Even after light rain, an outside blocked drain can suddenly become much slower to drain and hugely smelly and messy. The faster you are able to identify the signs of a blockage, the quicker it is for you to avoid any water overspills or damage, as well as having an emergency call-out.
Signs of a Blocked External Drain:
Gullies draining slowly (water sits around the drain, not going down)
Foul odours close to the drains, often much more pronounced during summertime
Slight gurgling noises from exterior pipes or neighbouring sinks/toilets
A clothes washer, dishwasher or toilet causes water to back up
Spilling onto patios, paths or driveways during rain
Water spots near the outside walls or around the drain.
If you observe an increase in water rise in the gully whenever appliances are running, that is an indication enough of where and what might be causing the issue. When you need an Emergency Plumber Cheltenham, visit https://www.hprservicesltd.com/emergency-plumber-cheltenham/
Immediate action you should take (in sequence)
Now, put on gloves before you do this. Drain water can have bacteria, and then the bacteria can spread from splashing!
Pause the water usage indoors for a little while (so you do not force more and more water down the blocked drain).
Watch for gullies that have debris in them, such as leaves, mud, moss or food waste.
Carefully lift out and remove the drain cover (you might need to use a screwdriver), then empty by hand or with a trowel any visible blockage.
If it is still going slowly, use a drain rod as opposed to a coat hanger. Clockwise rotation, gentle force so as not to break the joint.
What not to do
You should not pour boiling water into outer drains (it can break old pipework).
Avoid chemical drain cleaners containing caustic chemicals because they generally can’t clear outdoor blockages and are a risk to health, too.
Never vigorously force rods in, as you can push out pipe joints.
Call an emergency plumber if:
An overflowing drain is flooding the area
You back up into sinks/toilets
Odour of sewage or feces
Surface debris has been cleared, but the blockage will return soon.
This blockage can be found by a professional, sorted safely, and the cause of it investigated (such as collapsed pipes or root ingress).
Quick prevention tip
Sweep leaves and debris regularly (especially in autumn); Never wash grease or food waste down outdoor drains. A 2-minute inspection after storms can prevent a massive clean-up.