Outdoor drains bear the brunt of the elements, often becoming blocked by an accumulation of leaves, debris, and excessive mud. Tree roots may infiltrate and interfere with drain pipes, compounding the issue. Even clogged sewer lines can impede the proper functioning of outdoor drainage systems. Facing a clogged outdoor drain presents a considerable inconvenience; however, by following a clear set of steps, you can restore unimpeded flow, ensuring that water is directed away from your property effectively. This guide walks you through the necessary actions to tackle the blockage, helping you swiftly reclaim the efficiency of your outdoor drains.

In this guide:

What is the Easiest Way to Unblock an Outside Drain?

Standing water got you down? A blocked outside drain is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to be a headache. This guide gives you the fastest, easiest ways to get your drain flowing freely again using simple household items you probably already have. Clear that clog in minutes!

  • Boiling Water: Melt away grease and loosen debris with the simplest method (see Step 2 below).
  • Plunger Power: A good old plunger can work wonders on outdoor drains too (see Step 3 below).
  • Baking Soda & Vinegar: A natural approach – we’ll tell you what works and what doesn’t (see Step 4 below).

Which Drain Type Do You Have?

While most unclogging methods work across various drain types, understanding your specific drain can help you choose the most effective approach.

  • Stormwater Drain: These drains collect rainwater runoff from your roof and property. They’re usually covered with a grate and lead to the street or a soakwell.
  • Main Outside Drain: This is the primary drain for wastewater from your house, including sinks, toilets, and showers. It’s usually larger than other outdoor drains and connects to the main sewer line.

Important Note: The methods below generally apply to all these drain types. However, contacting a qualified plumber is crucial if you have a blockage in your main outside drain and suspect it’s connected to a sewer line issue. Main drain blockages can lead to severe problems like sewage backups.

Tools Needed

Before freeing an outdoor drain from stubborn blockages, assembling the necessary tools and materials ensures readiness for any complication. Acknowledge that a blocked drain can be confronted with various tools, ranging from the rudimentary to the more sophisticated.

Essential Tools for Starting

  • Drain rods are foundational tools specifically designed to dislodge and remove obstructions through direct physical contact. These flexible rods can navigate the twists and turns of piping, exerting the force needed to push through whatever is causing the blockage.
  • A plumbing snake, also known as a drain auger, becomes indispensable for more persistent clogs. This tool can reach further into the drain than traditional rods and is adept at breaking up especially resistant clogs located at a distance from the opening.
  • As you prepare to tackle the task, remember that safety takes precedence. Therefore, equip yourself with protective gloves and eyewear. These items defend against the task’s unpredictability, from splashback of hazardous substances to unforeseen debris.

Supplementary Items for Effectiveness

  • A bucket serves a dual purpose: it is a container for dislodged waste and aids in flushing the drain after removing the clog.
  • The garden hose supports this effort, delivering a high-pressure blast of water to rinse through pipes, clearing residual debris and ensuring a thorough cleansing.
  • Natural cleaning solutions paired with hot water are eco-friendly ways to dissolve clogs and sanitise pipes. This combination promotes the breakdown of organic matter and can improve the flow without the harshness of chemical cleaners.

How Do You Clear a Clogged Outside Drain Pipe?

This guide combines the previous methods into one cohesive, step-by-step process, starting with the simplest solutions and progressing to more advanced techniques.

Step 1: Safety First & Initial Assessment

  • Put on rubber gloves. This protects your hands from bacteria and debris.
  • Inspect the drain opening. Remove any visible leaves, twigs, or other debris by hand.

Step 2: The Boiling Water Method

  • Boil a kettle of water.
  • Carefully pour the boiling water down the drain.
  • Wait a few minutes and check for improved drainage.

Step 3: The Plunger Method (If boiling water doesn’t work)

  • Ensure there’s enough water in the drain to cover the cup of a cup plunger.
  • Place the plunger over the drain opening, creating a tight seal.
  • Plunge vigorously up and down for several minutes.
  • Remove the plunger and check the drainage.

Step 4: The Baking Soda & Vinegar Method (If plunging doesn’t work)

  • Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain.
  • Follow with 1 cup of vinegar. Cover the drain opening with a plug or cloth.
  • Let the mixture fizz for at least 30 minutes.
  • Flush the drain with hot water.

Step 5: The Drain Snake (Advanced – If other methods fail)

  • Locate the drain’s access point (may involve removing a cover or P-trap).
  • Insert a drain snake into the opening and rotate to extend it into the pipe.
  • Continue rotating and pushing until you feel resistance. Rotate to break up the clog or retrieve it.
  • Flush the drain with hot water.
  • Clean the drain snake thoroughly after use.

Step 6: Call a Professional (If the blockage persists)

If none of these methods work, it’s time to call a qualified plumber who specialises in blocked drains. A persistent blockage may indicate a more serious issue.

What Is the Best Product to Unblock an Outside Drain?

Drano Max Gel is the best product for quickly unclogging outdoor drains. Its thick gel formula clings to clogs and dissolves them fast. To use:

  • Pour directly into the blocked drain
  • Wait 15-30 minutes
  • Flush with hot water

It works well on tough clogs caused by hair, grease, and soap buildup.

For those seeking a natural solution, Bio-Clean is an effective enzyme-based drain cleaner. It uses natural bacteria and enzymes to break down organic matter. To use:

  • Mix the powder with warm water
  • Pour down the drain
  • Let the enzymes work to digest the clog
  • It’s safe for all types of pipes and great for regular maintenance.

Who Is Responsible for Unblocking Outside Drains?

The responsibility for unblocking outside drains in Australia generally falls into two categories:

Property Owner Responsibility

Property owners are typically responsible for drains and pipes within their property boundaries, up to the connection point with the main sewer or water system. This includes:

  • All pipes and fittings inside the property up to the connection point with the water retailer’s pipes
  • The boundary trap (BT) and inspection shaft (IS)
  • Private pipes that service the premises, even if they’re not within the property boundaries

Water Retailer/Council Responsibility

Sydney Water, or the local council, is generally responsible for drains and pipes outside of the property boundaries. This includes:

  • The main sewer lines and community drainage systems
  • Pipes and fittings beyond the connection point (usually near the property boundary)
  • Issues occurring less than a meter inside the property boundary (in some cases)

Key Points to Consider

  • The connection point, often known as a ’27A’, is usually near the property boundary.
  • For combined sewerage drains serving multiple properties, maintenance responsibility (and expenses) are shared among all affected property owners.
  • If you’re unsure about the location of a blockage, it’s best to call a licensed plumber to assess the situation.

In some cases, if the blockage is in the water retailer’s pipes, they may fix the problem at no cost and even reimburse you for the plumber’s cost.

For Tenants

If you’re renting, the landlord is generally responsible for fixing blocked drains, unless the tenant’s actions caused the problem. In emergencies, tenants may need to arrange repairs and seek reimbursement from the landlord, subject to certain conditions.