There’s nothing like the smell of a blocked drain to ruin a morning.
Overflowing gullies, standing water, or foul smells near the back door — we’ve seen it all across Devon, from Exeter city centre to the most remote villages.

If you’ve got a blocked drain outside, here’s what you can try yourself safely before giving us a call — and how to know when it’s time for professional help.

Signs You’re Dealing with an External Blockage

• Water backing up from external drains or manholes

• Slow drainage in multiple rooms (e.g. sink and bath)

• Gullies or drains overflowing during normal use

• Persistent smell of sewage outside, even when it’s not raining

• Water pooling in garden areas near drain covers or pipes

What You Can Do Yourself (Without Making It Worse)

1. Check the Gully or External Drain Cover

Lift the grid and see if there’s visible debris — leaves, mud, food waste or grease buildup can often be cleared with gloves and a bucket.

2. Use a Drain Rod if You Have Access

You can buy or hire drain rods, but only use them if you know how.

• Always rotate clockwise

• Never force them

• Don’t use with chemicals — it’s dangerous

If you hit a solid blockage, don’t keep pushing — you could compact the problem or damage the pipe.

3. Flush Through With Hot Water

Sometimes, a kettle or two of hot water (with a splash of washing-up liquid) can help move along grease-based blockages.

4. Avoid Drain Cleaners

They often don’t work on outside blockages — and can make jetting or CCTV inspection more dangerous later. Plus, they’re harmful to the environment and your pipework.

When It’s Time to Call EPM

If you’ve:

• Tried basic clearing with no luck

• Have multiple blocked drains at once

• Can’t access the blockage point

• Have had the same issue more than once

• Suspect roots, collapsed pipework or hidden breaks

That’s where we come in.

We offer:

• Fast-response drain jetting across Exeter and Devon

• CCTV surveys to find recurring problems

• Honest advice and no-mess clean-up

• Transparent estimates, no upselling

What It Costs

For most domestic outdoor blockages:

• Drain jetting (residential): £150–£300

• CCTV drain survey (if needed): £150–£250

We’ll assess the situation, explain the best option, and provide a clear estimate before any work starts.

Final Word from EPM

If your outdoor drain is blocked and you’ve tried the basics — don’t let it drag on.
We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Devon clear outdoor drainage fast and cleanly — usually the same day.