How To Unblock a Drain Filled With Soil

If you’re searching for how to unblock a drain filled with soil, you’re likely dealing with standing water, slow drainage, or even flooding around your property. Soil blockages are common in outdoor drains, especially after heavy rain or garden work but they can quickly turn into a bigger issue if left untreated.

In this guide, we’ll explain why drains get filled with soil, how to fix it step by step, and when it’s time to call in a professional.

Why Would a Drain Be Filled With Soil?

Unlike grease or household waste blockages, soil usually enters drains from outside. Here are the most common causes:

  • Heavy Rainfall
    During storms, loose soil, mud, and debris get washed into external drains. If the drain cover isn’t properly protected, soil can build up quickly.
  • Garden Landscaping or Building Work
    Recent digging, patio installation, or turf work can cause soil to shift into nearby drainage systems.
  • Damaged or Collapsed Pipes
    If underground pipework is cracked, soil can enter the drain from the surrounding ground. This is more serious and often requires professional repair.
  • Blocked Gullies
    When a drain is already partially blocked, soil can settle and compact inside, making the blockage worse over time.

Understanding the cause helps determine whether this is a simple clean-out job or something more structural.

Step-by-Step

How to Unblock a Drain Filled With Soil

If the blockage appears accessible and not too deep, you may be able to clear it yourself.

Step 1: Put Safety First

Drain water can contain bacteria and harmful waste. Before you begin:

  • Wear thick rubber gloves

  • Put on old clothes

  • Use eye protection if possible

  • Keep children and pets away

If the water level is very high or contaminated, consider professional help immediately.

Step 2: Remove the Drain Cover

Carefully lift the drain cover using a screwdriver or drain key.
Inspect the chamber:

  • Is it completely filled with muddy water?

  • Can you see compacted soil at the bottom?

  • Is water draining slowly or not at all?

If you can see visible soil build-up, that’s a good sign it means the blockage may be reachable.

Step 3: Scoop Out the Soil Manually

If the soil is near the surface:

  • Use a small shovel, scoop, or even a sturdy cup

  • Remove as much mud and soil as possible

  • Dispose of waste in a bin (never back into another drain)

This step alone can sometimes restore proper flow, especially after storms.

Step 4: Use Drain Rods to Break Up Compacted Soil

If the soil has compacted deeper into the pipe:

  • Insert drain rods into the pipe opening

  • Rotate clockwise while pushing gently

  • Break up the compacted mud

  • Pull debris back toward the chamber where possible

Soil can become very dense, so patience is important. Avoid forcing the rods too aggressively, as this could damage older pipework.

Step 5: Flush With Water

Once you’ve removed and loosened as much soil as possible:

  • Use a hose to flush the system

  • Or pour buckets of water down the drain

The goal is to wash away remaining loose debris and confirm that water flows freely.

If water drains quickly without backing up, you’ve likely cleared the blockage.

What If the Drain Keeps Filling With Soil?

If you clear the drain but it keeps clogging with soil, this could indicate:

  • A cracked or collapsed underground pipe

  • Tree root intrusion

  • Poor drainage design

  • Ground movement around the pipework

In these cases, DIY fixes will only provide temporary relief.

Persistent soil blockages often require CCTV drain inspections to identify the exact entry point of the soil. Professionals can then repair or replace damaged sections properly.

Is It Safe to Use Chemicals?

Chemical drain cleaners are generally not effective for soil blockages. They’re designed to break down grease and organic waste not compacted mud.

Using chemicals in this situation can:

  • Be ineffective

  • Damage pipework

  • Create environmental harm

Mechanical removal and proper flushing are far more effective.

When to Call a Professional

While learning how to unblock a drain filled with soil can save you time and money, there are situations where expert help is the smarter option.

Call a professional if:

  • The drain repeatedly fills with soil

  • Multiple drains are backing up

  • Water is entering your home

  • You suspect pipe damage

  • You cannot reach the blockage

Drainage specialists use high-pressure water jetting and specialist vacuum equipment to fully clear soil blockages. If structural damage is found, they can repair it before it leads to major property issues.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a soil blockage can be messy, but in many cases it’s manageable with the right tools and patience. Knowing how to unblock a drain filled with soil gives you a practical starting point especially after storms or garden work.

However, if the problem keeps returning or seems deeper than surface-level mud, it’s best not to ignore it. Soil entering your drainage system could signal underlying pipe damage that needs professional attention.

Need Expert Help With a Soil-Blocked Drain?

If you’re struggling to fully clear your drain or the soil keeps coming back professional drainage engineers can quickly diagnose the root cause and fix it properly.

Don’t wait for flooding or structural damage to occur.
Contact us today for fast, reliable drain unblocking and protect your property from bigger, more expensive issues.

Call a drain unblocker now!