​How to Unclog an Outdoor Drain Like a Pro!?

Drain clogs happen to everyone at some point or another. And while they aren’t fun, they don’t have to be a big deal either. The good news is that drain clogs can often be fixed without having to call a plumber.

​A common problem that affects homes across the country, drain clogs occur when hair, grease, soap scum, or other debris gets stuck inside pipes. In addition to being unsightly, these blockages also pose serious health risks.

Here’s how to unclog drains like a pro.

How to Unblock an Outside Drain?

First things first: If you are dealing with a clogged outdoor drain, it’s important to remember that this isn’t something you should try and fix yourself.

While you may think you can handle it on your own, there’s no guarantee that you won’t end up making matters worse. To avoid causing more damage than necessary, contact a professional plumber as soon as possible.

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If you do decide to tackle the job yourself, make sure you follow these steps:

Scoop the Clog out with Your Hand

The best way to get rid of a clog in a sink or toilet is by scooping it out using your hand. This method will allow you to see what exactly is blocking the pipe, which will help you determine whether you need to use a plunger or not.

You’ll want to start by turning off all water supply valves so that you don’t accidentally flush any remaining debris down the drain. Then, remove the stopper from the drain (if one exists) and place it somewhere safe. Next, pour about 1/4 cup of baking soda into the drain.

Break Down the Clog with a Drain Rod

Once the baking soda has been poured into the drain, insert a metal rod into the drainpipe. You’ll want to make sure that the rod is long enough to reach the bottom of the drain. Once it reaches the bottom, begin twisting the rod back and forth until you feel resistance.

This will break down the clog and dislodge whatever is stuck inside the pipe. Be careful not to twist too hard, though, because you could cause further damage. After you’ve broken down the clog, simply replace the stopper and turn the water back on.

Use a Drain Bladder to Dislodge the Clog

Another option for removing a clog is to use a drain bladder. These devices work much like a large balloon; they expand when filled with air, thereby pushing debris out of the drain.

To use a drain bladder, fill it with air and then attach it to the drainpipe. Begin pulling up on the drain bladder, slowly working your way up towards the top of the drainpipe. When you hit resistance, stop pulling and wait a few seconds before continuing. This will give the drain bladder time to expand and push out whatever is stuck inside the drain.

This method works well if you’re dealing with a small clog, but it might take several tries to successfully dislodge larger pieces. For example, if you’re trying to dislodge a piece of food that’s stuck inside a kitchen sink, you might have to repeat the process multiple times.

Snake the Drain

Finally, if none of the above methods work, you can always resort to snaking the drain. While this sounds intimidating, it’s actually quite simple. All you need to do is purchase a snake-like tool called a “snake auger” at your local hardware store.

After purchasing the snake auger, carefully thread the device through the drainpipe. The snake auger will automatically detect and pull out any obstructions along its path. However, be aware that this method isn’t recommended for drains located near sinks or toilets. If you choose to try this method, make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves to protect against splashing water.

Use a Hydro Jetting Unit

If you still aren’t able to unclog your outdoor plumbing system after following these steps, there are other options available. One such product is a hydro jetting unit. These units work by shooting pressurized water into the pipes to loosen up any blockages.

While using a hydro jetting unit may seem expensive, it’s worth considering if you’ve tried everything else and nothing seems to be working. To learn more about how to unclog an outdoor drainage system, contact our team today!

Outside Drain Clogged with Toilet Paper?

Clogs in your outside toilet can be just as frustrating as those found inside your home. Luckily, there are some easy ways to get rid of them. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Remove the Toilet Seat Cover

The first step in getting rid of a clog in your toilet is to remove the seat cover. Once you’ve removed the seat cover, you’ll notice two bolts holding the cover in place. Use a wrench or pliers to remove each bolt. Then lift the cover off the tank.

2. Clean the Tank

Next, clean the tank itself. Scrub the sides and bottom of the tank with a toothbrush and warm soapy water. Make sure to scrub all around the rim of the tank, too. Be careful not to scratch the porcelain surface.

3. Check Your Water Level

Next, check the level of your water. You should see approximately 1 inch of water sitting in the bowl. If the water level is lower than that, add more water until it reaches that level.

4. Add Flushable Deodorizer

To prevent odor from building up, flush the toilet every day with a solution containing baking soda and vinegar. Simply pour one cup of baking soda and one cup of white vinegar into the toilet tank. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes before flushing.

5. Replace the Toilet Seat Cover & Bolts

Once you’re done cleaning your toilet, replace the seat cover and tighten the bolts back down. Don’t forget to turn off the power supply to the toilet before reattaching the bolts.

6. Reinstall the Toilet Seat Cover (Optional)

Once you’ve finished cleaning your toilet, you can reinstall the toilet seat cover. Just remember to leave the bolts loose again until you’re ready to use the toilet.

How to Prevent Outdoor Drains from Clogging

You don’t have to live with clogged drains. In fact, you can do several things to keep your drains clear and free of debris. Here are some tips on how to prevent your drains from becoming clogged.

1. Keep Plumbing Parts Clean

Keeping your plumbing parts clean helps prevent clogs. This includes keeping your faucets clean and running smoothly. When you run your dishwasher, let the dishes soak in hot, sudsy water. This way, you won’t have to worry about washing out your sink or tub when you finish rinsing the dishes.

2. Avoid Using Too Much Soap

Another thing you can do to avoid clogs is to make sure you’re only using enough soap to thoroughly wash your hands. The amount of soap you use will depend on which type of soap you prefer. For example, liquid hand soap has less lather than bar soap.

3. Keep Kitchen Sinks Clean

If you like to cook, you probably already know that kitchen sinks tend to become dirty quickly. But if you want to keep your drain pipes free of hair and other debris, try these simple tips. First, rinse your sink after cooking. Next, wipe down the countertop where you washed your dishes. Finally, empty any leftover food scraps and grease into the trash bin.

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Conclusion

Now that you know how to unclog a toilet, you can take advantage of this handy tool whenever you need to get rid of a clog. Remember, however, that there’s no substitute for regular maintenance. So, be sure to schedule routine visits to your local plumber as soon as possible.