There are many reasons why you might have an external clogged drain in your household. Such reasons may include a heavy build-up of hair, grease and other foreign objects that may have been dropped accidentally down the drain. Most times, outdoor drains can get clogged with leaves or mud. Sometimes, it doesn’t look like so much trouble until the drain no longer allows water to pass through anymore.
However, understanding the exact reasons behind external clogged drains can give you insights to prevent and stop them. So, if your drain is slow or completely stuffed, the following recommended tips can guide you to clean it yourself without calling a plumber.
- External Clogged Drains due to Foreign Objects
So many foreign objects dropped down the drain intentionally or unintentionally are likely to cause it to block eventually. Such objects may include soap, children’s toys, food build-up, electronic waste, toiletries and other junk.
To prevent external clogged drains due to foreign objects, always keep watch of children when they play. From toys to soap and food, kids may flush just anything down the toilet. Also, dispose of food scraps, toiletries and waste properly, rather than just trying to flush them down the drain.
- External Clogged Drains from Hair
One of the most common causes of external clogged drains is a heavy build-up of hair. Most times, hair falls off the body in the shower or while getting ready over the bathroom sink and this eventually accumulates and blocks drains.
To prevent drains clogging due to hair build-up, it’s important to pull out the hair at the entry of the drain pipes with gloved hands. You can also use drain spiders to help remove the hair from the drain. However, you need to be cautious as cheap hair removal chemicals and some devices can worsen the situation.
- External Clogged Drains from Plants and Debris
External drains are also susceptible to blockages due to natural debris like trees, leaves, shrubs, and mud especially after autumn and spring. Sometimes, tree roots growing underneath the soil in search of water can also find their way to your drains and cause a blockage.
To prevent plants and other kinds of dirt from blocking the drains, keep the surrounding clear of fallen leaves and debris. Also, it’s advisable to stay away from clogging trees such as oak, willow, magnolia, and palm trees. In addition, ensure your trees are well-watered so they won’t be drawn to the drains in search of water.
- External Clogged Drains from Grease Build-up
Another common cause of clogged drains is grease or fatty substance washed down the sink. These substances eventually build up, harden and stick to the interior of the pipes until no liquid can pass through. To prevent this, avoid washing these fatty substances down the drain as much as possible.