External drain unblocking covers all drainage outside your property. That includes gullies, manholes, inspection chambers and the underground pipes that carry waste water and rain water to the public sewer. These drains collect leaves, soil, moss, grit and tree roots over time. Because the pipes are underground and out of sight, problems often go unnoticed until water pools in the garden, overflows from a manhole or backs up into the house. We bring high-pressure jetting equipment that can clear even packed blockages. We also carry drain rods for easy obstructions and CCTV cameras to find hidden faults. We clear the blockage, flush the whole pipe run and check the drain for damage that could cause trouble later. External drain work usually takes one to two hours, depending on the pipe length, access and the type of blockage.
We find all external access points, including manholes, inspection chambers and gullies. Then we open them to check water levels and flow direction, because these show us where the blockage sits. This saves time and keeps the work focused.
Our jetting unit feeds a high-pressure hose into the blocked pipe. Because the water pressure is high, it blasts through the blockage and scours the pipe walls clean as it moves along. The water then carries the loose debris out of the pipe.
Where it suits the job, we run a camera through the cleared pipe, because this confirms the blockage has gone. It also shows any root growth, cracks or displaced joints. A camera sees what rods cannot.
We refit all covers securely and clear any mess from the surface. Then we tell you the condition of your external drains and any upkeep or repairs that could help, because early action avoids repeat blockages. Finally, we leave the area tidy.
The cost of external drain unblocking across the Reading area depends on the length of pipe affected and the type of blockage. Tree roots or packed debris may need longer jetting, because they take more time to clear. We confirm all pricing before we start and there is no call-out fee. Request a fixed-price quote online to get started.
You are generally responsible for private drains inside your property boundary, while Thames Water looks after shared sewers and public drains beyond it in the Reading area. If the blockage is in a shared or public sewer, we can tell you how to report it to the water company.
Tree roots are one of the most common causes of external drain blockages in Reading. Because roots seek out moisture, they push into pipe joints and cracks and then grow inside the pipe until it blocks. Regular CCTV checks spot roots early, before they cause a full blockage.
For most homes, one external drain inspection and clean each year is enough. However, homes with large trees near the drains, or with earlier blockages, may need a visit every six to twelve months.
These guides explain the basics, because knowing the cause helps you pick the right fix.