How to Clean and Unclog Your Home's Outdoor Drains

How to Keep Your Home’s Outdoor Drain System Unclogged

Keeping your home's outdoor drain system unclogged is essential for avoiding costly damage and plumbing repairs from flooding in the yard, sink and toilet blockages, and more.

To help you protect your property from potentially expensive issues, here are some simple steps you can follow to keep your home's outdoor drain system unclogged.

Step 1 - Detect the Drainage Problem Early

The key to preventing a clogged outdoor drainage system is to detect any potential problems before they become an issue. The best way to do this is by being proactive with regular maintenance checks on all your property's drains.

Inspect each drain every six months, looking for signs of blockages such as standing or slow-draining water. If you notice any potential problem areas, act quickly and clear them out before they become a full-blown issues.

Step 2 - Clean Out Clogs with a Plunger

If you have identified an area needing cleaning, it's time to grab the plunger! Start by removing any debris, such as leaves and twigs, that could be causing the blockage, then use a plunger to push through anything blocking the pipe.

Ensure you are using enough force when plunging with a sink or toilet plunger, but don't go overboard, as this can cause further damage to your pipes.

Step 3 - Auger Out Deeper Blockages

If plunging does not solve the issue or if you suspect deeper blockages in your pipes, it's time to get an auger involved. An auger is a tool created to remove stubborn obstructions from drainage systems. It works by pushing through the debris until it finds whatever is causing the clog and removes it completely.

It's essential that when using an auger, you take extra care not to damage any of the pipes in your system, as this could make things worse instead of better!

Step 4 - Call In Professionals For Serious Blockages

If all else fails or you don't feel comfortable tackling a severe blockage yourself, it's time to call in some professional help. Our qualified plumbers at Lloyds Plumbing will be able to diagnose what is causing the blockage and quickly remove it without damaging any of your drainage system components – saving you time, money, and stress! Call us today at (805) 495-8766 to learn more!