Clearing a blocked outside drain

First check the gully drain — the grid at ground level near a downpipe or path. Lift the grid and scoop out any leaves and silt by hand (wear rubber gloves). Flush with a hosepipe.

Lift the nearest manhole cover. If it's full of water, the blockage is further downstream. If empty, the blockage is between this point and the previous chamber.

If the gully is clear but the drain is still blocked, call a drainage company — they have the specialist rods and jetting equipment. If it's on a shared sewer, call your water company (e.g. Thames Water) — it's their responsibility and they'll fix it free.