You may have often observed water spilling out of an outdoor drain and wondered if the drain water should be going somewhere else. Well, you are not alone. While there is a lot said and discussed about blocked drains in Brighton and plumbing-related issues that can be managed by homeowners, many people are unaware of the crucial role outside drains play in protecting our environment. Therefore, to combat the lack of information on the matter, it is crucial to understand what outside drains do and why they should never contain standing water.
What Do Drains Do?
Drains play a critical role in directing stormwater away from roads and buildings. They assist in reducing floods by collecting excess water build-ups after heavy rainfall or snow. So they are extremely crucial to prevent any damage to property, road safety (by preventing water pooling), etc. Without drains, flooding could become a common occurrence repairing expensive repairs and other related problems like mould growth in residential or commercial premises.
Drains have considerable significance, and maintaining a drainage system inside and outside your home is crucial. If not kept properly, blocked drains could cause a huge menace and will be tough to repair. Preventing such drain clogging before it’s too late is critical. One can get their plumbing system regularly checked or look out for signs of plumbing-related issues that may cause problems in future.
When Should There Be Water in a Drain?
Standing water in the drain is not ideal as it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and thus is home to various water-borne diseases. Under normal circumstances, drains are designed to manage the passage of wastewater without getting collected (unless there is a drain blockage). Even during heavy rainfall and snow, drains handle the water pressure to avoid the accumulation of drain water on the streets.
However, if you find too much water in a drain, you can contact a plumber to check for plumbing-related issues, such as drain blockages, etc, that could be impeding its performance. Moreover, it is crucial to remove any noticeable debris or other item blockages as soon as possible to avoid any further plumbing damage or drain overflow. Items that could cause such drain blockages to include tree leaves and branches or waste trash like plastic bags or bottles that could cause backups in the plumbing system.
Process of Unblocking an Outside Drain
The first thing you should do if you see water outside the drain is to try and unblock it using various tools or DIY techniques. One can use a plunger, a drain pipe, a drain rod, a plumber’s auger or a plumber’s snake to clear the clog. They must wear protective gloves and clothing while using caustic soda or baking soda to clear drain blockages. One must avoid using chemical substances like caustic soda with bare hands. However, if you are unable to unblock an outside drain, you must contact a plumbing professional for assistance immediately!
Clearing Blocked Drains Using Drain rods
One can clear blocked drains using drain rods, a professional drain cleaning tool used by professional plumbers. If you do not know how to use a professional drain cleaning tool, you can contact professional plumbers who are well-equipped to confidently and safely use drain rods. Expert plumbers undergo training to effectively and smoothly remove any blockages in the outside drain.
They will be able to safely and effectively remove the blockage and prevent water from pooling around your home’s foundation. Moreover, one can easily remove small blockages on the outside manually by using professional tools such as a drain rod, which speeds up the process and clears drain clogs immediately.
What Steps to Take to Prevent Drain Blockages?
If you are unable to manage your outside drain and wish to learn the process of clearing and preventing drain blockages, follow the below tips:
- Keep your outside drain free from outdoor debris. You can use a pressure hose or garden hose to clear any outdoor debris.
- To prevent drain blockages, one can apply waterproof sealant around their home.
- They can also review the spacing of the downspouts as their roots may expand to interfere with the drainage system.
- If your outside drain is blocked, the reason could be clogging in any part of your home drainage system, including the kitchen and bathroom.
- Use caustic soda to remove drain blockages and clear sinks or pipes at home to unblock outside drain clogs.
Many people use boiling water to unclog a drain. While the process gives immediate results, it is not a substantial long-term solution. Similarly, you must avoid using boiling water to clear an external drain chamber or pipe to prevent any other potential plumbing issues in the future.
Top Common Causes of Clogging of Outside Drains
It is crucial to know the top causes of outside drain clogging to avoid and prevent any future blockages. The following are some of the common causes of blockages of sewage drains or external drains:
- Soil, grease, mud, dirt, leaves or twigs are forms of outside debris that is a common cause of outside drain clog.
- Another common cause of outside drain freezing is fluctuating temperatures that impact standing water.
- Due to freezing temperatures, many localities use salt to melt ice, and this is another common cause of drain blockage.
Conclusion
Outdoor drain education is crucial to prevent and manage drain clogging. It helps you protect the environment from flooding caused by excessive stormwater runoff and debris buildup. Moreover, by understanding the functionality of drains and the reasons why there should never be standing water in them, people can work towards preserving natural resources for the future!
For any plumbing-related queries or questions on outside drain blockages, you can contact an expert in the matter, such as professionals at Doyle Plumbing. They are highly experienced and skilled and have the tools and techniques to resolve all your outside and inside plumbing issues immediately. So next time you face a blocked drain in Brighton, contact Doyle Plumbing and get your outside drain checked and repaired as soon as possible!