External drain unblocking covers all drainage outside your property — gullies, manholes, inspection chambers, and underground pipe runs that carry waste water and surface water to the public sewer. External drains are exposed to leaves, soil, moss, grit, tree roots, and other environmental debris that builds up over time. Because these pipes are underground and often out of sight, problems frequently go unnoticed until water starts pooling in the garden, overflowing from manholes, or backing up into the property. Our engineers arrive with high-pressure jetting equipment capable of clearing even the most compacted external blockages, along with drain rods for accessible obstructions and CCTV cameras for diagnosing hidden issues. We clear the blockage, flush the full pipe run, and inspect the condition of the drainage to identify any structural issues that might cause problems in future. External drain work typically takes one to two hours depending on pipe length, access, and the nature of the blockage.
We identify all external access points — manholes, inspection chambers, and gullies — and open them to assess water levels and flow direction to pinpoint the blockage location.
Our jetting unit feeds a high-pressure hose into the blocked pipe section, blasting through the obstruction and scouring the pipe walls clean as it progresses.
Where appropriate, we run a camera through the cleared pipe to verify the blockage is fully removed and check for structural issues such as root ingress, cracks, or displaced joints.
We refit all access covers securely, clear any surface debris, and advise you on the condition of your external drainage and any maintenance or repairs that may be beneficial.
External drain unblocking across the Manchester area typically costs between £90 and £180 depending on the length of pipe affected and the nature of the blockage. Tree root clearance or heavily compacted debris may require extended jetting and sit towards the higher end. We confirm all pricing before starting and there is no call-out fee.
You are generally responsible for private drains within your property boundary. Shared sewers and public drains beyond your boundary are the responsibility of United Utilities in the Manchester area. If the blockage is in a shared or public sewer, we can advise you on how to report it to the water company.
Tree roots are one of the most common causes of external drain blockages in Manchester. Roots seek out moisture and can penetrate pipe joints and cracks, growing inside the pipe until they obstruct flow. Regular CCTV inspections help detect root ingress early before it causes a complete blockage.
For most residential properties, an annual external drain inspection and clean is sufficient. Properties with large trees near drainage runs, or those that have experienced previous blockages, may benefit from more frequent maintenance every six to twelve months.