How to Clear a Blocked Kitchen Drain Outside

An outdoor kitchen drain is crucial to your home's plumbing system. It helps to flush wastewater from your kitchen sink and other appliances on the ground floor to the lateral drains in the road. If your outdoor kitchen drain becomes blocked, it can cause significant issues, including slow draining, water pooling, and unpleasant odours. Understanding how to clear a clogged kitchen drain outside is essential to maintaining your home's plumbing health.

What You Need

You will need the tools and products to clear a blocked kitchen drain outside. Here are some essential items to consider:

Drain Rod

A drain rod is a long, flexible rod typically made of metal or plastic used to clear blockages in drains.

Why It's Important: A drain rod is crucial for clearing blockages too far down the drain for a plunger or other tools to reach.

How to Use: Feed the drain rod into the drain until you feel resistance, then drill into the blockage and forcibly loosen it.

Bicarbonate Soda

Bicarbonate soda is a natural cleaning agent commonly used in household cleaning products.

Why It's Important: Bicarbonate soda can help dissolve and break down blockages in drains.

How to Use: Create a paste by mixing water with baking soda. Pour the paste down the drain and sit for a few hours before rinsing with hot water.

Caustic Soda

Caustic soda is a potent cleaning agent that dissolves and removes stubborn blockages.

Why It's Important: Caustic soda effectively breaks down and removes tough blockages.

How to Use: Mix caustic soda with water to create a solution. Pour the mixture down the drain. Leave it for about 30 minutes before rinsing with hot water.

Boiling Water

Boiling water can clear blockages without the need for complicated methods.

Why It's Important: Boiling water can melt and wash away blockages.

How to Use: Pour boiling water slowly down the drain to melt and wash away the blockage.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

This combination will end up creating a fizzing action that helps remove blockages.

Why It's Important: This combination can help dissolve and break down blockages.

How to Use: Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda in a measuring cup. Pour the mixture into your drainage and leave for a few hours before using hot water to rinse it.

Steps to Clear a Blocked Kitchen Drain Outside

1. Check if the blockage is inside or outside your property. Use a drain snake or plunger to clear the blockage if you can’t look for it. If it's outside, proceed with the steps below.

2. Lift the drain cover to inspect the drain and remove any visible debris.

3. Feed the drain rod into the drain until you feel resistance, then drill into the blockage and forcibly loosen it.

4. If the drain rod fails, Create a paste using water and baking. Pour the paste down the drain and sit for a few hours before rinsing with hot water.

5. If the blockage persists, mix caustic soda with water to create a solution. Let the mixture sit in the drain for about half an hour before you use hot water to rinse it.

6. Pour boiling water slowly down the drain to melt and wash away the blockage.

7. Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda in a measuring cup. Rinse the substance off the drain using the same procedure you used with caustic soda.

Considerations When Clearing a Blocked Kitchen Drain Outside

1. Always wear protective clothing and be cautious when working with chemicals and hot water.

2. If you live in a terraced or semi-detached house, ensure you know who is responsible for the drain.

3. If unsure who is responsible for the drain, consider collaborating with your neighbours to clear the blockage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clearing a Blocked Kitchen Drain Outside

What is the quickest way to unblock a drain?

Using a drain rod is often the quickest method to unblock different drain types.

What is the best chemical to unblock drains?

Caustic soda is a potent cleaning agent that dissolves and removes stubborn blockages.

How do you deal with a severely clogged drain?

Use a combination of methods, such as a drain rod, bicarbonate soda, and caustic soda.

What will unclog a drain naturally?

Acetic acid (vinegar) and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) can help remove blockages without using harmful chemicals.

What do plumbers recommend for unclogging drains?

Plumbers often recommend using a combination of methods and products to clear blockages effectively.

When Nothing Works, Call the Experts

If you have tried the above methods and cannot clear your blocked kitchen drain outside, it may be time to call the experts. All Needs Plumbing offers a $0 callout fee, 24/7 same-day service, a 15% seniors discount, and $150 off hot water systems. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and let our experienced plumbers help you clear your blocked drain efficiently and effectively.