How to Clear a Drain Blocked With Mud

Some homes have outside drains that can become clogged with various debris, such as leaves and mud. 

This is common after heavy rain or storms when mud and dirt rush into the drain and are forced downwards where it causes a blockage. 

Not all homes have outside drains, but those that do may be required to maintain them by law, even if multiple properties share them. In any case, a blocked drain might cause foul smells and flooding, which are far from desirable anyway.

So, how do you clear a drain blocked with mud?

How to clear an outside drain blocked with mud or soil?

Outside drains are often blocked by debris, mud, leaves and other hard substances that solidify once they dry. A clogged outside drain will flood and overflow, often creating a foul smell in the process. 

It’s common for outside drains to become blocked after heavy rain or storms, which wash moss, leaves, mud and other debris into the drain. Gutters might also become flooded, dislodging moss which is rushed into the drain. 

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Here’s how to clear an outside drain blocked with mud or soil:

Clearing the blockage manually

Here are a few basic steps to try first:

1. If the drain is only blocked with mud or soil, you may be able to clear it using a standard garden hose. Alternatively, pour boiling water from a kettle down the drain and follow that up with the hose. 
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2. Direct the hose towards the drain and turn the tap on to full power. Use a garden hose attachment to create a jet of water if possible. The force of the water should help to dislodge any mud or soil that is blocking the drain.
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3. If the hose method does not work, you can use a plunger. Some plungers are designed for outside drains. 
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4. Place the plunger over the drain and ensure a good seal.
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5. Pump the plunger up and down vigorously for a few minutes. The suction action may help to dislodge the blockage.
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6. Overall, you’re probably best off using a drain rod unless the drain is small and the blockage is evidently close to the top. 
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7. You can also dry boiling water from a kettle combined with pressurised water from the hose. 
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8. Pouring bicarbonate soda and vinegar down the drain will help loosen the blockage. 
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9. You can buy drain cleaners which will help soften mud and other debris. 
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10. Keep testing the drain by flushing water down it to see if it clears. 

Drain rodding

Drain rods are long metal rods that you feed down the drain to dislodge the blockage. Some have screw ends that you ‘drill’ into the blockage. They’re strong and long enough for large outside drains. 

Here’s how to use a drain rod:

1. Screw the drain rods together to the length required. Then, feed the drain rod into the drain while screwing extra rods onto the end as needed. 
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2. Once you feel resistance from the blockage, start forcibly moving the rod to unblock the drain. 
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3. You can drill the rod into the blockage. 
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4. Drain rodding requires trial and error. Feel the blockage and manoeuvre the rod as required. 
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5. Test the drain by flushing water down it. 

You can combine drain rods with bicarbonate soda and drain cleaner to soften the mud. If your outside drain becomes blocked frequently, it might be worth investing in a drain rod. 

Plumbers snake

Plumber snakes are flexible rods or wires you feed into the drain. You then drill into the blockage and dislodge it gradually, similar to a drain rod. They’re generally used for internal drains and plugholes, but you can find stronger ones for outside drains. 

To use a plumber snake:

1. Lower the snake into the drain 
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2. Feel the blockage and begin turning the crank to drill into the blockage
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3. The blockage should disintegrate. You can pour water down at the same time. 
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4. Drain rods might be better for outside drains. 

Pressure washer

You can use a pressure washer to clear outside drains. The high-pressure jet should dislodge material, but be careful of simply compressing it further. 

Moreover, some pressure washers are compatible with specialised drain cleaning attachments. 

Simply point the washer down the drain and shoot. If your pressure washer is extremely powerful, you might risk cracking pipework - so be careful. If you can moderate the pressure, start low and work gradually. 

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How to prevent your drain from being blocked again?

You have less control over the outside drain, but there are still many things you can do to prevent it from blocking. 

Firstly, avoid pouring grease, fat or oil down the drain, as these can solidify and block the pipe and/or drain. This will help if your outdoor drain drains water from the sink. 

Often, though, it's material and debris from outside that block the outside drain. 

1: Check the grill 

Outside drains typically have grills that protect them from debris, mud, leaves, etc. Check the grill to see if it’s in good condition - it might’ve become broken, warped, or even dislodged in heavy rain. 

Replace or upgrade the grill if necessary 

2: Clear debris and moss

Leaves, debris, moss and other dirt can clog outside drains, especially when they become dislodged in heavy rain. Keep the surrounding area clean. If the drain drains gutters, then get your gutters cleaned. 

3: Check the drain regularly 

If your drain suffers from regular blockages, check it regularly and clear it of debris. This should prevent larger blockages. Also, ensure no moss builds up around the drain, as this will be readily rushed into the drain in heavy rain.

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Still having issues with your blocked drain?

Drain blockages can be extremely stubborn. Sometimes, standard drain rods, plumber snakes, and over-the-counter remedies simply don’t work. The blockage might be further down the pipe or heavily impacted and compressed. 

Professional drain cleaning services use industrial tools to clear drains and are adept at cleaning outside drains. Professional drain rods and industrial drain cleaners combine to take care of practically any blockage. 

Contact us if you are struggling with your drains.