How do you unclog an outdoor patio drain?

Author: Devan Mayert  |  Last update: Saturday, July 19, 2025

Boiling Water Boil at least a quart of water and slowly pour it down the drain in smooth spurts. You need to give the water time to work its way through clogs and destroy blockages, so don't pour it all at once.

What can I put down an outside drain to unblock it?

Unblocking Drains with Soda Crystals

If your drain isn't completely blocked and is still slowly draining, you can consider using soda crystals or caustic soda to clear your blockages.

What is the best drain unblocker for outside drains?

Another method you can use to unblock an outside drain is using sodium hydroxide (caustic soda). Drop some of it in your drain along with some water. This will cause the debris causing the blockage to rise to the surface where you can fish it out.

What dissolves concrete in a drain?

Use Croc Crete to Remove Hardened Cement

This is the best method of removing hardened concrete from a drainage system. Croc Crete is a cement softener that attacks concrete at its core. It transforms cement back to its liquid form, allowing you to work it through the drain.

How do you clear outside drains with roots?

You can use cutters, nozzles, cable machines and jetters for severe blockages. Snaking the line with a root cutter is one of the most common ways to remove roots. But be sure the heads and bits used on the ends are specifically designed for cutting out roots.

How to unclog underground drains / french drains - Water-jetting

How do you remove a blocked outside drain?

Boil a kettle full of water and, wearing long sleeve gloves, goggles and a mask, pour it down the outside drain being careful not to cause any to splash back onto your skin. If hot water doesn't work, you can try using caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide.

How do you unclog outdoor drainage?

Ways to Unclog an Outside Drain
  1. Use a Bent Wire Hanger. If you don't have the time or money for a drain snake or auger, you can instead try a bent wire coat hanger. ...
  2. Boiling Water. Boiling water is another simple and effective drain-cleaning hack. ...
  3. Vinegar and Baking Soda. ...
  4. Caustic Soda.

How to remove cement blockage from pipe outside?

Pour hydrochloric acid (sometimes also known as muriatic acid) into the clogged drain and leaving it for between two and three hours. After this time, flush the pipe with about four gallons of water and loosen any remaining blockages with a plunger; this should be enough to clear the problem.

What will dissolve hardened concrete?

The inorganic compounds which are useful as concrete dissolvers generally include inorganic acids such as hydrochloric, phosphoric, hypochlorous and carbonic acid. Salts of these acids and alkalies such as sodium-hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate and ammoniumsulfate are also eifective.

Is there a liquid that dissolves concrete?

Remove concrete and concrete dust from tools, trucks and machinery quickly and safely with BLUE BEAR® Concrete Dissolver 770CD. Our professional-strength, concentrated formula dissolves concrete so it can be easily washed away. Easy application with a pump sprayer for trucks and machinery; use as a dip to clean tools.

What is the best chemical to unblock drains outside?

Caustic soda is one of the best chemical drain unblockers to use when unblocking a drain.

Why do outside drains get blocked?

Heavy rain can cause blockages to outdoor drains in a few different ways. Firstly, rain can flood the plumbing system, which causes overflows and flooding, which can last for days. Secondly, water forces dirt, leaves and debris into drains, causing blockages.

What do professionals use to unblock drains?

Drain snakes also called drain rooters or augers, use a long cable with a spiral-shaped head.

Why should you never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain?

The fizzing reaction and gas created may help loosen some small blockages. However, it is not typically strong enough to break down larger clogs or remove hard-to-reach debris. As a result of the above facts, if you have a serious drain clog, using baking soda and vinegar is unlikely to be effective.

Why is toilet paper coming out of the outside drain?

If you are connected to a septic tank, and you have a blockage in the drain between the house and your septic tank, your toilet paper will overflow through one of your external gully traps.

What is the best homemade concrete dissolver?

Fill a spray bottle using half of the pure white vinegar and top it off with lukewarm water. Shake the contents of your spray bottle for at least 5 minutes in order to thoroughly mix the water and vinegar. Vinegar's acidity helps in dissolving your cement stains, which makes it easier to remove.

How do you remove heavy calcium deposits from concrete?

Acidic solutions, such as hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid-based cleaners, can effectively dissolve and remove calcium deposits.

What breaks down dried concrete?

Easily remove concrete from your tools and equipment with Mean Klean 22 oz. Concrete & Mortar Dissolver. The advanced liquid formula dissolves and physically breaks down concrete by attacking the Portland cement, eventually reducing it to mush that is easy to clean off with a hose or pressure sprayer.

How to unclog an outdoor drain?

Nonetheless, these tips should help you get your drainage system moving again, even if you need to call in help to clear it properly.
  1. Clear All Debris Covering Drain Grates. ...
  2. Remove Grates to Check for Large Blockages. ...
  3. Flush the System. ...
  4. Check Inspection Portals. ...
  5. Clear the System with a Drain Snake.

What dissolves plumbers cement?

The primary way to dissolve plumbing glue or cement is by using solvents. Acetone, commonly found in nail polish removers, can be quite effective.

How do you unblock a down pipe outside?

If you already have a minor blockage, though, let's take a look at how to clear a blocked downpipe with nothing more than normal household items:
  1. Check for single objects. ...
  2. Get out the garden hose. ...
  3. Do a bit of banging. ...
  4. Move the hose up and down. ...
  5. Try a drain rod. ...
  6. Try a gutter vac. ...
  7. Try some chemicals. ...
  8. Remove/replace the downpipe.

What to do if your outside drain is blocked?

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.

What product is used to clear outside drains?

  • Jeyes Drain Unblocker, Powerful Outdoor Cleaning Fluid, Cleans and Deodorises, 1 Litre. ...
  • Spear Jackson Heavy Duty Sink and Drain Unblocker Gel - Powerful Formula- Indoor and Outdoor, 5 l (Pack of 1) ...
  • 2 x 500ml Outdoor Drain Cleaner Unblocker Fast Acting - Unblocks & Deodorises.

How do you fix outdoor drainage?

There are several methods to correct water pooling on your lawn:
  1. Add topsoil to level out the low areas.
  2. Add sand and compost to your soil to aid in draining.
  3. Install a trench drain to channel standing water away.

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