If you want to tackle the blockage yourself, you can use a drain rod or plumber’s auger – also known as a plumber’s snake. If the cause of the blockage is debris and leaves, simply put some protective gloves on and remove the debris manually.

Who is responsible for outside drain blockage?

Usually, the landlord will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of the structure and exterior of the property, including drains and drain pipes. Minor blockages inside the property – such as a clogged sink – can usually be resolved simply by the tenant.

Who is responsible for surface water?





So, who is responsible for surface water? It’s a tricky one. Water and sewerage companies (WaSCs), local authorities (LAs) and the Environment Agency (EA) all have parts to play, and their responsibilities often overlap.

How do you unblock a concrete drain?

Ways to clear concrete from drains

  1. Flush. If the cement has accidentally (and recently) been put into a drain flushing it with plenty of water may be a simple but effective fix. …
  2. CCTV inspection and high-pressure jet blasting. …
  3. Mechanical tools. …
  4. Biodegradable, cement-softening products. …
  5. Acid.

How do I unblock the outside drains in my house?

You can start by using the same methods you’d try for clearing an inside drain blockage.

  1. Pour boiling water down the drain.
  2. Add a cup of bicarbonate of soda.
  3. Now add a cup of vinegar and watch it start to fizz and froth.
  4. Replace the drain cover loosely and let it work its magic for a few hours.




How do I know if my outside drain is blocked?

Signs associated with a blocked drain can include:

  1. Unpleasant odours coming from drain. Blocked drains tend to emit foul/ unpleasant odours. …
  2. Slow drainage. If there is a blockage present in the pipe, any water will drain slowly. …
  3. Raised water levels. …
  4. Gurgling sounds.

Who owns surface water drains?

Sewers and lateral drains connected to the public network used to be the responsibility of the property owner. However, most are now maintained by local water companies. If you have any problems with your sewer or lateral drain, for example if it’s blocked, contact your local water company.

Where does my surface water drain to?



Surface water drainage ensures that any rainwater which runs off your property’s roof or paved areas are drained away, to prevent flooding. Surface water is collected in drains and gullies to flow either into the public sewer system or a soakaway.

Should I be paying surface water drainage?

You should only be charged for surface water drainage for areas which, directly or indirectly, drain into public sewers.

Should there be standing water in outside drain?

When looking in the drain, there should be flowing water and no visible signs of blockage. A blockage can be identified if the water in the drain is blocked and not flowing. Outside drains are often blocked up with leaves and other types of debris and dirt.

Why is my outside drain overflowing?



If you see that an outside drain is overflowing, this usually means that there is a blockage somewhere between the interior plumbing and the outside drain, or, an external blockage from outside debris. If an outside drain is actively overflowing, this is a problem that immediately needs to be addressed.

How do you unblock an outside drain of mud?

Key steps

  1. Remove the grate cover.
  2. If you can reach the blockage, put on waterproof clothing and remove what you can.
  3. Break up the remainder with a drain rod.
  4. Blast a hose down the drain.
  5. Regularly clear away surface-level blockages to prevent more severe problems.

Can a blocked drain clear itself?

In some cases, drains can unblock themselves depending on the nature of the blockage. For example, if your drain has become blocked due to tree root ingress, it will not be able to unblock itself (and require an engineer to conduct a CCTV drain survey to assess the problem and identify a solution).

How much does it cost to fix a blocked drain?



Nationwide, the average cost to clean a clogged drain is $130-$180. This covers both the cost to find the clog and clear the drain. Most plumbing companies will charge a flat rate of $50 – $150 to come out, which also covers the first hour of work.

How do you diagnose a clogged drain?

Signs of a clogged drain:

  1. If you see or hear your toilet bubbling.
  2. Water backs up to your sink, bathtub, shower, or commode.
  3. Water is coming out from beneath your commode.
  4. Water is slow to drain from your sink, bathtub, shower, or commode.
  5. Bad odor coming from drains.

Why does my drain keep backing up?

A common reason for a sewer backup are clogs in the drain pipes or main sewer lines beneath the ground. The source of the blockage may be grease, hair, or other solid materials. Clogs can also happen if the sump pump in your basement fails.

How do I know if my water pipe is clogged?

4 Signs of a Clogged Pipe

  1. Signs of a Clogged Pipe:
  2. 1, Changes in Water Pressure and Water Flow. When the water pressure and, thus, water flow start to change quickly, it is a sure sign that something is wrong in your home’s drainage system. …
  3. 2, Water Backs Up in Odd Places. …
  4. A Weird Smell Occurs. …
  5. It Takes Too Long to Drain.


Why is my water backing up?

When water backs up out of a floor drain, it usually means there is a clog in the drain line, not the floor drain itself. When there is a clog in the main building drain — with water running down the drain from an upper fixture — water will back up in the drain line until it finds somewhere else to come out.