceptional craftsmanship—built to withstand tough conditions and deliver long-lasting results you can rely on.
Pipe Relining
What You Can Expect From Wilco Relining ?
Expect a quick, transparent and reliable team of plumbers to help you solve your pipe problems. We understand pipe issues can cause a headache to property owners, and we are confident with our service quality
- ✅ Qualified Professionals: Skilled team ensuring top-quality repairs done right the first time.
- ✅ The Best Product: We use advanced tools like CCTV, hydro jetting, and premium Brawoliner for lasting results.
- ✅ 24/7 Availability: Emergency plumbing services available anytime you need us.
- ✅ Transparent Pricing: Clear, honest pricing with no hidden fees after a thorough consultation.
Wilco Relining offers a high-quality solution for your pipe issue. We are the plumbing company you can trust because we are honest in our work, our goal is to provide our clients with 100% satisfaction. We prioritize our customers’ requirements and convenience, making us the number one solution for pipe relining.
Give us a call today on 1300 512 737 and get your quote. Our customer support will happily assist you.